Sabbatical 2009
Frequently Asked Questions

This has been prepared for the congregation of Seymour First to share important information about our pastor’s Sabbath Rest experience that will take place January 3 – March 26, 2009.

Personnel & Policy Team

Lloyd Hudson
Preston Shera
David McCrary

What is a sabbatical?

The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”).  Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy.

Sabbatical leave is a time for our pastor to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study, reflect, and travel in order to return to minister among us refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit.  (It is not a time for routine work, mid-career assessment, job search, retirement planning, or terminal leave.)

Seymour First’s Sabbath Rest policy specifies that our staff will be provided a sabbatical during the seventh year service of consecutive ministry at Seymour First.  Steve began his seventh year of full-time ministry here on June 1, 2008.

Sabbatical is more than an intentional departure from meetings, budgets, sermons, and people in need.  It is a time for Steve to receive spiritual nourishment and a change of perspective, to deepen his relationship with God and his spouse - a season of spiritual growth.  This special time can also be a season of growth for the entire congregation.

Why sabbatical?

Sabbath is a healthy biblical concept that is supported by the local, district, and general church: “In order to encourage a healthy pastoral ministry and the lifelong learning of the pastor, the church board, in consultation with the district superintendent, should provide a sabbatical leave for the pastor following each seven consecutive years of service in one congregation. The timing and duration of the sabbatical shall be determined in consultation with the pastor, church board and district superintendent.”
Paragraph 129.10  - Nazarene Manual 2005-2009

How long will our pastor be gone?

Steve’s sabbatical will begin on Saturday, January 3 and he will return to Seymour on Thursday, March 26.  His first Sunday back will be Sunday, March 29, 2009.  He and Laurie will be gone for approximately 12 Weeks.

What is the agenda for sabbatical?

Three key objectives of this carefully planned Sabbath Rest will be Rest, Renewal, and Restoration. "Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything."  This paraphrase of Psalm 46:10 is the foundation of this sabbatical program.  We have sought to embody healthy, biblical principles for renewal that can only take place during a brief departure from the often congested schedule of full-time ministry.  This is a period of time to reflect on where we have been, to be refreshed where we are, and to be renewed for our future in ministry together.

Who will cover our pastor’s responsibilities during his absence?

Careful planning has taken place among the staff, Church Board, and Personnel and Policy Team (which serves as our Sabbath Rest Planning team).  Responsibilities will be delegated among staff and lay leaders to see to it that consistent ministry will continue.

Who will conduct the worship?

With the exception of a rotation of speakers, our services will continue to be just like you would expect.  Pastor Joel Burbrink will continue to lead worship.  Pastor Landon Yowell and Pastor Rick Wilson will be joined by Dr. Garrett Mills (Southwest Indiana District Superintendent) to fulfill the speaking responsibilities in our pastor’s absence.

Who should I contact for special prayer requests?

You may contact our office to have names placed on our weekly Prayer Partner Bulletin or call Millie Rumph (523-8932) to be added to our Prayer Chain.  Requests may also be given to any member of our pastoral staff or emailed to prayer@seymournaz.org.

Who do I call if I have a family or personal crisis?

For pastoral concerns, you may wish to contact our Congregation Care Pastor, Steve Barrett, or any member of our pastoral staff.  Together they will share in the responsibility to visit newcomers, provide pastoral counseling, visit those who are homebound or in the hospital, and refer anyone as appropriate to qualified professionals in our community.

Who will pay for the sabbatical?

Careful planning has gone into this renewal program and an appropriate budget was established and approved as a part of Seymour First’s 2008-09 operating budget.

Who will administer the church in our pastor’s absence?

Pastor Greene has worked closely with the staff to develop a strategy to oversee all of the ministries of the church.  The goal has been to plan ahead for growth.  We’re blessed to have a ministry team that has the capability to lead the church well at a time like this.  Ongoing plans for progress and growth will be carried out by our Administrator and Pastoral Staff.

The pastoral staff is prepared to address any questions and/or concerns that may arise.  The Church Board will also be meeting to discuss and determine action in situations requiring their involvement.

Will the church be in a “holding pattern” during this period?

All of our ministries will continue to flourish while Steve is away, and perhaps new ones will be formed.  Also, it is important to remember that the sabbatical is a two-way process:  while Steve is on his journey of renewal, refreshment, and reflection, we will embark on a journey as well - to continue reflection on our prior work, to renew ourselves, and to discern God’s will for us. 

Will our pastor be in contact with Seymour First during his sabbatical?

An important part of a sabbatical is to make a complete break from things.  The only people who will be in direct contact with Steve while he is away will be his family.  In the unlikely event that some extraordinary news absolutely must be communicated to our pastor, that information can be channeled through the church office or any of our staff pastors.

Will Steve’s wife go with him?

Yes.  Laurie will accompany her husband for the entire Sabbath Rest.  This was a part of the plan from the start.  Laurie will take an unpaid leave from the church office, where she serves as Church Office Manager.  Our Church Administrator, John Holt, and Office Assistant, Renee Bogard, will care for the administrative needs of the church in Laurie’s absence.

Who will I call to plan a special service?

The church office will be open during its usual hours, staffed by our office assistant and church administrator.  They will arrange for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other special services in consultation with the pastoral staff.

How can I learn more about the sabbatical?

Ask any member of the pastoral staff or the Personnel & Policy Team, listed at the top of this page.