a. A sabbatical leave is understood to be a time
of release from normal duties in order that a pastor may
devote time to renewal and study. No pastor is obligated
to take a sabbatical leave.
b. A sabbatical leave is understood as an integral and
important part of an overall strategy for enhancing the
mission of the congregation through pastoral renewal,
development, and growth.
c. Pastors shall be eligible for a sabbatical leave of
up to three months after having continuously served the
congregation full-time for six years. Thereafter, a
pastor shall be eligible for further sabbaticals every
seventh year.
d. Recipients of sabbatical leave opportunities will
be expected to serve the congregation for at least one
year following return from a sabbatical leave.
e. Sabbatical leaves are not granted automatically,
but shall be evaluated, approved, and administered by the
Congregation Council.
a. Sabbatical leave procedures are to be
considered flexible so as to accommodate unusual
opportunities that may develop.
b. Since the congregation and entire church are
ultimately enriched by the pastor=s sabbatical leave, it
is desirable th there be shared planning with the
pastor's co-workers, interested congregational members,
and Congregation Council.
c. Pastors seeking sabbatical leave shall submit a
written proposal to the Congregation Council providing
adequate notice of the requested sabbaticals so as to
allow for necessary coordination and budgeting for the
proposed leave. Notice of between three and six months
is encouraged.
d. Proposals to the Congregation Council should
include the following:
1. Personal objectives and program
objectives
2. A description of the major elements of the
experience
3. Proposed beginning date and end date
4. Suggestions of how current job responsibilities
will be handled during the leave
5. A description of any anticipated budgetary
implications
e. A sabbatical leave is separate and distinct from
continuing education and vacation. Vacation shall be
granted during a sabbatical year as in any other year.
Continuing education time shall be forfeited during a
sabbatical year.
f. A pastor shall continue to receive normal
compensation and benefits during the period of the
sabbatical leave.
g. The pastor on sabbatical leave shall be
responsible for the costs of the sabbatical, unless the
congregation chooses to contribute to such costs. The
pastor may choose to use accumulated continuing education
funds for such purpose.
h.Within a month of return from sabbatical leave, the
pastor shall submit a written report and evaluation of
the leave to the Congregational Council.