Through Soul Care’s Sabbatical Program, several pastors, executives, and ministry leaders engaged in key parts of creating a meaningful sabbatical: clarifying what they needed, tending to their relationships, and learning to receive the gift of rest as God intended.
Pastor Summer Bowie, Victory Church, told us,
"The biggest concern in taking time away for a sabbatical was the thought: Will I actually be able to rest? Along with that was the thought of, ‘What kind of mess will we come back to if we aren’t there to lead during this time? The biggest gift we received was actual rest—spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Sure, we had to engage with processing and working through some things, but it was worth it for our soul health. As individuals, we were better, and as a couple, our marriage was better—which then produces better leaders!"
Tommy Nobis, purchasing manager at Schuber Mitchell Homes, told us:
“I knew I needed change, but I couldn't figure out new ways to think about it so I could. This was exactly what I needed.”
We're big on rest being a weapon, a strategic decision. Instead of only experiencing rest when you just can't go on, we believe it should be prioritized, planned for, part of the holistic culture of good work and leadership. And when leaders are ready to take an intentional step back, we help them design sabbaticals that are restorative, not reactionary.
Now, we’re taking the next step. We’re in conversation with several churches/organizations who are exploring how to make sabbatical care a built-in benefit for their teams—ensuring that when leaders take a sabbatical, it truly counts.
Together, we’re helping organizations create sustainable rhythms that strengthen both the individual and the culture of work they participate in.
To support the growth of these topics, we’ve just released two new free resources:
7 Ways to Structure Your Sabbatical – practical frameworks for shaping your time away.
Sabbatical Starter – an inspiring guide to help you reflect on why sabbatical matters and how to begin discerning your next steps.
If you or your organization are wanting to support your leaders in quality sabbaticals, let's talk.
Because when leaders are well, the Church is well!
[Learn more about Soul Care’s Sabbatical Program →]