Embracing Renewal: A Sabbatical Journey of Growth
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've been on as a church, I am filled with gratitude and encouragement. We've just celebrated Resurrection Sunday, a powerful reminder that Jesus is alive, and it's been a joy to see our community grow and thrive. Each week, we welcome new faces, and our members are actively serving one another, embodying the love and grace of Christ. Our leaders and elders have been exemplary in their dedication to caring for our church family, and I am deeply thankful for their service.
As I prepare for my upcoming sabbatical, I want to share the plans and the heart behind this time of rest. Every seven years, our pastoral staff is given the opportunity to take a three-month sabbatical, a time to step back, rejuvenate, and seek the Lord. This summer, from June through August, I will be taking my second sabbatical. Emily and I will begin with a family vacation, visiting Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and Florida, reconnecting with extended family. In July, we will spend time at a retreat center in Colorado Springs, designed specifically for ministry couples, to recharge and care for our souls.
During my absence, our church will continue to flourish under the capable leadership of our elders and staff. We have an exciting summer series planned, focusing on the extraordinary women of the Bible, with sermons delivered by our own shepherding elders and pastors from other campuses. I am confident that our ministries will thrive, and I encourage everyone to remain engaged, continue serving, and support one another.
As we approach this new season, I ask for your prayers for both my family and our church. Pray for a time of rest and renewal for us, and for God to bless our church with continued growth and vitality. I look forward to our sabbatical commissioning service on May 26th, where I will be prayed for and sent off. Thank you for your support and understanding, and I am eager to see how God will work in our midst during this time.
Key Takeaways
- Sabbaticals are a vital practice for pastoral staff, offering a time for rest, rejuvenation, and spiritual renewal. This intentional pause allows leaders to return refreshed and better equipped to serve their communities. [02:37]
- The church community is a living testament to the power of service and fellowship. As members actively engage in serving one another, they reflect the love and grace of Christ, fostering a thriving and supportive environment. [03:54]
- Leadership transitions during sabbaticals can be a time of growth and opportunity. With capable leaders stepping up, the church can continue to flourish, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the community. [03:54]
- Exploring the stories of extraordinary women in the Bible offers valuable insights and inspiration. These narratives highlight the diverse ways God works through individuals, encouraging us to recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of women in our faith journey. [03:54]
- Prayer is a powerful tool for both personal and communal growth. As we pray for rest and renewal, we also seek God's guidance and blessing for our church, trusting that He will continue to work in and through us. [05:14]
Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:37] - Sabbatical Announcement
[03:54] - Summer Series: Extraordinary Women of the Bible
[05:14] - Call to Prayer and Engagement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
2. 1 Peter 5:2-3 - "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."
3. Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key reasons mentioned in the sermon for taking a sabbatical? [02:37]
2. How does the church plan to continue its activities during the pastor's sabbatical? [03:54]
3. What is the focus of the summer sermon series, and who will be delivering these sermons? [03:54]
4. What specific prayer requests does the pastor make for his family and the church during his sabbatical? [05:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of a sabbatical align with the biblical principle of rest as seen in Matthew 11:28-30?
2. In what ways do the actions of the church leaders during the pastor's absence reflect the guidance given in 1 Peter 5:2-3? [03:54]
3. How might the stories of extraordinary women in the Bible, as mentioned in the sermon, inspire the congregation to recognize the contributions of women in their faith community? [03:54]
4. What role does prayer play in the pastor's request for support during his sabbatical, and how does this reflect the power of communal prayer? [05:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own need for rest and renewal. How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest into your life, similar to the pastor's sabbatical? [02:37]
2. How can you actively support the church's leadership and ministries during the pastor's absence? Consider specific actions you can take. [03:54]
3. The summer series focuses on extraordinary women of the Bible. How can you celebrate and support the contributions of women in your own faith community? [03:54]
4. What specific prayers can you offer for the pastor and his family during their sabbatical? How can you involve your small group in these prayers? [05:14]
5. Consider the role of service in your life. How can you embody the love and grace of Christ in your interactions with others, as encouraged in the sermon? [03:54]
6. How can you stay engaged with the church community during the summer months, ensuring that you continue to grow spiritually and support others? [03:54]
7. Identify one way you can contribute to the church's thriving environment during this transitional period. What steps will you take to make this happen? [03:54]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Importance of Rest and Renewal
Taking time for rest and spiritual renewal is essential for those in leadership roles, as it allows them to return refreshed and better equipped to serve their communities. Sabbaticals are a vital practice that provides this opportunity, offering a structured period for rejuvenation and seeking the Lord. This intentional pause is not just a break from duties but a time to deepen one's relationship with God, ensuring that leaders can continue to guide their communities with wisdom and strength. [02:37]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to incorporate rest and spiritual renewal into your daily routine, even if it's just for a few moments each day?
Day 2: The Power of Service and Fellowship
A thriving church community is a living testament to the power of service and fellowship. When members actively engage in serving one another, they reflect the love and grace of Christ, creating a supportive and nurturing environment. This active participation not only strengthens individual relationships but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose within the community. As each person contributes their unique gifts, the church becomes a vibrant expression of God's love. [03:54]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your church community this week. How can this act of service reflect Christ's love and grace?
Day 3: Leadership and Growth in Transition
Leadership transitions, such as during a sabbatical, can be a time of growth and opportunity for a church community. With capable leaders stepping up, the church can continue to flourish, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the community. These periods of transition allow for new voices and perspectives to emerge, enriching the church's ministry and outreach. It is a testament to the community's collective strength and commitment to its mission. [03:54]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: How can you support and encourage your church leaders during times of transition? What role can you play in ensuring the community continues to thrive?
Day 4: Celebrating the Contributions of Women in Faith
Exploring the stories of extraordinary women in the Bible offers valuable insights and inspiration. These narratives highlight the diverse ways God works through individuals, encouraging us to recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of women in our faith journey. By studying these stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the roles women have played in shaping our spiritual heritage and are inspired to honor their legacy in our own lives. [03:54]
"And Deborah said to Barak, 'Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?' So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him." (Judges 4:14, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a woman in your life who has significantly impacted your faith journey. How can you express your gratitude and appreciation for her influence this week?
Day 5: The Power of Prayer for Growth and Guidance
Prayer is a powerful tool for both personal and communal growth. As we pray for rest and renewal, we also seek God's guidance and blessing for our church, trusting that He will continue to work in and through us. Prayer connects us to God's will and aligns our hearts with His purposes, fostering a deeper sense of unity and purpose within the community. It is through prayer that we invite God's transformative power into our lives and the life of the church. [05:14]
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Set aside a specific time each day this week to pray for your church community. What specific areas of growth and guidance will you lift up to God in prayer?
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Quotes
1) "I'm so encouraged. I'm so encouraged that all the things that God is doing here at our church. We're fresh off of a Resurrection Sunday. What a great weekend that was to celebrate that Jesus is alive and many other great things are going on. We've got people enjoying worship services. We're meeting new people each week and people are serving one another every day of the week. Our leaders and our elders are doing a great job caring for and serving our church family and I'm very encouraged with all that." [00:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "So about seven years ago, we took a sabbatical and for three months we were able to take some time off and to rest and rejuvenate and just kind of seek the Lord and enjoy that time. That was a big blessing. And it's actually time for another one. It's time for another one. And so the plan is for us to take a sabbatical during June, July and August. That'll be a time that we will be off. We've been encouraged to kind of step away from communication." [01:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "And we're actually starting a series last summer. We did a series called Follow Me, kind of about the stories of the 12 disciples that Jesus had that were following him. And we did. Kind of those 12 stories of those 12 men. And so we said, well, let's go ahead and take a look at some of the the women, the incredible women of God from the Bible. And so this summer is going to be extraordinary women of the Bible preaching through that." [03:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "I believe that God's going to that things are going to thrive this summer, that ministries are going to go on and small groups are going to continue. And the children are going to continue to be invested in. And so I want to encourage you to continue investing, engaging, tithing. Enjoying serving in all the ways that God has led you to." [04:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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