A sabbatical leave is an extended period of time spent away from the pastor’s congregation, during which the pastor is able to devote a significant effort into an area that will benefit him/her, the congregation, the community and the whole church body. It allows for personal enrichment, rest, study, spiritual growth, skill development, research, travel, etc. Generally, sabbaticals involve renewal in three ways: Vocation, Vacation and Avocation. Vocational renewal may involve things like reading, visiting leader churches, going to seminary, or doing a mission. Vacation can be whatever the pastor finds relaxing and enjoyable. Avocation refers to interests and abilities a pastor has that get squeezed out in the busyness of daily ministry - like writing, musical composition or mission outreach.

In accordance with ELCA recommendations, Ascension allows sabbaticals of at least three months. Pastors may combine vacation with a sabbatical leave.

Ascension grants its pastors a sabbatical leave every six years, in accordance with the ELCA recommendation of every six or seven years.

The idea of a sabbatical leave is not a new concept. Many churches provide sabbaticals for their pastoral staff. A sabbatical program not only helps retain pastors at a congregation, but it also is an attractive component of an overall compensation and benefits package. 

Generally, the pastor submits a request to Mutual Ministry. The request includes an overview of how the sabbatical time will be spent and how the planned activities will be beneficial. After approval by Mutual Ministry, the proposal is presented to the church council. 

The pastor receives full compensation and benefits during the period of the sabbatical leave as a result of the benefits to the congregation as discussed previously.

The pastor may draw on the Restricted Sabbatical Fund to cover expenses incurred for sabbatical and turns into the treasurer an accounting of funds used with accompanying receipts. Expenses of a pastor’s spouse are not paid for by the congregation.

It is funded as an item in the church budget, which is approved by the church council and the congregation at the voters meeting. 

The pastor is required to affirm in writing that he agrees to serve the congregation on a full-time basis for at least one (1) year after the end of a sabbatical leave. 

The church council and Mutual Ministry are responsible for making sure these duties are covered. Typically, the other pastor on staff would assume many of the responsibilities of the pastor on sabbatical – in this case, Pastor Chris. Pastor Ted and Pastor Steve will assist with Monday coverage of the office, with support from Pastoral Assistants, who also will be more available to assist Pastor Chris in general, with visitation and worship assistance. There also will be a number of guest preachers to expand our understanding of the church’s work beyond Ascension. As in the past, lay leaders will be involved in various ways. 

It was developed by the Mutual Ministry Committee in the mid-1990s, and presented to council. The sabbatical program was subsequently adopted as Ascension’s policy by a voter’s assembly. Mutual Ministry is a team appointed by council to minister to the staff of Ascension. It also acts as a sounding board for ideas, problems and/or concerns of the staff and the congregation. Christine Holloway currently serves as head of Mutual Ministry