Sabbaticals
 Sabbaticals 101
FAQ
Process
Benefits
 Sabbatical Planning
Guidelines
Preparation Rest Re-entry
 Policies
YFC/USA
Central Minnesota YFC
Appendix
Greater Cleveland YFC
 Resources
 Retreats and Counseling Centers
The following resources will help your chapter develop appropriate Sabbatical Policies and provides
resources and tools for you and your staff to utilize in planning for them to meet the intended
sabbatical goals. For additional resources or assistance contact leadershipdevelopment@yfc.net .
Sabbaticals - FAQs
What is a Sabbatical?
It is a time to disengage from normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow a time of
rest, spiritual renewal, personal growth, serious evaluation of life and ministry, or professional
development and/or research. It is not the same as a leave of absence or vacation.
How long are Sabbaticals?
Depending on the purpose and your length of time in ministry, it can be from 1 to 6 months
When should you take a Sabbatical?
The NSC suggests their staff take a 2 to 6 month Sabbatical every 7-10 years. Other instances
might include a change of ministry location or direction, burnout, family or marital difficulties.
What do you do during a Sabbatical?
All Sabbaticals should include a time of physical rest, soul care, renewal with family, and reevaluation of current ministry roles. The specific activities of this rest look differently
depending on the individual.
How do you begin the process?
The long answer can be found in the Navigators Sabbatical Guidelines. A summary can be
found below under “Sabbatical Process”.
Where do you take a Sabbatical?
It is beneficial to spend some of the time away from your normal physical location. This could
include time at a retreat center, visiting distant friends or family, camping – some place that
facilitates filling up your soul.
How would my responsibilities be met while I’m gone?
It is recommended that planning for a Sabbatical begin 6 months before the projected start
date. That allows time to discuss with your supervisor, Board of Directors, or Ministry Director
which of your responsibilities will be picked up and by whom. It is also recommended that your
Sabbatical be taken during a “slower” time of your ministry calendar.
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What if my chapter doesn’t currently allow for Sabbaticals?
The concept and value of Sabbaticals is now becoming more recognized as essential soul care.
Take time to educate your board on the value to staff and the chapter. Examining the
resources here and speaking with others about their Sabbatical can help.
How can I explore further what a Sabbatical might mean to me?
The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan is highly recommended reading. Other books include
Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordiero and Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton.
This all sounds good to me, but is it really Biblical?
While “Sabbatical” is not used in the Scriptures, regular periods of rest from work are part of
God’s plan since the beginning of Creation (Genesis 2:1-3). Obviously God didn’t need to rest
but was establishing a pattern for all of His creation. He reiterated times of rest in Leviticus. In
fact He set up the Sabbath just for us (Mark 2:27) and Jesus called His worn-out disciples to a
time of rest with Him (Matthew 11: 28, 29). Isaiah 30:15-17 reminds us, “In repentance and
rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength”, but it was as hard for the
Hebrews to accept God’s rest as it is for us, so we will “flee and be pursued” (by our driven-ness
and our ‘enemies’), “yet He longs to be gracious to us” (v.18).
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Sabbatical Process
Pre-Sabbatical – In the 6 months prior to Sabbatical
Obtain permission for Sabbatical
Submit written request if mandatory
Determine the purpose of your Sabbatical
Line up Advisor/Mentor, Liaison to Supervisor (if necessary), and Sabbatical
Support Group
 Determine how current job responsibilities will be handled while you are away and
by whom
 Write Sabbatical Plan (see SAMPLE RRR Worksheets). Include time for rest, family,
spiritual listening.




Sabbatical – Journal major lessons learned and insights gained
 Rest, Renewal, Recovery – “Doing something you want to do”
Get away from current location (includes lots of physical and mental rest)
May
include counseling or spiritual healing if necessary
 Reflection – “Lord, is there anything You want to say to me?”
Include extended time alone (meditation, quiet space to consider what God wants
to say about your current job responsibilities)
 Refocus, Realign – “Lord, am I doing what I should be doing? What changes in life
and ministry should I make?”
Re-entry – Slowly enter back into work responsibilities.
(Depending on length of time gone this might look like part time for the first week or two)
 Meet with supervisor and key staff to debrief what has happened in you
 Meet with supervisor and key staff to debrief what has happened at work while you
were gone
 Make changes in personal schedule and work responsibilities to align with insights
gained
 Arrange an accountability partner to make sure alignment is followed
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Sabbaticals - Benefits
YFC Staff Experiences
“Very refreshing. Great time to reflect and refocus. Haven't solved all of life but made good
decisions and several changes.”
“It was such a blessing to have the space to spend extended time each day with Jesus so I could
really be filled and challenged. I came into my sabbatical really tired and in need of a break and
I came back refreshed and ready for another year of ministry. After the sabbatical I felt more in
love with Jesus and knew him in some very new ways.”
“The luxury of no schedule is a rare treat that I am still grateful for.”
“A new commitment to Sabbath rest every week and Sabbath moments every day; I never
understood this before.”
“A deeper intimacy with Jesus and a love of silence and solitude.”
“I came back to a mess in the office. I don't think I would have made it had I not had a
sabbatical prior to this. God knew what I would need even more than I did.”
“Perspective. New social media habits. Greater commitment to not overdoing it. And maybe a
heightened sensitivity to the signs.”
“Rest! Re-ignited passion and confirmed commitment to the mission. Family that gets all of dad
and husband for extended time. Home projects done. Memories made. Hopefully insight from
the training time.”
“Scored huge points with my family. It gave me the energy and renewed purpose to do this
another 7 years. It gave me time to think big thoughts and not just go 90 miles per hour.”
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Sabbatical Overview Excerpted from The Navigator’s Sabbatical Guidelines
What is a “sabbatical”? We are not talking about a vacation but rather disengaging from
normal ministry and leadership involvement for a period of time to allow for soul rest and
serious evaluation of life and ministry. It is a time to make space to hear God.
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion come to me. Get away with
me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with
me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll
learn to live freely and lightly.”
But what if I don’t feel tired? While physical rest is an important component of a sabbatical,
this time is more importantly about slowing down, removing yourself from your normal
routines in order to make space to hear God in a new way. It is amazing that when we slow
down our adrenaline driven bodies, our souls and physical strength have a chance to catch up –
and we might realize how tired we are from the duties of ministry.
CAUTION: IT IS BETTER NOT TO TAKE A SABBATICAL THAN TO DO IT INCORRECTLY!
Without a proper understanding of sabbatical and preparation and helpful oversight, the
experience can result in potential lost, expectations dashed, and opportunities missed. Hope
deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12).
Especially if it is not your habit to take a weekly Sabbath, expect to feel stressed as you
transition into the rest phase. Change is always stressful.
To prepare, read the rest of this article and as desired, the other articles found at
www.training.yfc.net/sabbaticals. Contact the YFC Sabbatical Director and choose a Sabbatical
Advisor.
Five Sabbatical Phases
Sabbatical Phase I – Release and Relinquish: Exiting from leadership roles and ministry
responsibilities
During this first phase, you disengage from ministry and leadership responsibilities, if necessary
get needed funding, and draw up a plan for your sabbatical. Choose a Sabbatical Advisor
(prerequisite - they have taken a sabbatical). Typically, this phase starts 3-6 months before the
sabbatical begins.
At the beginning of Phase I, your Sabbatical Advisor helps you and your spouse develop a
sabbatical plan. Begin by meeting with your supervisor to get his/her input. Your plan revolves
around your identified priority needs and the following inventories found on page 46 and
following of The Navigators Sabbatical Guidelines: A Season of Renewal:
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http://www.navigators.org/www_navigators_org/media/navigators/events/SabbaticalGuidelines-PRT.pdf



Role Fit Inventory
Burnout Inventory (as needed)
Personal and Marital Survey Once you (and your spouse) identify your priority needs, your Sabbatical Advisor works with
you to come up with possible resources and action steps. You then create a sabbatical plan
draft that includes your funding plan, priority needs, action steps, and other resources. Your
Sabbatical Advisor and supervisor read the draft and give you input and suggestions. The
sabbatical plan is an initial framework for direction, based on your priority needs. It’s a dynamic
tool that can be tweaked throughout the sabbatical process. Early phases often have more
detail than later phases. A copy of the finalized sabbatical plan should be sent to your
Sabbatical Advisor
Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:
1. How are you feeling about disengaging from the ministry?
2. Are you worried about losing financial support while on sabbatical? How’s your funding?
3. How have other staff and friends reacted when they learned about your sabbatical?
4. How does your spouse feel about your sabbatical?
5. Since drawing up your sabbatical plan a couple of weeks ago, have you had any further
thoughts? Do you still believe it reflects your priority needs and desires?
6. Does the starting date for Phase II: Rest and Recovery still seem realistic to you?
7. What excites you most about your sabbatical?
8. What are your priorities for the next couple of weeks?
9. What can I do to help you?
10. How can I be praying for you?
Sabbatical Phase 2 – Rest and Recovery: Establishing Margin and Managing Pace of Life
It isn’t unusual for staff on sabbatical to have trouble letting go of the ministry. Some don’t
quite believe it’s really okay to step out. It’s important that you and your Sabbatical Advisor
make sure ministry commitments have been handed off or finished. During this phase, be
sensitive to feelings of isolation or lack of significance. Often, staff who are no longer “doing
ministry” struggle with their identity. You should be out of regularly scheduled YFC ministry but
not out of fellowship.
It’s also common for staff to treat their sabbatical as another Type-A frenzied activity. As you
consider your sabbatical inevitably extra ministry opportunities will pop up. The guiding
principle is, “Keep the sabbatical the focus.” Extra opportunities should be examined
individually and cautiously. Generally we suggest you make a full break from ministry activities.
“Rest” in this phase doesn’t mean ceasing from all activity. Rather, you pull back from ministry
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activities and (where possible) other areas of stress. This gives you room to explore and
discover what God wants to say to you, what relaxes you and what restores you emotionally.
What Others Have Done During This Phase To Rest
 Duck hunting
 Reading novels
 Started fly-fishing
 Sleeping more
 Playing softball
 Gardening
 Home projects (enjoyed seeing tangible results and working with their hands)
 Travelling
Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:
1. How would you define or explain rest?
2. Do you feel that you’re resting? What rests you?
3. Are you experiencing any obstacles to rest?
4. Have you noticed significant changes in your eating or sleeping habits?
5. What things are stressful for you right now? Can anything be done to remove or reduce
them?
6. How’s your relationship with your spouse? With your children?
7. What are your thoughts since our last meeting? What kinds of feedback are you getting
from others? Do you think they understand you?
8. Is your sabbatical going the way you expected? How so?
9. What are your priorities for the next two weeks?
10. Is there something I can do to help you?
Phase III – Reflect and Refocus: Experiencing God and Self in New or Deeper Ways
This is the work phase of the sabbatical. During this phase, you should be asking the question,
Lord, is there anything You want to say to me? God speaks to us in a variety of ways. You should
consider how God has spoken to you in the past and position yourself to hear His voice.
Extended time alone with God for reflection is the focus of this phase. This is the time to go
after whatever it is you want to pursue.
What Other Staff Have Done During This Phase
 Extended times alone with God
 Getaway to a retreat center
 Written a personal development plan
 Developed a “Marriage Partnering Plan”
 Focused on Emotional Healing
 Journaled what God is teaching
 Read books of interest
 Crystallized personal passions
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

Received counseling
Met with a Life Planner
Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:
1. Are you aware of anything that would hinder God from speaking to you during this
phase? (Busyness, unforgiving spirit, conflict, unhealthy habits, unconfessed sin, etc.)
2. Is there anything that would be helpful to discuss?
3. What things are currently stressful for you? Can anything be done to remove or reduce
them?
4. How’s your relationship with your spouse/children?
5. Is there anyone particular who is speaking into your life?
6. Is your sabbatical going the way you expected? How so?
7. What are your priorities for the next two weeks?
8. Is there something I can do to help you?
Phase IV – Realignment: Empowering for Maximum Contribution
This is the application phase of the sabbatical. During this phase you want to answer the
question, “What changes in life and ministry should I make as a result of hearing from God in
the Reflection Phase?” This might involve changing your ministry role or you may want to
change how you’ve been handling your current ministry role – what realignments do you need
to consider?
What Other Staff Have Done During This Phase
 Reviewed and reaffirmed their calling
 Updated their resume
 Received input from sabbatical advisor
 Received counsel from friends and staff
 Visited possible ministry locations
 Entertained options with various entities
 Completed Debriefing Questions
 Developed a plan for what to do differently in their role
Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:
1. With what you’ve learned in the last phases, do you see any adjustments you need to
make in your life or ministry to more accurately reflect your design and desires?
2. What do you sense God has for your future?
3. If you lack clarity about the future, what specific steps might you take to see more
clearly?
4. Can you describe your perfect job? Be sure to include elements or functions you
consider essential. Also pinpoint those that should NOT be your primary responsibility.
Phase V – Re-Entry and Re-Engagement: Re-Engaging at the right pace
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At the beginning of this phase, be aware that your pace of life will increase and that transition is
stressful. Expect emotional disorientation and spiritual warfare as you re-engage.
What Other Staff Have Done During This Phase
 Formally end sabbatical with a celebration event sharing what they’ve learned and a
time of “dedication prayer” with those on their support team, Sabbatical Advisor with a
(preferred) in-person gathering, or Skype call, Conference call, mass letter or email.
 Resumed ministry responsibilities half time for the first month.
 Set up accountability relationships to help with changes they want to make in life and
ministry.
 Coached ministry and teammates on their desired changes.
 Scheduled no major responsibilities for at least the first 4 months.
Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:
1. What changes have you experienced as you’ve re-engaged?
2. What help do you need as you re-enter ministry?
Helpful Tips and Lessons Learned
1. If you have school-aged children, consider taking a sabbatical during the school year rather
than summer.
2. It’s okay to sleep more.
3. This is not a sabbatical from life. Expect to spend time on family responsibilities and daily
living tasks.
5. Plan for your spouse to have sabbatical time as well.
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Sabbaticals – Sample Prep Rest
Renewal Re-entry Sheet
Paul Nurmi Sabbatical Jan 7 to July 8, 2013
Rest
Renewal
Re-entry July 8 to 21
Return
Dec 2012 Prep
Read Navigator Sabbatical Guide.
Use guide during Sabbatical
Royal cover World Link; Virginia
cover Missionary Care emails
Planning Days meetings Devotional
Sharing (1-5-13)
Letter to donors and Missionary
Care people
Set up people to write donor letters
during leave
Invite sabbatical advisors: Jerry
Wheeler & One other
Establish a support group: Meet
monthly over coffee.
Get-a-way trip with Virginia
Projects around the house & with
family.
Play with new hobbies...
Harmonica/Photography
Focus on the Lord
Journaling
Scripture reading
Unplug: Watching News, Emails, YFC
Contact.
Reading plan
Listen to DVD Plan
Self evaluation
Sessions with counselor
Possible couples retreat
w/counselor.
Monthly contact advisors
Monthly smeetwith support team.
Check in with YFC
Establish Job Description
Plan out the following ministry year.
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Sabbaticals – Blank Prep Rest
Renewal Re-entry Sheet
(Name) Sabbatical (Dates)
Rest
Renewal
Re-entry (Dates)
Return
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Sabbatical Leave Policy
Version #: 1.0
Last Revision Date: 10.12.2011
Last Author: L.Downey
Effective Date: 6.1.2003
Classification: Personnel
Sabbatical Leave
Sabbatical leave is defined as leave for the purpose of rest, spiritual renewal, personal growth,
professional development and/or research on a subject benefiting both the individual and YFC.
It is not the same as a leave of absence and may not be in correlation with any other leave of
absence.
Eligibility
Sabbatical leave is only considered for Missionaries, Professional II and III, Managers, Directors
and Executive employees who have worked full-time at YFC for at least 7 years, including work
at the National Service Center for at least the last three years. Employees must also have been
performing at an acceptable performance standard. Submitting an application does not
guarantee approval.
Procedure
1. Application for a sabbatical should be made in writing at least six months before the
planned time. The supervisor will submit the application with his/her
recommendations to their department head, who will present it to the Executive
Cabinet for approval. A sabbatical “plan” must be submitted, detailing what the
employee intends to do while on the sabbatical. Sabbatical types include study,
projects or possible YFC overseas or other assignments, but cannot be used for outside
employment or extended vacations.
2. Sabbaticals are typically scheduled after the first 7 years of YFC employment, and then
every 7 years subsequently, based on eligibility criteria above. Time allowed is as
follows:
Vice Presidents and Above
Up to 2 months
Directors, Managers and Professional II
Up to 6 weeks
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3. Staff members who are granted a sabbatical leave must agree to return to YFC/USA for
a minimum of one year after the end of the sabbatical period.
4. The employee will be paid at his/her regular full time salary with benefits during the
defined sabbatical time period.
5. The employee must work out with the supervisor how his/her workload will be covered
while away. If undue hardship would occur for YFC due to the request for sabbatical,
an employee may not be given approval until such concerns are addressed and
resolved to the employer’s satisfaction.
6. Progress will be monitored and at the conclusion of the sabbatical the employee will
submit a final report to their supervisor summarizing the accomplishments of their
sabbatical plan.
Attachments
#
Change History
Date
Attachment Name
# of Pages
The following table tracks the changes that have been made to this document:
Version
#
1.0
1.5
Change
Date
6/1/2003
10/12/11
Change Description
Original
Minor Edits to Job Grades & Approval
Process
Changed by
Laura Downey
Approval
Date
10/13/11
10/13/11
10/13/11
Person
Department Point Person
Board Member (Cabinet)
Human Resources
Gatekeeper
Name
Laura Downey
Debi McCusker
Laura Downey
Initial
LD
DMC
LD
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Central Minnesota Youth For Christ Sabbatical Policy
Purpose:
Biblically, taking a sabbatical is an application of the scriptural principle of rest. It is a time
to deliberately trust God with the unfinished. As an act of faith, there is disengagement
from regular work for the purpose of worship, rest, renewal and repair.
Who:
Sabbaticals will be considered for full-time ministry staff members at Central Minnesota
Youth for Christ (CMYFC).
Timing and Length:
The timing of a staff sabbatical will take the following information into consideration.
1. Seven to ten years of full-time ministry staff commitment to CMYFC.
2. The ministry staff member and the CMYFC Executive Director will determine the
timing of the sabbatical by taking the following into consideration (this is not an
all inclusive list):
a. Needs of the individual
b. Needs of YFC
c. Current staff duties/commitments
d. Other pending staff sabbaticals
3. The timing of the sabbatical will require Board approval.
4. The length of the sabbatical will be between two and three months
5. A sabbatical should not be taken by a staff member who is already planning a
transition out of CMYFC. The purpose of a paid sabbatical would not be to plan
that transition.
6. Upon completion of the sabbatical it is expected that the staff member will
continue employment at CMYFC for two years, barring any extenuating
circumstances.
Funding:
A sabbatical will be a paid leave of absence. Other funding for workshops, etc. during the
sabbatical need prior planning and approval (see 3.m. and 8.a-d. under “Process”)
Process:
1. The staff member will meet with the CMYFC Executive Director (the CMYFC Board
chair will serve in this role when the CMYFC Executive Director is scheduling a
sabbatical) and the SEED representative to discuss the timing of the sabbatical.
2. This group will also work with the staff member to identify a sabbatical advisor.
The following should be considered when selecting a sabbatical advisor:
a. Someone that has successfully completed a sabbatical
b. Lives in the same geographic location
c. Understands the critical role of a sabbatical advisor
d. Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve in the
role
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3. The staff member should work with the CMYFC Executive Director (the CMYFC
Board chair will serve in this role when the CMYFC Executive Director is scheduling
a sabbatical), the SEED representative and the sabbatical advisor to develop a
written plan for the sabbatical. It should take into consideration the following
important components (not all are required but they should be consideredrequired components are marked with an *). Appendix A to this policy provides
some excellent guidance and direction for planning a sabbatical.
a. Sabbatical timing*
b. Choice of sabbatical advisor*
c. Monthly meetings with the sabbatical advisor*
d. Mid-sabbatical report*
e. End of sabbatical report*
f. Goals for the sabbatical*
g. Sabbatical care interview/inventory
h. Sabbatical support group
i. Marriage retreat (if married)
j. Consider how to include your spouse/family in the sabbatical
k. Spiritual transformation
l. Personal contribution assessment
m. Budget (details should be shared with the CMYFC Executive Director or the
sabbatical advisor but need not be shared with others)—any anticipated
reimbursable expenses during the sabbatical need to be reviewed and
approved by the CMYFC Executive Director and the Board.*
n. Consider the different sabbatical phases
o. Sabbatical debriefing questions (this could be used as your end of sabbatical
report to the Board)
4. The written sabbatical plan will need Board review and approval. It should be
presented by the staff member with support from the CMYFC Executive Director and
the SEED representative. The purpose for Board review and approval is to assure
that sabbatical preparation has been well planned and according to guidelines. The
specific sabbatical plan will be different for each staff member. While the Board will
provide oversight it will be careful to allow the staff member, CMYFC Executive
Director, SEED representative and the sabbatical advisor to prayerfully develop an
appropriate sabbatical plan without undue interference.
5. Once approved, the sabbatical may be scheduled.
6. Monthly meetings must occur with your sabbatical advisor.
7. A mid-sabbatical and end of sabbatical report needs to be provided to the CMYFC
Executive Director and the SEED representative. The report will be shared with the
Board. The mid-sabbatical report can be verbal. The end of sabbatical report
should be written and should be presented to Board by the staff member within two
months of return from the sabbatical. The contents of the report are left up to the
individual staff member but should include a summary of how your goals for the
sabbatical were met.
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8. Sabbatical Expense Guidelines- need prior discussion and approval by CMYFC
Executive Director/Board:
a. You may raise extra ministry funds to meet additional ministry expenses
expected during sabbatical.
b. Expenses for rest, relaxation and recreation are considered personal and not
ministry related.
c. Expenses for retreats, workshops, etc. may be ministry related expenses.
This may also include meals and travel expenses for you and your spouse.
d. When reporting sabbatical ministry expenses, fill in the ministry purpose
with the “why” of the expense (spiritual/prayer retreat, met with sabbatical
support group, professional development, etc.). Include comments on how
this relates to your sabbatical.
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Central Minnesota YFC
Sabbatical Policy
Appendix A
Why take a Sabbatical? – Biblically, taking a Sabbatical is an application of the scriptural
principle of rest – times we deliberately trust God with the unfinished. As an act of faith we
disengage from our regular work for the purpose of worship, rest, renewal, and repair.
Definition of Sabbatical: When using the word “sabbatical”, we’re not talking about a
vacation but a guided process where we deliberately trust God for the unfinished as we
disengage from our normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow for serious
evaluation of life and ministry, Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase on Matthew 11:28-30 in The
Message captures this thought:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and
you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me
– watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or illfitting on you. Keep company with me and learn to live freely and lightly.
This is a time to quiet the noise of life and hear the voice of Jesus.
What should be done during a sabbatical?
1. Release & Relinquish - Disengage & establish a plan for the sabbatical – initial
framework for direction reflecting priority needs.
2. Rest & Recovery – not the ceasing of activity but stopping ministry activities
and, where possible, other areas of stress. You consider what restores you
emotionally and feeds you spiritually. This phase requires sensitivity to
feelings of isolation or lack of significance. One should be out of regularly
scheduled ministry activity but not out of fellowship.
3. Reflect & Refocus – In this phase you are asking, “Lord, is there anything you
want to say to me?” Consider how God has spoken to you in the past and
posture oneself to hear His voice. Scheduling extended time alone with God
is a priority.
4. Realignment and/or Reassignment – This doesn’t necessarily imply a change
of roles. During this phase it is important to review and reaffirm calling. The
goal is to experience maximum contribution in this next season of life.
5. Re-Entry/Re-Engagement – In this phase you transition back into ministry.
Expect emotional stresses, pace issues, spiritual warfare, and struggles in
working out desired changes in life and ministry. Also expect the joy of being
refreshed physically, reaffirming His vision for you, and gaining renewed
perspective!
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Sabbatical Guidelines Established
Establish Primary Players
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
SEED Team Sabbatical Director
Supervisor
Sabbatical Advisor
Sabbatical Support Team
You
SUPERVISO
R
INITIAL
DISCUS
SION
SEED
SABBATICA
L
DIRECTOR
PLAN
DEVELOPMENT
YOU
SABBATICAL
ADVISOR
SABBA
TICAL
JOURN
EY
SABBATICA
L
SUPPORT
TEAM
Initial Discussion – Discussion with staff person, supervisor and the SEED Sabbatical
Director to determine the timing of the Sabbatical. This is also where the discussion begins
and plan is developed to secure the Sabbatical Advisor.
Plan Development – Supervisor and Sabbatical Advisor help to identify the direction and
focus of the sabbatical.
Sabbatical Journey – the staff person and Sabbatical Advisor interact with the Support
Team for feedback and community during the journey.
Selection of Sabbatical Advisor
This is a collaborative effort between the supervisor, staff person and SEED Committee
Sabbatical Director. Where possible, a sabbatical advisor is selected from someone who:
 Has completed a sabbatical
 Lives in the same geographic region
 Understands the critical role of a sabbatical advisor.
 Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve.
The role of the sabbatical advisor is to shepherd the staff through the sabbatical process.
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Sabbatical Care Interview
When the sabbatical is confirmed, the Sabbatical Care Interview should be set up with a
pastoral care specialist. Just as one takes an annual physical to check the body, the
beginning of sabbatical is a great time for a spiritual and emotional checkup. The pastoral
care specialist meets with the staff person and, where applicable, with the spouse. The
interview takes 2-4 hours per person. Before the sabbatical care interview, the staff (and
spouse) complete and turn in inventories as follows:
 Role fit inventory
 Burnout Inventory
 Personal & Marital Survey
All inventories and surveys are kept confidential, and seen only by the pastoral care
specialist. The interview will result in suggested “priority needs” (typically 2-4) and a list
of possible resources to help meet the needs. The staff person is presented with a copy of
these suggestions.. The staff person and sabbatical advisor then take the suggestions and
create action steps that are incorporated into the sabbatical plan.
Sabbatical Support Group
Anyone taking a sabbatical is in danger of experiencing lack of community, loss of
perspective, and a sense of isolation. While we all need times alone, we live and minister in
community. To meet this need for community, everyone on sabbatical is encouraged to
establish a sabbatical support group.
Ideally, this group consists of 3-5 couples for married staff or 3-5 people for singles (both
YFC and non-YFC where possible) who have a good relationship with the staff person. This
group meets with you (and your spouse) each month to help process your journey in a safe
environment. The staff person facilitates the meetings, sharing first their current progress
and then asking for input. (When possible, the sabbatical advisor will participate in the
group.) Ideally, people in the sabbatical support group should meet the following criteria:
 Have the staff person’s best interest at heart
 Willing to speak the truth
 People who the staff person is willing to be transparent and vulnerable.
(Transparent = open and honest about yourself. Vulnerable = invite others to speak
into your life.)
 Willing to meet monthly for the duration of the sabbatical.
Marriage Intimacy Retreat
People in ministry often become so involved in giving to others that their personal lives are
neglected. They focus on the biblical principle found in Matthew 10:8, Freely you have
received, freely give, but may not experience another principle from Galatians 6:6 – Anyone
who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with him who teaches.
An intimacy retreat is designed to help couples better understand and meet each other’s
emotional intimacy needs, is a time of personal renewal and encouragement exclusively for
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ministry couples. It’s a time to freely receive and to be reminded that the Great
Commandment to love others begins at home. (YFC pays for the cost of the retreat;
transportation is the staff person’s responsibility.)
- Ideas for Intimacy Retreat options include:
Example of Sabbatical Orientation Workshop
To help staff make the most of their sabbatical a 3 & 1/2 day workshop is conducted for
those starting a sabbatical. The workshop might include:
 Listening Prayer – the simple but profound process of hearing from God
 Healing Prayer – allowing God to heal our wounds and speak truth into lies
we’ve learned to believe about life.
 Establishing a Sabbatical Support Group: how to benefit from this lifeline of
friends who will help keep you on track.
 Developing a Sabbatical Plan: those who report a positive sabbatical also
report having begun with an accurate assessment of priority needs and a
realistic sabbatical plan.
 Learning God’s Lessons from Life’s Experiences: through instruction, group
dynamics, time alone, and sharing with a group facilitator, you crystalize life
experiences into life lessons that will instruct and motivate you in life and
ministry. (More time is devoted to this in Phase 3 of the sabbatical.)
 Personal Contribution Assessment Process: discovering the importance of
understanding, developing and employing your God-given design and
desires.
 Soul Care: practical suggestions for nurturing your soul.
A Word to Spouses
“When do I get my sabbatical?” is a sentiment often expressed by spouses of staff on
sabbatical. This is especially true for a wife whose main ministry is mothering and
maintaining a household. Her work continues and may even increase when her husband is
at home. Her opportunity to rest, reflect & refocus is often limited.
When putting together the sabbatical plan, a sabbatical advisor should acknowledge the
spouse’s workload, encourage the husband and wife to examine parental and household
responsibilities, and consider how the load can be lifted or shared during this sabbatical so
both can participate as much as possible.
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Spiritual Transformation
Spiritual transformation is a major focus during the sabbatical. Experiencing inner
freedom and more Christ-like character occurs as we allow the Holy Spirit, the Word, and
others to speak to our inner person.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost parts. (Ps 51:6)
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. (Proverbs
18:15)
Spiritual growth does not occur by changing our behavior, but by changing what we believe.
Dallas Willard
As we come to understand what we believe about God, the world, ourselves, and others,
and as we allow Jesus to touch those beliefs, we become more transformed into the image
of God and experience more of the freedom of the Gospel.
The Reflection Phase is a good time to look at issues like lack of brokenness, false identity,
unresolved sin and woundedness, addictions, hiddenness, shame fear, guilt, pride, anger,
etc. Dealing with these below-the-line issues in our lives helps us move from living from
the heart of flesh to living from the heart Jesus gave us.
Personal Contribution Assessment
Make careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink
yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.
Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your life.
Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)
 Assessment Part 1 – Discovering Your Design
o Question – How has God designed me?
o Topics
 What are my preferences?
 What are my personal values?
 What are my spiritual gifts?
 What are my primary roles?
o Desired Results = A Personal Design Profile
 Assessment Part 2 – Defining Your Contribution
o Question – How has God directed me?
o Topics
 What are my circles of concern?
 Ministry Focus Assessment
 Life Lessons
 Personal Mission Statement
o Desired Results = Personal Contribution Summary
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
Assessment Part 3 – Developing Your Capacity:
o Interpersonal Relationships
o Vocational Fit
o Team Building
o Personal Growth
o Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Sabbatical Expense Guidelines
General Principle: Only ministry-related expenses will be allowed during a sabbatical.
Some sabbatical expenses (meals, recreation, etc.) are personal expenses. For tax
purposes, a sabbatical is a leave of absence with pay and is a self-defined benefit in and of
itself.
General Guidelines
1. You may raise extra ministry funds to meet additional ministry expenses expected
during your sabbatical.
2. Expenses for rest, relaxation, and recreation are considered personal and not
ministry.
3. Going someplace local alone is a personal expense ( a movie, local coffee shop for
prayer/reading/reflection).
4. Expenses when you or your spouse travel overnight for a prayer/reflection retreat
are ministry expenses.
5. Expenses for meals alone are allowed only when you are away from home overnight
on ministry business. (Meal-Travel).
6. When reporting sabbatical ministry expenses, fill in the Ministry Purpose with the
“why” of the expense (spiritual/prayer retreat, met with sabbatical support group,
professional development, etc.). Include comments on how this relates to your
sabbatical (part of approved sabbatical plan, approved by ______, went by myself, also
spent 2 nights doing ____, etc.)
Examples of Reimbursable Sabbatical Ministry Expenses
1. Counseling for ministry-related issues
2. Overnight prayer retreats
3. Professional development books/seminars/courses
4. Sabbatical support group meetings
5. Sabbatical Orientation Workshop
6. Marriage Retreat
7. Meeting with Sabbatical Advisor
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Helpful Tips and Lessons Learned
1. If you have school-aged children, consider taking a sabbatical during the school year
rather than summer
2. It’s okay to sleep more
3. This is not a sabbatical from life. Expect to spend time on family responsibilities,
expense reports, updating your supervisor, etc.
4. Expect to feel stress as you transition into the rest phase – change is stressful.
Sabbatical Phases (Explained on page 1)
 Release & Relinquish
 Rest & Recovery
 Reflect & Refocus
 Realignment and/or Reassignment
 Re-entry & Re-engagement
Sabbatical Debriefing Questions
 Personal Questions
o How are you feeling about your ministry assignment?
o What major lessons did you learn and how do you anticipate these
lessons making a difference in your future?
o How would you rate your sabbatical from 1-10? (1 is low, 10 is high)
o How has God spoken to you during your sabbatical?
o Do you have any emotional healing or relational healing issues you
want to work on? What’s your next step?
 Process Questions
o What activities were most helpful during each phase of your
sabbatical?
o What activities were least helpful during each phase?
o What would you do differently?
o Would you consider being a sabbatical advisor to another staff?
o Do you have ideas, suggestions, or comments to help us improve the
sabbatical process?
Benefits to YFC and Staff
1. Healthy Staff
2. Empowering emerging YFC leaders to “fill the gap” raising their level of
leadership while others rest, recover, and regain a new vision for mission.
3. Promotes longevity in professional ministry versus a “sprint, crisis, recover”
culture.
4. Avoids burning out
5. Spiritual Growth: passion, wisdom, humility, and understanding.
6. Vocational gifts developed and enhanced.
7. Family’s health and commitment to mission enhanced or restored.
8. Witness to the community of the love and trust YFC has for its leadership.
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SABBATICAL POLICY
GREATER CLEVELAND YOUTH FOR CHRIST
After 7 years as a full-time ministry staff member with Cleveland Youth for Christ, the
Board of Directors authorizes a two month leave, with pay.
The purpose of this leave is to:
 Recognize and acknowledge a major contribution to the Cleveland YFC ministry
 Provide an incentive to keep up the demanding pace of this job
 Provide the staff person with an opportunity to totally get away from the burden
and responsibility of ministry
 Provide a time for staff to hear from the Lord in a special way concerning ministry
and direction
The following conditions apply:
 The staff must take all leave in the year offered; it cannot be banked into the next
year without Board approval.
 The staff member must be raising 100% of his personal support to take advantage
of this opportunity.
 No ministry responsibilities will be expected of the staff member during sabbatical,
with the exception of personalizing his/her donor receipts.
 The staff member is required to receive some type of formal spiritual input, of their
own choosing during the sabbatical period. The Board will make it their
responsibility to try to raise the cost of any such training or education.
 The staff member is encouraged to have an outside mentor during sabbatical time.
Last approved by GCYFC Board, 10/15/2012
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Sabbaticals – Resources
Creative Disruption
NONPROFIT SABBATICALS
IMPROVE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY
Sabbaticals for nonprofit leaders can be a relatively inexpensive but
highly productive capacity-building tool that yields measurable
results. Creative Disruption: Sabbaticals for Capacity Building and
Leadership Development in the Nonprofit Sector provides emerging
evidence of the benefits to nonprofit organizations, leaders, funders,
and the sector. Read more…
slow down, you move too fast
stewarding rest and margin
Steve Brown and Dave Legg, People Resources Team
Imagine you wake up one morning and feel so weighed down that the thought of preparing a
Bible study is just too much. Or perhaps you are beginning to resent your calling. What
happened to that energy you used to experience? The answer may lie in how you are stewarding
rest and margin in your life.
the principle of rest
It is interesting to note that the third thing God blessed in creation was rest (Genesis 2:2,3) and
the third thing God cursed after the Fall was the work of man’s hands. (Genesis 3:17–19). In our
fallenness we often get the ways of God backward. Today we curse rest and exalt work.
the precedent of the Sabbath (read more…)
Navigator’s Sabbatical Guidelines
You’re holding in your hands a copy of The Navigators’ Sabbatical Process, which over the last
ten years has been shaped by hundreds of Nav staff who experienced life-changing sabbaticals.
We’re aware that if you think it might be time for a sabbatical, you’re probably already tired.
Instead of saying joyfully, “Oh, how nice of these people to send me all this information!” you’re
likely leaning more toward, “Do I have to read the whole thing?”
We created these suggestions to give you both the big picture and some details as you consider a
sabbatical. (Click to download)
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Sabbaticals – Retreats and Counseling Centers
Retreats & Counseling Centers
Sonscape - Counseling intensives in group setting for pastors and ministry personnel in
Colorado, Tennessee, and Georgia - Contact
Shepherd’s Heart - One on one counseling intensives for full-time Christian workers in
Colorado and Michigan - Contact
Potter’s Inn - Counseling intensives and week-long retreats in Colorado - Contact
Alongside Ministries - 2-3 week intensive counseling sessions - Contact
Caring for the Heart – Marriage counseling sessions - Contact
Hilltop Renewal Center – Private retreats, spiritual guidance available - Contact
A'nesis Christian Retreats & Counseling Sabbaticals – Exclusively for women in
Colorado and Tennessee - Contact
Locations for Personal Retreats
Marytown Retreat House – Private Retreats in Illinois - Contact
St. Meinrad’s Archabby – Private Retreats in Indiana - Contact
Abby of Gethsemani – Private Retreats in Kentucky - Contact
Quiet Waters – Private Retreat in Central Illinois – Contact Paul Nurmi: (217) 377-9444
Marble Retreat – 8 day counseling intensives in group setting for pastors and ministry
personnel in Colorado. As an interdenominational Christian counseling center, Marble retreat
provides a doorway to healing for those who are tired and hurting. Contact
Independent Christian Counselors
Dr. Michael Cuzak – Private practice counseling in Colorado - Contact
Dr. Ron Rickner – Annual YFC Institute speaker, private practice in Florida - Contact
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