Pastor David will be on a 3-month sabbatical May-July, 2026. A sabbatical is a purposeful season set aside for rest, spiritual renewal, learning, and reflection. It is not a vacation, but a healthy rhythm that allows pastors to step away from the ongoing demands of ministry so they can return refreshed and ready for long-term leadership.

Our church values the health and sustainability of our leaders, and this sabbatical reflects a commitment to faithful ministry for years to come.

What Is a Sabbatical?
A pastoral sabbatical is an intentional, planned period of time away from regular ministry responsibilities. It creates space for spiritual attentiveness, renewal, and discernment that is difficult to sustain amid the weekly pace of preaching, meetings, and pastoral care.

Sabbaticals are a widely recognized best practice in church leadership and are an investment in the long-term health of both the pastor and the congregation.

Why a Sabbatical Matters

  • Spiritual Health: Provides time for prayer, reflection, and renewal
  • Sustainable Leadership: Supports long-term pastoral well-being
  • Stronger Church: Encourages shared leadership and congregational engagement
  • Fresh Vision: Allows space for learning, discernment, and clarity for the future

We are grateful to be a church that values healthy rhythms and shared ministry.

Pastor David’s Focus During the Sabbatical

  • Spiritual Renewal & Reflection - Pastor David will devote unhurried time to prayer, Scripture, and reflection—creating space to listen deeply to God and experience spiritual renewal that sustains long-term ministry.
  • Rest, Renewal, and Emotional Health - This sabbatical is intentionally framed as a time of rest, renewal, and rebirth. Stepping back from the constant demands of ministry allows space for emotional, physical, and spiritual restoration.
  • Learning & Broader Church Insight - As part of the sabbatical, Pastor David will participate in learning experiences focused on church leadership and current trends in church life. These experiences will help inform future ministry and leadership direction.
  • Family & Personal Restoration - Sabbatical also provides time for meaningful connection with family. Pastor David and Mary plan to spend intentional time together, including travel, allowing for shared rest and renewal outside the regular rhythms of church leadership.
  • Discernment for the Future - Throughout the sabbatical, Pastor David will reflect on the long-term health, mission, and direction of the church. This season is about listening and discernment, trusting God’s guidance for the next chapter of ministry.

The Church’s Focus During the Sabbatical
While Pastor David is away, the life and ministry of the church will continue through shared leadership, intentional planning, and active participation from the congregation.

  • Shared Leadership & Ministry Continuity- Church staff, council, and ministry leaders will maintain regular operations throughout the sabbatical. Pastor Heidi will serve as the primary pastoral point of contact, with additional support from guest pastors and neighboring clergy. Worship services, pastoral care, and ministries will continue without interruption.
  • Worship & Teaching- Sunday services during the sabbatical will include a combination of guest preachers, staff leadership, and special teaching moments. In addition to Pastor Heidi, a visiting bishop will join the congregation in May, and guest speakers will help guide worship during this season.
  • Growing as a Welcoming, Outward-Facing Church- During the sabbatical, the congregation will focus on learning and practices centered on hospitality, invitation, and community engagement. This season provides an opportunity for the church to reflect on how we welcome newcomers and live out our mission together.
  • Prayer & Spiritual Formation- The congregation is encouraged to pray intentionally during this season—for Pastor David and his family, for church leaders, and for the life of the church. Sabbatical is a time to trust God’s faithfulness and deepen our shared spiritual life.

Congregational Events during Sabbatical:

Sabbatical Summer Sermon Series
Sundays, May 3 - July 26

Sabbatical is not just a season of rest; it’s a season of growth for the whole church!

Don't miss our Sabbatical Summer Sermon Series throughout Pastor David's time away! The series will include monthly themes with Pastor Heidi leading worship and preaching the majority of the time with one Guest Pastor preaching each month.

Our monthly themes include:

  • May: "The Importance of Sabbath"
  • June: "Radical Hospitality"
  • July: "Outward-Facing Church"

Book Discussions: "Extraordinary Hospitality (for Ordinary People)"

Pastor Heidi invites the entire congregation to join in reading and discussing the book "Extraordinary Hospitality (for Ordinary People): Seven Ways to Welcome Like Jesus" by Carolyn Lacey.

Save the dates! Book discussions will be held:

  • Sundays, May 31-July 12, 11:15 am, Fellowship Hall
  • Wednesdays, June 3- July 15, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

No RSVP is needed. Just show up!

Please purchase the book from your favorite retailer.

About the book: Generous hospitality is a significant way in which God works through our lives to bring life to others, yet many of us feel ill-equipped and overwhelmed at the prospect. Author Carolyn Lacey encourages us to focus on the goal of hospitality- to reflect God's welcoming heart- and shows us how we can all do that. This practical and realistic book explores how to make generous hospitality part of everyday life without becoming exhausted and overburdened.

How to Support the Sabbatical
If you would like to support Pastor David’s sabbatical through a financial gift, you may do so at STLC.org/Give, our secure online giving option. Please click "Contribute" under "Sabbatical". Your generosity helps support learning opportunities, retreat experiences, and other sabbatical-related expenses.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support during this meaningful season for our church.