Clergy Sabbaticals

Jesus took himself apart often in his ministry to pray, to be with God, to be renewed. The bishop's-sponsored Clergy Sabbatical Program seeks to ensure that all clergy in the Diocese of Atlanta have an opportunity for a time of Sabbath, for a renewal of spirit and a reaffirmation of life with God, as well as opportunities for creativity and discovery for both the clergy person and the congregation.

Principles

The following grounding principles of the Clergy Sabbatical Program help to give focus to your sabbatical:
A sabbatical and the preparation for it is a time of intentional, focused reflection and renewal for the clergy person and, hopefully, also for the congregation (parish, mission, chaplaincy, or other faith community). The actual shape of the sabbatical time is determined by the specific vocational, personal needs and desires of the clergy person and his or her family. How a congregation uses this time is also determined by a congregation’s particular situation and desires.

Books from our Resource Center

• Journeying Toward Renewal: A Spiritual Companion for Pastoral Sabbaticals by Melissa Bane Sevier

Helps to shepherd pastors through the unknowns of renewal leave. Provides engaging reflections on the experience of being on sabbatical, and includes, activities, and other resources to get the most out our their renewal leaves.

• Clergy renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning by A. Richard Bullock

A definitive guide to putting together refreshing pastoral sabbaticals that can help keep ministry vital and growing

For more information about these and other resources on sabbaticals, please contact Linda Scott at lscott@episcopalatlanta.org or 404-601-5330.