Time.
Many things necessary for the faithful practice of ministry are in short supply. Nothing, however, is in shorter supply than time. Time for prayer, time for family, time for study, time for self.
These opening lines taken from the Sabbatical Grant application for Pastoral Leaders aren’t sentiments of “time shortage” felt only by the ministry. “Finding more balance in my life” has likely been unleashed into the universe as a 2010 resolution from dog walkers to global division presidents. Perhaps you’ve tried a direct approach, looking upward and saying, “God, I need a break. ”
Time spent not working. Who’s going to give us a break from our careers in this economy? For more than 12 years, The Louisville Institute has awarded up to 40 grants for 8-week ($10,000) and 12-week ($15,000) sabbaticals. During this time recipients devote themselves to a season of prayer, study, renewal and reflection on their vocations and ministries. They are relieved of all vocational duties and are encouraged make this a time used “personally.”
(You can be relieved of all your vocational duties too, if you work for one of the companies found on our list of “Workplaces for Sabbaticals.” )
This post contnues the new study data released by The Louisville Institute on what they learned about pastoral sabbaticals and their effect on organizations. See here for the first post of the positive effects on organizations and sabbical takers.
For those considering a career sabbatical or for companies investigating a program, here are six more insights from the study:
1. The core gift of the sabbatical is TIME AWAY not money or task. Underscored by one survey question’s finding that nearly 80 percent of grantees consider the gift of time the single most important feature of their sabbatical – time away from ministerial obligations, time with family, time with a different daily rhythm and time alone. Very few cite study or writing as most important.
WHAT’S TO LEARN? Time holds the value for individuals supporting , as we have previously reported, “time is the new currency.”
2. Resistance to Sabbatical Programs is real, but can be overcome. For many congregations, the notion of granting their pastor a sabbatical is utterly foreign and the researchers were braced for data from congregations expressing dismay over their pastor’s sabbatical. Instead, 75 percent of congregations report that the sabbatical tangibly benefited the life of the church.
This does not change the fact that a number of congregations experience some anxiety in anticipation of the sabbatical, especially if this is their first time through the experience.
But in most such cases, resistance to the sabbatical usually dissolves during the experience or soon after, as the benefits of the sabbatical contributing to the vitality of the congregation become apparent.
WHAT’S TO LEARN? Organizations will have some individuals, just like churches, who aren’t initially wild about people leaving on sabbaticals. We find this “initial” resistance can be overcome in two ways: 1. Educating individuals of strong compelling business case information; and 2. Leveraging sabbatical and work coverage stories in the organization.
Sometimes the strongest belief in the value of sabbaticals is attained post-sabbatical – propelling people into action.
Nearly half of the grantees report that their institution had no sabbatical policy when they received their grant. After their pastor received this award, approximately one‐third of the churches that had no such policy adopted one.
3. Individual sabbatical experiences cost money (any help is appreciated). Narrative responses included many expressions of thanks for the financial assistance that made the sabbatical possible – 75 percent of recipients said they would not have been able to take the sabbatical without The Louisville Institute’s grant.
WHAT’S TO LEARN? While “time” is the #1 take away, people do have bills to pay. And if you feel destined to scuba in Roatan then you need airfare. While some organizations choose self-funded programs, the majority of sabbaticals in organizations are paid and likely, that’s appreciated. And those organizations offering a sabbatical bonus on top of pay? That only reinforces the organizational’s commitment in a big way.
4. Co-workers are jealous of sabbatical takers. Am I excited that you are not going to be working for 8 weeks while I am doing my job and part of yours? Yes and No.
Approximately half of Congregational Representatives and grantees indicate that staff relationships were strengthened by the sabbatical, though a few say they were strained by professional jealousy over reception of the grant.
WHAT’S TO LEARN? There’s a reason why we don’t sell a t-shirt that says, “Ha Ha Ha I’m going on sabbatical and you’re not.” Expect those left behind to feel a wee bit envious of sabbatical takers – it’s natural. But in our experience there are two reasons why they will want your sabbatical to go well:
- They’re excited about the skills they’ll learn, the opportunity to shine or to do something their way instead of yours.
- They genuinely want your sabbatical to be great so that when their turn comes you can reciprocate.
5. Will my sabbatical translate to greater productivity and engagement? While most grantees already were deeply engaged with academicians as part of their study and ministry development before their sabbaticals, nearly half of the grantees report that after their sabbaticals they became even more deeply engaged. And that was noticed by fully half of the congreations.
WHAT’S TO LEARN? Sole focus on the obvious benefits of renewal or rejuvenation is to miss those benefits that may hold more value for the individual’s career and the organization including creativity, engagement, loyalty and commitment.
6. Sabbatical time flies; jam-packed sabbaticals don’t work. In their narrative responses, a number of grantees say that (1) the sabbatical was too short, and (2) they tried to do too much.
WHAT’S TO LEARN? While 8 weeks (the shortest time for these sabbaticals) may seem way too long for you to be away, you might have a different point of view after the experience. Talk to others before you decline the opportunity. Doing too much is remedied with a solid sabbatical plan based on expectations and outcomes, not a list of to do’s.
Several of the grantees have composed extended testimonials about their sabbatical experience and its impact on their lives and ministries– they may be accessed at www.resourcingchristianity.org/clergysabbaticals.aspx.
Armed with the data from this survey disclosing the benefits of pastoral sabbaticals to both grantees and their congregations, be audacious and go forth. If you’re thinking of negotiating a sabbatical into your next career move, asking for a sabbatical now or becoming a champion for a sabbatical program win your organization - the research supports you.
There is no reason to wait.
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