Sabbatical for Potomac District Ministers

There is value in taking a sabbatical. Approximately 30 ministers, including myself, have taken a sabbatical since the Potomac District adopted the following guidelines in 1993.

Recognizing that ministers who have been in ministry consistently for 7 to 10 years need a break, the presbytery adopted the following plan at its meeting June 15, 1993.

Basic Plan

1. When a minister has been in successive ministry for 7 to 10 years, preferably in one place, though this is not required, he is eligible for a 1-month sabbatical.
2. The recommendation for a sabbatical will be at the initiation of the district superintendent and must be approved by the board of presbyters or the executive committee.

Activity

1. The minister, in consultation with the district superintendent, will choose to engage in personal and ministerial development experiences for 1 week.
2. The minister and his family will vacation for 2 weeks.
3. The minister may do whatever he chooses for 1 week.
4. Absolutely no preaching or ministry assignments will be allowed during the sabbatical.
5. The district superintendent will arrange with the pastor and church board for a minister to fill the pulpit during the sabbatical.

Funding

1. The district superintendent and the church board will work out a payment arrangement for the supply minister.
2. The district superintendent and the church board will arrange to give the minister a $1,500 gift or more for his sabbatical.
3. The church will continue to pay the pastor at his regular salary and perks during this time.

Robert H. Rhoden, D.Min., Gainesville, Virginia.