Finding New Strength in Sabbatical Seasons
When I was a kid, my parents made my brother Mark and I help tend our family’s garden. We loved the produce, but didn’t enjoy the required manual labor. But then, one glorious spring Sunday at our Missouri church, I heard the pastor mention God commanding the Israelites to let their agriculture rest every seven years. Our family garden had been going at least that long – and I, for one, didn’t wish to violate God’s laws! So, Mark and I pleaded with our Christian parents to give the garden a rest that coming summer, which they reluctantly agreed to. A summer off – YES!!!
At Horizons, our lead pastor Quint has taken Sabbaticals during his 25-year ministry as our shepherd, and in 2019 our board of elders agreed with his directive that all full-time pastors should take a 3-month break after seven years of labor to find rest, renewal, and recharge for the next leg of our ministry journey. This summer, Salem campus pastor Mike Allen and I both are accepting the opportunity to do just that. Mike and I have served Horizons for nearly ten years, and both felt it would be challenging to “let go” of the reins of our smaller campuses. But, with all the great volunteers at both Salem and Barbour, we stepped away shortly after Horizons United on May 22nd, 2022.
One goal I’ve achieved during this break was taking a break from Facebook. The past fourteen years, I admit I’ve been somewhat addicted to social media. This seemed like my big chance to untangle myself. The first two days were hard, but since then I haven’t even missed it!
I’ve read five books, one of them specifically for this Sabbatical – called Undistracted by Bob Goff. I’ve also been reading through the “New Testament Chronological” YouVersion plan Horizons has been doing together since early June, and I am loving it.
My daughter Jenna and I enjoyed participating in a class on the book of Daniel, taught by Dallas Theological Seminary, at the Billy Graham Retreat Center (The Cove). Not only was the topic superb, but they fed us three buffet meals daily. Before that, I’d been making great progress on my goal to lose 20 pounds this Sabbatical, but as of this writing I still have 11 to go and may have to redefine what a “win” looks like.
Every Sunday, including when my family visited the beach in Florida, I visited a different church, usually in person, but sometimes online – to gain fresh perspective on how other fellowships are worshiping God and preaching the Christian faith, and to remind myself how it feels to be a first-time guest! Hebrews 10:25 commands us as believers to not forsake meeting together, especially as the Day of the Lord is approaching. It is always a privilege to worship with other brothers and sisters of our faith, whether or not it’s our “home” church.
In July, I had the privilege of sharing a message to our teens at Lift Camp, where I challenged them to seek God’s path at every crossroad they face. That week, I also got to play ultimate frisbee every day with 25 students – super fun! It was also in that week God reminded me of Isaiah 40:30-31: “Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” That scripture is great anytime but especially for this Sabbatical season.
Although I’ve lessened my news intake this summer, one item no one could miss was the wonderful SCOTUS announcement -- overturning federalized abortion and instead allowing the states to decide how to protect human life in the womb. At 52 years old, I have never been more elated over a news story. I rejoice for this step forward to value babies and their God-given potential, no matter their circumstances.
I made several great memories with my wife Kim and our grown children – we camped twice at Holly River State Park, visited my parents in suburban St. Louis, and hosted an Independence Day celebration, three birthday parties, and family from out of town.
Among the emotional highs and lows was grieving the unexpected loss of our precious 8-year-old Goldendoodle, Ellie. She was the epitome of a man’s best friend, and I ugly-cried several times after her July passing. However, we just adopted a 6-week-old Goldendoodle we’ve named Nessie (I guess you could say it’s puppy love!). We also have added a couple chickens at Burnett Manor.
Kim and I did some landscaping improvements together, and planted 47 tomato plants in our garden (I’m still four years away from letting the ground rest for the summer!). .
Fun Fact: I’ve recently been summoned to serve on the Grand Jury at the Elkins federal courthouse.
A friend recently asked if I’ve had some great revelation from God this summer. I’d love for that to happen, but so far it’s been several smaller insights. One of those has been a great reminder that the church I pastor truly is God’s Church, not mine, along with the awareness that everything rests on His capable shoulders. God has also shown me ways I can improve in my leadership and character, and I look forward to Him developing me more in those areas.
I am thankful to pastor Quint for “making me” take this Sabbatical break, pastor Josiah for providing support to our Barbour County congregation in my absence, the great volunteers like Rick & Diane Poling and the many others who have stepped up in my absence, and anyone who’s still reading this!
If you wish to dialogue about the pros/cons of taking a Sabbatical, to commiserate the loss of a pet, or to offer a good clean joke, feel free to contact me at jeff@horizonschurch.net.
