Day One

Today is Day One of my sabbatical. I’m excited. I’m prepared to embrace this journey. I fully anticipate a profound sense of rest and renewal as the Lord leads me through the quiet spaces of the next three months.

People have asked why I am doing this. I suppose that it could be argued that this is the right thing to do because the Northern California Conference provides such a benefit for qualifying pastors. It could further be argued that after 32 years of intensive pastoral ministry that it is time to take a break. While both of these explanations are valid, they seem rather inadequate for me. I am taking this sabbatical because I believe that it is in the best interest of the two churches I serve.

I believe that healthy pastors are essential for healthy churches. I believe that churches deserve to have pastors who are fresh and vital. Pastors who are brimming with creative ideas. Pastors who have the ability to look their people in the eye and fully engage in a meaningful conversation. Pastors who can move with the rhythms of their congregations. Pastors who are sure about their calling and clear about their vision.

People have also asked what my plans are for the coming three months. In my morning devotions I plan to study the gospel stories and identifying the strategies Jesus used to build margin into His busy life. I plan to take time to forge strong connections with my wife, children, parents, and siblings. I plan to take some classes: Digital photography, How To Be An Outstanding Communicator, and the Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics course. That last class should help me to cut through the stack of books I want to read during this renewal break. I look forward to the therapy of time spent working in the garden. I want to take a number of day trips that will open up new vistas in creativity, spur reflective thought, and connect me to my local community. And

I invite you to check in every few days – it will be our way of staying in touch over the next few months. We can share spiritual insights, discoveries, and personal news. We can truly journey together.