What You Need To Know About Jeff’s Summer Sabbatical
This summer, after seven years of full-time ministry serving our parish as our Senior Director of Operations, Jeff King will be taking a two-month sabbatical. This upcoming time away is part of our staffing policy and has been in the works for a while!
We are so grateful Jeff is able to take this time to rest, and we pray it provides refreshment for him and his family so he can continue to work on mission together with us for many, many years to come!
What is a Sabbatical?
The word Sabbatical has its roots in the word ‘Sabbath’ - a stopping, a pausing, a time of rest, a time to slow down and remember that the Lord is God. Sabbath is a recognition that the deepest layer of reality is rest in God, not strenuous effort and achievement. Throughout the story of the Bible, God continually calls and commands His people to practice Sabbath rest. This takes the form of the weekly sabbath for the people (one day out of seven) and annual sabbath for the land (one year out of seven).
A Sabbatical is “a healthy and effective means of preventing burnout and of renewing and enhancing a professional’s capabilities for dealing effectively with problems facing those who need help...the overall goal is rest and renewal, not rigid adherence to a prescribed plan of action. [A sabbatical] might involve study, travel, writing or some combination of all three, blended with a good measure of relaxation and family time.” (Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh Clergy Compensation Guide)
“The sabbatical tradition began in the universities at the time when the university was part of the church. The idea was that the university professors (who were often ministers) needed one year in every seven to become students again and to refresh their spiritual calling.” (Lifeway, “Five Gidelines for a Successful Sabbatical)
What is Redeemer’s Staff Sabbatical Policy?
Redeemer’s Sabbatical Policy is applicable to all full-time staff.
Rector — 3 months every 7 years
Senior Director — 2 months every 7 years
Director — 1 month every 7 years
Before embarking on a sabbatical, a staff person must cheerfully, and without reservation, commit to 2 additional years on staff. Our hope is to develop a leadership culture where staff can be regularly refreshed for new seasons of ministry.
When is Jeff’s Sabbatical happening?
Jeff’s last Sunday and final day of work will be Sunday, June 14.
Jeff will return to Redeemer for work on Sunday, August 16.
Is something wrong? Is Jeff leaving?
No! There isn’t anything wrong that is causing the Sabbatical. This is an expected time away. The only plan he has is to return to Richmond and re-up for another great season with Redeemer.
What will Jeff do during his sabbatical?
Jeff will be out of town for most of the two months. The goal is not to “go on vacation,” but rather to intentionally shift away from the regular rhythms of life in Richmond, technology use, busyness, and hurry, to slow down, enjoy the company of good friends he doesn’t get to see as often, cook slowly while blasting good tunes, lazily play the guitar, visit a few restaurants he’s been wanting to get to up the east coast, travel with his family, read some good books, spend time in nature, and rest. Specific days are also being planned for silence, solitude, and engagement with a spiritual director.
What if you want to contact Jeff while he’s gone?
Unfortunately, Jeff will not be having any contact with Vestry, Staff, or parishioners while on Sabbatical.
If you need anything in the way of operational help while he’s gone, please contact Sarah Holloway, Redeemer’s administrator, or another member of the staff.
Is there anything for you to do?
Yes! There are three very important things for you to do while Jeff is gone:
Pray: Pray for Jeff and for his family during this time away.
Support: Continue to support the leadership of our Staff and Wardens as they maintain additional work in Jeff’s absence.
Own: For some of you, Jeff’s time away may provide an opportunity for you to step up and take more ownership and responsibility for an aspect of our parish life. Please do so with humility and courage.