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After 17 years of pastoring full-time, I am taking an extended sabbatical. This morning I resigned from my church. If the Lord leads, I may one day pastor again. Right now I don't want to think about it for at least 3 months. I am burned out. Drained emotionally and spiritually. I am leaving a great congregation of supporting saints. It was a sad day but I must tell you now that I feel a tremendous amount of relief. It was hard for me to leave but much harder for me to stay.I now ask for your prayers as I make this transition. God is able. I will do all that I can and trust in His hand of power. He led me to where I am and is continuing to lead.

Just a note from the outside.I have said so many times, WE (the COG) needs to find away to give a pastor a month sabbatical with at least 1/2 pay. Full pay if possible augmented for a fund that could be set up with donations or grants.My dad retired, within two months I think he was regretting it. He needed the pastors 'job' but was 'tired' he thought.I relate that to my own experience. As a General Contractor after about 20 years I was BEAT. I wanted to go as deep in the mountains as possible. I tried that and in three weeks I was ready to BUILD again.I know a pastor must need that, I pray you are blessed and yes, even from a distance, I can believe the weight-off is a blessed relief. You are in my prayers my friend. Keep us updated when you can! Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I just prayed for you. I would have advised you to take a break. I went through a burn out in 2001. After about 3 years I tried to get back in. Gave up cor a while now trying to get back in. This is the hardest challenge in over 40 years of ministry. My problem, I have A.G.E Recorded Sermons @ www.pastorwiley.com

Church closes during July

I know a large church that cancels all services throughout July and encourages its people to visit other churches. Another post discussed the need for pastors to get a break, perhaps at 1/2 pay. This would give them a month off at full pay. Is this a good idea I'm not saved because I'm good. I'm saved because He's good!My website: www.bradfreeman.comMy blog: bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/

Require their pastors take a 4-8 week Sabbatical with full pay every 5 or 7 years. One pastor went to Greece (church paid) for 2 of his 4 weeks just to trace the steps of Paul. Another went to Europe for 8 weeks (church paid) where he did sightseeing but also spent time at several religious sites doing research. Another has 7 weeks every 7 years with full pay, but no church sponsored activities.

I'm sure the Lord will lead you into the exact spot He has already prepared for you. Churches, especially denominational churches, should make available the opportunity for paid sabbatical at least every 3 to 5 years. The benefits would far outweigh any potential drawbacks IMO “Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”

I think this is a good idea.Long-term pastorates are being encouraged in the Church of God. With long-term pastorate comes the familiarity with members and families. As time progresses you become pastor to many many family members that do not attend. These generally cause the most head-aches. A sabbatical should be encouraged after 5 years. I think this would have increased productivity and longevity. As it stands now I really don't think I want to go back. If I can find a way to help some local pastor and expand my business that is what I will do.If God leads me to pastor, I will do it, of course.

If feels good to not be pastor by the way!

Praying for you. I am very supportive of sabbaticals and wish our denomination would implement a process for them. I think it's sad that their is much opposition to the concept. I was on another forum, and there were many who vehemently disagreed with the idea. Most of the disagreement was based on jealously. 1. I'm the CEO of a business, I promise my job is as demanding as a pastor. I can't take extended leave with pay2. I've been a pastor for 50 years and I've never even take a vacation! Pastoring is a calling, bless God! I don't see why the church should pay me to do nothing. Sm