Bend Christian Fellowship would like to announce that we are giving our senior pastor, Dave & Kimi Miller a sabbatical leave this summer. Our elder’s and key leaders have agreed that this would be beneficial for both our Church and our Pastor. This is the first time in the history of Bend Christian Fellowship that this has taken place. Therefore, we would like to take the opportunity to inform and educate our congregation in this process over the next weeks and months to come.
Definition and Overview of a Pastoral Sabbatical:
A sabbatical is a period of time when pastors and their families set aside their normal responsibilities at their congregation for the purpose of renewal and sustained excellence in ministry. It is an extended time away from the routines of normal ministry and daily life. It's a breathing space in which they can recharge their batteries and experience a different kind of life. The sabbatical is to be given as a separate time away from the local assignment and not to be considered as the pastor's vacation time. It is a time of special renewal for the pastor that will bring personal nourishment to his/her soul, a deeper relationship with the Lord, and a clearer understanding of God's vision for the church. A sabbatical helps to prevent ministry burn-out and may give the pastor a fresh perspective for his/her ministry. Many benefits will be reaped by both the pastor and the local church through the pastoral sabbatical program
Why Give Our Pastor a Sabbatical?
Because scripture encourages us to take care of our Pastor, not only receiving financial compensation but having times of rest, as you can see from the following scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.
1 Timothy 5:17-18
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."
Mark 6:31
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
According to a recent Worship Leader’s Brochure:
“Leadership has never been more challenging. Trust is at an all-time low, expectations at an all-time high. All of us have to do more with less. Much less. How do you lead in times like these?”
August 1998, excerpts from James Dobson’s newsletter:
Our surveys indicated that 80 percent of pastors and 84 percent of their spouses are discouraged or are dealing with depression. More than 40 percent of pastors and 47 percent of their spouses report that they are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules and unrealistic expectations. We estimate that approximately 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month, due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations.
Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches. Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
Pastors are often in a unique position:
They are often the first responders or chief guidance councilors to individuals and families during times of trauma and crisis. These times of caring can also have their effect upon the Pastor, resulting in what is commonly called Compassion Fatigue.
What can you do to insure that this is a fruitful time for BCF and our Pastor?
The very nature of being an effective ministry and minister involves continual spiritual growth.
So you can:
Pray for God’s favor to continue on BCF & Pastor Dave and Kimi through this time.
Remain faithful in your attendance, ministry and your giving.
Consider donating towards the expense of a trip to Israel
Sign-up to volunteer in needed areas to make sure all ministries are covered.
If you would like to stay up to date and have more information, go to Pastor Dave & Kimi’s Blog @ http://pastordave-kimi.blogspot.com
