Some things to know
about Seth’s Sabbatical

Above: The Monastery of Christ in the Desert - Abiqui, NM

“I know that I have to speak from eternity into time, from lasting joy into the passing realities of our short existence in this world, from the house of love into the houses of fear, from God’s abode into the dwellings of human beings.” - Henri Nouwen

Dear Village,

As he often does with just a few words, Nouwen has captured the heart of the matter - the direction our words, emotions and works are meant to be moving. From eternity, joy, love, and God’s presence - into life as it really is. But this sacred transit is a fragile one, isn’t it? As fragile as the weakness and weariness of being human. I know it all too well as a pastor and as a person.

In 10 years of ministry at Village, with some wonderful people alongside me, the Lord has sustained and blessed me, my family and this church. For the last few summers, I’ve put my vacation weeks together and taken a month-long respite, which has been helpful. But I’m certain the Lord is calling me now to a lengthier time of renewal with one primary goal: To recover the joy, wonder and safety of my salvation and belovedness apart from the demands and measurables of ministry. It’s such a weighty privilege to be your pastor, but I need to fully relinquish the weight to Jesus for a time. I need some still waters where he can restore my soul. And I need to prayerfully discern what changes and growth are needful in my life and leadership as I embark on my third decade of ministry.

Of course, this sabbatical is for Village, too. The last thing you need is a weary pastor. But the sabbatical is also a unique time for each of you to take fresh stock of your relationship to your church and move toward the needs of the ministry in my absence. One big challenge for me is to remember my identity is in Christ and not in my role as rector of Village.  In the same way, it can be a temptation for parishioners to overly identify a church with a particular leader. So I believe it can be helpful for you to embrace a version of Village that doesn’t include me. But to be clear: I have no plans of leaving and there’s no hidden drama. Just the need for renewal.

So thank you for releasing me to do this and thank you to our vestry and staff for generously supporting this meaningful time. My sabbatical begins May 14 and I will return for Sunday worship on August 3. Some FAQs are below, if you’re so inclined.

I want to pray for you while I’m away, so please consider adding your confidential prayers to this list. Thanks in advance for your prayers for me!

Peace,
Seth+

FAQs

What is a sabbatical?

A sabbatical is really just an extended sabbath, a time of rest and recovery from a long season of work or ministry. It’s a time-honored way to avoid burnout and a set apart time for contemplation, evaluation and some personal and professional development away from the everyday rigors of ministry. As Kate Bowler aptly put it, “Ministry is an emotionally expensive job.” That’s why every full-time staff member at Village is afforded a sabbatical every 7 years.

From where does the practice come?

The sabbatical tradition began in the universities at a time when the university was part of the church. (Fun fact: Monks started the first universities in Italy). Professors, who were most often ministers, too, were given one year in every seven to become students again and to refresh their spiritual calling. Over the centuries, the practice of a pastoral sabbatical developed. This has taken different forms in various denominations and times in history, but the norm seems to have settled around something like three-to-six months off every seven years or so.

How does it benefit the congregation?

As mentioned above, the sabbatical is not just for the minister. Not only does the minister have time to renew his experience of and relationship to the parish through rest and reflection, but the congregation also has a unique opportunity to renew their relationship to leadership, parish and the community. It’s often a helpful way to consider how a congregation is “being the Church” together - being the ministry, not just benefitting from it. And it also ensures that, with needful rest, there is not the loss of a burned-out leader who departs in the hope of finding reprieve, which can badly disrupt the life of the congregation.

Why are you taking it now?

Ten years on from planting Village Church have found me tired enough to feel burnout knocking at my door. Thankfully, over the last year, Matt+ and Mike+ have brought full-time partnership and refreshing relatability. Together, they’ve been a wonderful compliment to my leadership and given me far more energy than they’ve taken. Our staff is so hard-working and conscientious. We have the best Operations Director any church could hope for in Heather and she’s a joy to work with. Nevertheless, it’s time to recover more of the essential joy of ministry that counterbalances its demands on me and my family.

Who will be leading at Village?

Our associate rector, Matt Wilkins+, will function as the interim rector while I’m gone, directing our Sundays, leading our staff and guiding our ministries. Heather will be to him the same operational partner and guide she is to me. And our vestry will be highly engaged in the weekly affairs of the parish. Village is in good hands. Mike Juday+ from the Saint Thomas mission will be available some Sundays to preach and celebrate Communion, along with a few other clergy available to step in here and there to give Matt+ some time away.

What will you be doing?

To start, I’ll be getting away a good bit, which is recommended. My goal is to read and pray 3 hours per day, in the morning, except when traveling. I won’t be filling up my time with too much travel and busyness, but will be getting some appropriate distance from Greenville. I will also have a sabbatical coach to help me make the most of the time.

Here are some highlights from my travel plans:

• Ignatian retreat at Mepkin Abbey in Monck’s Corner, SC

• Family time at St. Augustine Beach, FL (the beach I grew up on)

• Connecting with extended family and nature in the Shenandoah Valley of VA.

• Silent retreat at Christ in the Desert monastery in Abiqui, NM

• Mountain biking in Snowshoe, WV and Western North Carolina.

• A family trip to the United Kingdom. I’m most excited about visiting Northumberland, the holy island of Lindesfarne, Edinburgh, and the 6th century ruins of Augustine’s abbey in Canterbury.

• Time with Bishop Thad Barnum, who handles soul care for clergy throughout the ACNA.