Let's Talk Sabbaticals

Discovering the Gift of Rest for Pastors, Churches, & Communities

Sabbaticals are more than time off. They are sacred spaces for renewal and bless not only the pastors who take them, but also the congregations, families, friends, and supply pastors who support the journey. Because very few professions offer sabbaticals, pastors who don't take advantage of this benefit miss a valuable opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.

Read more below about the importance of sabbaticals. If interested, let's chat about yours. We will explore together how to plan, communicate, and embrace this rhythm of rest in church life. Whether you are preparing for your first sabbatical or supporting someone who is, our conversation will provide more clarity, wisdom, and encouragement along the way.

2022 Sabbatical in Scotland

Why Sabbitcals Matter

Over the past 17 years of ordained ministry, I have had the opportunity to take two sabbaticals in two different churches, one as an associate pastor and another as a senior pastor. In both congregations, previous pastors had introduced the idea of extended Sabbath rest but had never actually stepped away to experience the gift of a sabbatical. After six years of service in each church, I became the first pastor to both talk about sabbaticals and take one.

The blessings were profound: renewal in my relationship with God, family, and neighbor; a deeper perspective on faith; and a strengthened sense of call to ministry. Over the years, I have also helped colleagues in ministry plan their sabbaticals, and I hope to do the same for you.

What Often Keeps Pastors from Taking a Sabbatical

Seven Helpful Tips in Planning
Your First or Next Sabbatical

- Pray with openness -

- Plan early and often -

- Fund with multiple sources -

- Communicate -

- Go with grace -

- Rest well -

- Return with gratitude -

How Can I Support You?

Whether you're dreaming about a future sabbatical or already preparing to propose one, I’m here to help you take meaningful steps forward. In addition to our conversations about rest and renewal, I offer practical support in the following areas:

Sabbatical Grant Guidance

Many pastors are surprised to learn that there are grants available to fund sabbaticals from denominational programs to national foundations like the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program. I can help you:

Identify grant opportunities suited to your context
Understand application timelines and criteria
Prepare compelling responses to application questions

Crafting a Sabbatical Theme

Your sabbatical should reflect your unique call, context, and hopes for renewal. I’ll help you:

Reflect theologically and personally on your sabbatical goals
Shape a unifying theme that resonates with your journey
Develop a rhythm of rest, learning, travel, or retreat that aligns with your theme

Writing a Sabbatical Proposal

A well-written sabbatical proposal invites both your church and, if needed, your presbytery or denominational body to catch the vision with you. I can assist in:

Drafting or editing your proposal for clarity, tone, and purpose
Offering language that inspires trust and shared vision
Structuring timelines, communication plans, and re-entry goals

Let’s discern and build this together,
so that your sabbatical is not only approved, but also deeply restorative for you and those you serve.

Ready To Talk?

If you would like to explore more about sabbaticals, I’d love to connect for a free initial conversation. If helpful, we can talk further about how I might come alongside you with support or encouragement along the way.

I look forward to seeing your future Sabbatical Facebook and Instagram posts as you follow where the Lord leads you to find rest and renewal in life and ministry.

2014 Sabbatical in Disney World

Rev. April H. Cranford