Issues to be addressed and included in the preparation of a Ministry Sabbatical Policy for your church

Purpose and Parameters of the Sabbatical Eligibility

o Does the policy include part-time staff?

o Does the ministry leader need to have served for a certain period at the congregation before the sabbatical?

o Will there be an expectation that the ministry leader remain at the congregation for a period of time after the sabbatical?

Length: Typically, a three month sabbatical taken in the seventh year and then every five years (planned in the previous year) is recommended.

Scheduling and Priorities

Accountabilities

Funding Options and Plan

o Congregation may want to set aside funds each year to save for a sabbatical year.

o Congregation may offer to match funds that a ministry leader sets aside for a future sabbatical.

o Congregations have held fund-raisers to finance the sabbatical period.

Sabbatical Covenant