This page is under development. We will provide more information as we obtain it.

 

 CLERGY SABBATICAL PROGRAM

Jesus took himself apart often in his ministry; to pray, to be with God, to be renewed. The Bishops’ sponsored Clergy Sabbatical Program seeks to ensure that all clergy in the Diocese of Atlanta have an opportunity for a time of Sabbath; for a renewal of spirit and a reaffirmation of life with God as well as opportunities for creativity and discovery for both the clergy person and the congregation.

PRINCIPLES:
The following grounding principles of the Clergy Sabbatical Program help to give focus to your sabbatical:

  • a sabbatical and the preparation for it is a time of intentional, focused reflection and renewal for the clergy person and, hopefully, also for the congregation (parish, mission, chaplaincy, or other faith community). The actual shape of the sabbatical time is determined by the specific vocational, personal needs and desires of the clergy person and his or her family. How a congregation uses this time is also determined by that congregation’s particular situation and desires.
  • a spirit of openness to the grace and possibilities of change and renewal, the gifts of the Holy Spirit

 

Information on Sabbaticals

Congregational Resources 

Clergy sabbaticals keep your ministry vital by providing time for rest, renewal, and study. Where are sources of financial support? What are the best procedures? Discover how your congregation, as well as your clergy, may be renewed.

 

The Need for Clergy Renewal 

  From the Alban Weekly - Week of 1/2/2006

 

Is there a resource for clergy sabbaticals?

 A Sabbatical offers the opportunity to revitalize and gain new perspective with "holy play.' "Without a vision, the people perish" are important words from Proverbs 29:18 for clergy and congregations. - The Office of Ministry of the Episcopal Church
 

 Diocesan Resources

 Resources within our diocese on taking sabbatical, still being developed.
 

Books from our Resource Center 

 Journeying toward renewal: a spiritual companion for pastoral sabbaticals
 by Melissa Bane Sevier 

Helps to shepherd pastors through the unknowns of renewal leave. Provides engaging reflections on the experience of being on sabbatical, and includes excercise, activities, and other resources to ge the most out our their renewal leaves.

 

Clergy renewal: the Alban guide to sabbitical planning. c2000
by A. Richard Bullock 

A definitive guide to putting together refreshing pastoral sabbaticals that can help keep ministry vital and growing

For more information about these resources, please contact Linda Scott at lscott@episcopalatlanta.org or 404-601-5330