Advisor FAQ for Sabbaticals

What is the role of the Sabbatical Advisor? #

The Sabbatical Advisor’s primary role is to shepherd the person(s) through the phases of their sabbatical. Each advisor brings their strengths to the relationship. We suggest each person meet with their Sabbatical Advisor every couple of weeks to keep a finger on the pulse of their progress through their sabbatical.

How do the person(s) on sabbatical choose a Sabbatical Advisor? #

Each person on sabbatical should have a Sabbatical Advisor. The choice of a Sabbatical Advisor is a collaborative effort between the person(s), their supervisor, and The Navigators’ Director of Sabbaticals. Where possible, a Sabbatical Advisor is selected from someone who:

• Has completed a sabbatical.
• Lives in the same geographic region.
• Understands the critical role of a sabbatical advisor.
• Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve.

The role of a sabbatical advisor is to shepherd the person through their sabbatical process. Help is available to orient and mentor sabbatical advisors.

Is there training or mentoring available for Sabbatical Advisors? Is there a certification or standard in order to be a Sabbatical Advisor? #

The Sabbatical Guidelines contain all the orientation needed to be a Sabbatical Advisor. Some coaching could be available for the Sabbatical Advisors, but there is no certification required. Anyone can be a Sabbatical Advisor. Each person will bring their strengths to the role. The choice of a Sabbatical Advisor is a collaborative effort between the person, their supervisor, and The Navigators’ Sabbatical Director. Where possible, a Sabbatical Advisor is selected from someone who:

• Has completed a sabbatical.
• Lives in the same geographic region.
• Understands the critical role of a Sabbatical Advisor.
• Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve.

The role of a Sabbatical Advisor is to shepherd the person through their sabbatical process. Help is available to orient and mentor Sabbatical Advisors.

What’s our responsibility as a Sabbatical Advisor to their supervisor and to HR? #

Your responsibility is to shepherd the person(s) through their sabbatical phases. The person(s) on sabbatical are responsible to communicate with their supervisor at least once per phase and to and connect with HR as needed. Supervisors are encouraged to connect with the person(s) on sabbatical at any time to find out how they are doing. They are just asked to not engage them in any ministry conversation. HR needs to know if there are any delegations of responsibility for the person(s) on sabbatical. The Supervisor Check-In Form and the Supervisory Delegation Form could be helpful. These forms are available on this site.

What is the responsibility of a supervisor to the Sabbatical Advisor and the person on sabbatical? #

During the Sabbatical Discussion/Planning phase the supervisor, the person(s) on sabbatical, and the Sabbatical Advisor are the primary players to mutually set direction and draft a sabbatical plan. During the actual Sabbatical the person(s) on sabbatical, the Sabbatical Advisor, and the Sabbatical Support Team are the primary players. The supervisor should expect the person(s) to connect with them at least once every phase of the sabbatical. If there are any changes to the sabbatical plan, the supervisor should be brought in in order to approve the changes.

At what point in the sabbatical process can people make them job offers? #

Person(s) on sabbatical are encouraged to ask people to wait until the Realignment/ Reassignment Phase of their sabbatical before the door is opened for other opportunities to be presented. Be sure that their supervisor is aware of and in agreement with them before pursuing another assignment. If they are wanting to consider offers outside their current Mission/Network/City, they can reach out to Ken Larson (Ken.Larson@navigators.org) or Navs HR. They will be aware of opportunities and facilitate dialogue across the work.

Should a person’s supervisor be on their Sabbatical Support Team? #

That depends on their relationship with their supervisor. If they have a relationship that allows them to share their heart and their supervisor can focus on what is best for them regardless of impact on the ministry, then great.

What is the role of the Sabbatical Support Team (SST)? #

During the persons’ sabbatical, they should disengage completely from leadership and ministry responsibilities, but this doesn’t mean isolation or lack of fellowship. The SST provides a community to journey together through their sabbatical. We suggest they meet with their SST and you every month or so as a group, so the synergy of the group benefits them.

How does the person on sabbatical choose a Sabbatical Support Team? #

Anyone taking a sabbatical may experience lack of community, loss of perspective, and a sense of isolation. While we all need times alone, we live and minister in community. To meet this need for community, everyone on sabbatical is encouraged to establish a Sabbatical Support Team. Ideally, this group consists of 3-10 people (both Navigator and non-Navigator where possible) with whom they have a safe relationship. This group meets with them each month to help process their journey in a safe environment. The person(s) on sabbatical facilitate the meetings, sharing first their current progress and then asking for input. (It is expected and desirable that their Sabbatical Advisor will participate in the group.) Ideally, people in the SST should meet the following criteria:

• Have their best interest at heart.
• Willing to speak truth to them.
• People with whom they are willing to be transparent and vulnerable.

(Transparent: open and honest about themselves. Vulnerable: invite others to speak into their life.) The team should be willing to meet monthly for the duration of the sabbatical.