The word sabbatical comes from the word sabbath, which means to cease from work and to rest. The first place we see the sabbath is in Genesis 2:2–3: after God created everything in six days, he rested on the seventh day and called it sabbath. In Exodus 23:12, God then requires his people to have a sabbath, to cease from working, and to rest with him because it is good for us!
But there’s more! In Exodus 23:11, God commands, "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused.” This agrarian society was to take a year off from planting, cultivating, and tending to the fields, allowing them to cease from work and rest with God. This was to be a normal rhythm of life — work hard and rest well.
While ministry work is immensely rewarding, it is also hard. Pastors don’t work 8–5 shifts, they often carry the burden of ministry with them. The very nature of being a pastor is caring for the flock, praying for them, preparing messages, counseling…and the list goes on, as do the joys of ministering with the Lord. Sabbath days of rest are crucial.
Equally important is a regular sabbatical. This extended break from every aspect of ministry to uniquely connect with God is healthy for the pastors and for the church. Charles Spurgeon talks about the need for pastors to take a sabbatical: “Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. …It is wisdom to take occasional furloughs.” This is valuable for longevity in ministry.
Our lead pastors will be taking a sabbatical from May 27 to June 24. Bill and Marilee are following God’s instruction and taking time to refresh their souls and connect with God. We will miss them, but look forward to what God will do in them during this time to rest and rejuvenate.
Bill and Marilee have prepared myself, the Board, and the lead team to carry on in their absence. New Day is equipped to pursue and worship God at our regular gatherings and events, knowing that he is faithful to meet with us. We can also be expecting the Lord to continue doing amazing things in our lives. Then, when they return, we can share with them what God has been doing in the New Day family during their time away.
But there’s more! In Exodus 23:11, God commands, "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused.” This agrarian society was to take a year off from planting, cultivating, and tending to the fields, allowing them to cease from work and rest with God. This was to be a normal rhythm of life — work hard and rest well.
While ministry work is immensely rewarding, it is also hard. Pastors don’t work 8–5 shifts, they often carry the burden of ministry with them. The very nature of being a pastor is caring for the flock, praying for them, preparing messages, counseling…and the list goes on, as do the joys of ministering with the Lord. Sabbath days of rest are crucial.
Equally important is a regular sabbatical. This extended break from every aspect of ministry to uniquely connect with God is healthy for the pastors and for the church. Charles Spurgeon talks about the need for pastors to take a sabbatical: “Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. …It is wisdom to take occasional furloughs.” This is valuable for longevity in ministry.
Our lead pastors will be taking a sabbatical from May 27 to June 24. Bill and Marilee are following God’s instruction and taking time to refresh their souls and connect with God. We will miss them, but look forward to what God will do in them during this time to rest and rejuvenate.
Bill and Marilee have prepared myself, the Board, and the lead team to carry on in their absence. New Day is equipped to pursue and worship God at our regular gatherings and events, knowing that he is faithful to meet with us. We can also be expecting the Lord to continue doing amazing things in our lives. Then, when they return, we can share with them what God has been doing in the New Day family during their time away.
Posted in Pastors Blog
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