Summer Sabbatical 2018
As was shared by our elders in worship on May 13, 2018, Dr. David Swanson has been granted a sabbatical this summer, beginning May 30.
The idea behind a sabbatical is to provide a season of rest to a faithful employee, and in this case, someone in pastoral ministry. Scripture is full of examples of the need to provide rest, such as the Sabbath Day, the land resting every seven years, or debts being forgiven every 49 (7x7) years. God wants us to be faithful stewards of His creation, or ourselves, and of each other. A sabbatical provides an opportunity for us to prioritize pastoral care for our pastors.
Pastoral ministry is wearing on one’s physical health and requires one be “on call” to the church family 24 hours a day. Longevity in ministry is certainly enhanced by a period of extended rest and study. And a periodic sabbatical is also Biblical way to reward them. By offering this sabbatical, we are doing what is best for Dr. Swanson and his family and, in doing so, we are doing what is best for our church body. The sabbatical provides Dr. Swanson the opportunity to devote significant time to his spiritual, technical and professional development.
Accordingly, our Personnel Committee recommended that we give Dr. Swanson an 11 week sabbatical this Summer. After discussion and vote by your church Session (the elders who govern the church), we approved this recommendation. Dr. Swanson will begin his sabbatical on May 30 and will return August 18. We look forward to his return as he continues to lead us into this next exciting phase as we dream and pray about what God has for His church. We invite you to continue praying for David and Leigh in this special season of rest and discernment.
