Sabbaticals provide ministry leaders an opportunity for renewal, education, spending quiet time seeking the Lord’s presence and direction, etc. A sabbatical is of benefit not only for the ministry leader but also for the church and/or organization that they serve.

Books

Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning
by Richard Bullock and Richard Bruesehoff
Journeying toward Renewal: A Spiritual Companion for Pastoral Sabbaticals
by Melissa Bane Sevier

Video

Why You Should Give Your Pastor a Sabbatical
by Roy Oswald

Funding Sources

You may want to check with your denomination, district or conference regarding the possibility of support and/or funding for a sabbatical. A number of churches that recognize the benefits and necessity of sabbaticals include funding for sabbaticals for their pastors / ministry leaders in the budget. Alternatively, you may want to research other possibilities for grants / funding for sabbaticals through organizations such as:

• Lilly Endowment Inc.
  National Clergy Renewal Program
  Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations
  Louisville Institute
  Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders
  Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence at Samford University
  Sabbath Leave Program

If you would like to suggest resources regarding sabbaticals to be included in this list, please feel free to submit it by using the contact page.