It is possible that someone you know and care about is suffering from "clergy burnout."
What is the root cause for an unbalanced life and stress among clergy?
According to a study by Austin Presbyterian Seminary, pastors "burnout" because they have a hard time determining priorities for a balanced life involving their congregation, their professional life and their personal life. In popular time management language, pastors become captive to "the tyranny of the urgent" at the expense of "the important."
To avoid "burnout," pastors need whatever will give them perspective and keep them fully charged--or get them recharged--for pastoral ministry. Activities at the top of the list are those that contribute to their growth and renewal as persons, as well as spiritual leaders.
The clergy sabbatical is a specific activity with enormous potential to restore vision and vitality to the pastor. The sabbatical offers the pastor time to reflect, plan and prepare. The sabbatical offers renewal. The sabbatical offers time to re-focus and re-connect with the passion that initially led the pastor into ministry.
In recognition of the importance of clergy renewal, for the past 10 years, Lily Endowment has awarded grants to congregations for clergy sabbaticals. For more information, visit www.ClergyRenewal.org.
Clergy may want to consider another resource as they look for ways to create an affordable clergy sabbatical--the home exchange.
Beginning in Europe during the 1950s, schoolteachers began the home exchange movement in their quest for an affordable summer holiday. Now, people from all walks of life are doing home exchanges, with help from "online" home exchange organizations.
Some faith-based home exchange organizations have emerged that may be of special interest to pastors interested in using a home exchange for an affordable sabbatical.
"Clergy burnout" is not inevitable, but it is common. Help your pastor achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Encourage your pastor in the habit of setting aside time for self-care, time for their marriage and family, as well as time to serve the local church.
The clergy sabbatical may provide the much-needed "time out" to a healthier and happier pastor.
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