Sabbaticals
A sabbatical is a unique opportunity to revive your soul through rest, hear from God, confirm your calling, revive creativity, and experienced renewed vision so you can return to work refreshed.
If you’ve been going strong in ministry for a while, even if you don’t yet feel worn down, a sabbatical might be just the thing to keep you vitalized and healthy in your life, your work, and your faith. In fact, all Navigators staff who have served for 7-10 years are encouraged to take a three- to six-month sabbatical to disengage from normal ministry and leadership, allowing for reflection on life and ministry.
Rest: in Scripture, rest is actually the first thing God has Adam do, so that when humans receive the mandate to be fruitful in the garden, they work from well-restedness, starting even that first week refreshed from enjoying God’s companionship—instead of doing what we often do, pushing ourselves hard til we crash into the weekend!
Should I take a Sabbatical?
How Do I Launch a Successful Sabbatical Experience?
What Will I Do During a Sabbatical
FAQs
General
1. What is The Navigators’ policy on sabbaticals?
The Navigator policy is to strongly encourage every Navigator Staff to take a 3-6-month sabbatical every 7-10 years.2. How far ahead should I plan to take a sabbatical and come to the Sabbatical Orientation Workshop (SOW)?
You are encouraged to plan out 3-10 years, knowing that Navigators leadership encourages you to take a 3-6-month sabbatical every 7-10 years. This will allow you to set expectations with family, teammates, and supervisors. Attending the SOW 3-24 months before your sabbatical starts will help you set up your sabbatical well. When it is appropriate, before the first phase of your sabbatical, be sure to fill out and email the Sabbatical Infomation Form to tdc@navigators.org3. How do I determine the length of my sabbatical?
We strongly encourage staff to take a 3-6 month sabbatical every 7-10 years. The length of the sabbatical should be mutually determined by the Staff, Sabbatical Advisor, and the supervisor. For some staff, a shorter sabbatical seems to work best. For others, a longer one seems appropriate.4. How do I choose a Sabbatical Advisor?
The choice of a Sabbatical Advisor is a collaborative effort between you, your supervisor, and The Navigators’ Director of Staff Sabbaticals. Where possible, a Sabbatical Advisor is selected from someone who:- Has completed a sabbatical.
- Lives in the same geographic region (but meeting virtually can work well in some situations when geographically separated).
- Understands the critical role of a sabbatical advisor.
- Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve.
5. Do I have to attend a Sabbatical Orientation Workshop (SOW)?
If you’ve never attended a SOW before, we strongly recommend that you do. The SOW is designed to give tools and set a tone for those who are new to the process. If this isn’t your first sabbatical, you’re still welcome to come, but can feel free to opt out. The SOW is currently provided two times per year, early February and late July.6. Should I come to the SOW if I have already started my sabbatical?
We suggest you plan your sabbatical out far enough into the future so that you can come to the Sabbatical Orientation Workshop (SOW) 3-24 months before your sabbatical starts. However, if that is not possible:- If the SOW happens during your rest phase, you are encouraged to come. It will still be helpful.
- If the SOW happens after your rest phase, then you are encouraged not to attend. The information and orientation would not be timely.
7. How do I set boundaries for family, friends, and disciples during my sabbatical?
It is beneficial to communicate that this is a special season of renewal and reflection encouraged by your ministry leaders. There will be a period of time where you will slow down your pace of life in order to focus on serious evaluation of life and ministry. Asking them to help you do this could be constructive.8. How do I communicate to my donors about my sabbatical and will they support me during my sabbatical?
You can let your donors know that you will be going on a sabbatical and share what the sabbatical model looks like. See sample newsletters in the Sabbatical Guidelines. Donors will likely still support you once they understand our sabbatical model. See “Communicating with Your Church, Friends, and Supporters about Your Sabbatical,” a downloadable document here.9. Can I lead a Bible study, meet with my best disciple, or attend staff meetings during my sabbatical?
We suggest that you relinquish all ministry and leadership involvement during your sabbatical. This is a time to “cease.” Since Navigator ministry is so life-on-life, a couple of questions to consider are, “Is this life-giving?” and “Is this about relationship or discipleship/ministry?”10. How is a sabbatical different from a vacation?
They are similar, and they are different.- Similarities – Both:
- have elements of rest.
- are applications of the Biblical Principle of Rest, Sabbath, Festivals, Sabbatic Year.
- are breaks from the regular schedule of work and are a change of pace and focus.
- require planning.
- Differences – 3 Differences:
- Definition
- Goal/Results
- Supervision
- Definitions
- Vacation:
- A period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: Schoolchildren are on vacation now.
- A part of the year, regularly set aside, when normal activities of law courts, legislatures, etc., are suspended.
- Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity. (Dictionary.com)
- Sabbatical: There are several models for a sabbatical. The sabbatical definition we are using is from The Navigators’ Sabbatical Guidelines:
- a guided process where we deliberately trust God for the unfinished as we disengage from normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow for serious evaluation of life and ministry.
- Our sabbatical model has five Phases (note “Rest” is only one of the Phases):
- Release/Relinquish,
- Rest/Recovery,
- Reflection/Refocus,
- Realignment/Reassignment,
- Re-Entry/Re-Engagement
- Goal/Results:
- the goal of vacation is usually “a break” where you’ve experienced a different focus and pace. You hope to come back refreshed, but you often come back tired.
- of a sabbatical is to be refreshed, hear from God, and learn from Jesus. A result of the serious evaluation will be intentional life and ministry changes.
- Supervision
- A vacation is self-directed, unsupervised
- A sabbatical is team-directed, supervised.
Mission Leader, Mission Admin, and Field Support Center
1. What is The Navigators’ policy on sabbaticals?
The Navigators’ policy is to strongly encourage every Navigator staff to take a 3-6-month sabbatical every 7-10 years.2. What’s our responsibility to their supervisor, their Sabbatical Advisor, and to HR?
HR needs to know if there are any delegations of responsibilities for the person(s) on sabbatical that they need to be aware of. The Supervisor Check-In Form and the Supervisory Delegation Form could be helpful. These forms are available under the Resources section at www.tdcresourcehub.org/sabbatical. The staff is responsible to communicate with their supervisor and connect with HR as needed. The Sabbatical Advisor’s responsibility is to shepherd the staff through their sabbatical phases. Feel free to connect with the person(s) on sabbatical at any time to find out how they are doing. Please do not engage them in any ministry conversation.3. How do the person(s) going on sabbatical determine the length of their sabbatical?
We strongly encourage staff to take a 3- to 6-month sabbatical every 7-10 years. The length of the sabbatical should be mutually determined by the person(s) going on sabbatical, the supervisor, and the Sabbatical Advisor. For some staff, a shorter sabbatical seems to work best. For others, a longer one seems appropriate.4. How often should the person(s) on sabbatical communicate with their supervisor during their sabbatical?
They are encouraged to connect with their supervisor once per phase during their sabbatical. Supervisors are to feel free 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.5. At what point on the sabbatical process can staff receive new job offers?
The person(s) on sabbatical are encouraged to ask people to wait until the Realignment/ Reassignment Phase of their sabbatical before other opportunities are presented. They have been instructed to be sure that their supervisor is aware of and in agreement with them before pursuing another assignment. If they want 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.6. How do we set up a sabbatical rotation plan for the people we supervise?
Thanks for considering this. The NLT encourages Navigator staff to take a 3-6 month sabbatical every 7-10 years. How could you lead the staff you supervise to experience this gift? One way is to set up a sabbatical rotation plan (example on this site) which gives your staff hope and helps set expectations. You are encouraged to plan out a rotating 10-year window for the staff you supervise. You could prepare a draft plan yourself, draft the plan together with your staff during a meeting, or some other way that fits your situation. This plan does not have to be concrete and can be modified as you and your team see fit. An annual review of the rotation plan could be helpful in each staff’s PPR. This opportunity should be encouraged by you, considered during the PPR cycle, and communicated as a positive opportunity. Some great times to consider a sabbatical: – When they are facing or considering a transition in life or ministry. – When they are struggling with burnout or resenting their calling. – If they haven’t had a sabbatical in the last 7-10 years.Supervisor
1. What is The Navigators’ policy on sabbaticals?
The Navigator policy is to strongly encourage every Navigator Staff to take a 3-6-month sabbatical every 7-10 years.2. What is my responsibility as a supervisor to the Sabbatical Advisor and the Staff on sabbatical?
During the Sabbatical Discussion/Planning phase the supervisor, the person(s) going on sabbatical, and the Sabbatical Advisor are the primary players to mutually set direction and draft a sabbatical plan. The plan needs to be approved by the supervisor. During the actual Sabbatical the person(s), Sabbatical Advisor and Sabbatical Support Team are the primary players. The supervisor should expect the staff 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.3. What’s my responsibility as a supervisor to the Sabbatical Advisor and to HR?
HR needs to know if there are any delegations of responsibility for the person(s) on sabbatical that they need to be aware of. The Supervisor Check-In Form and the Supervisory Delegation Form could be helpful. These forms are available under the Resources section at www.tdcresourcehub.org/sabbatical. The staff is responsible to communicate with their supervisor and connect with HR as needed. The Sabbatical Advisor’s responsibility is to shepherd the staff through their sabbatical phases. Feel free to connect with the person(s) on sabbatical at any time to find out how they are doing. Please do not engage them in any ministry conversation.4. Should I as the supervisor be on their Sabbatical Support Team?
That depends on your relationship with them. If you have a relationship that allows them to share their heart and you can focus on what is best for them regardless of impact on the ministry, then great.5. How often should I communicate with them during their sabbatical?
They have been encouraged to connect with you once per phase during their sabbatical. Feel free to connect with the person(s) on sabbatical at any time to find out how they are doing. Please do not engage them in any ministry conversation.6. At what point on the sabbatical process can people make them job offers?
The 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 you and the person(s) on sabbatical are aware of and in agreement 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.7. How do I set up a sabbatical rotation plan for the people I supervise?
Thanks for considering this. The NLT encourages Navigator staff to take a 3-6 month sabbatical every 7-10 years. How could you lead the staff you supervise to experience this gift? One way is to set up a sabbatical rotation plan (example on this site) which gives your staff hope and helps set expectations. You are encouraged to plan out a rotating 10-year window for the staff you supervise. You could prepare a draft plan yourself, draft the plan together with your staff during a meeting, or some other way that fits your situation. This plan does not have to be concrete and can be modified as you and your team see fit. An annual review of the rotation plan could be helpful in each staff’s PPR. This opportunity should be encouraged by you, considered during the PPR cycle, and communicated as a positive opportunity. Some great times to consider a sabbatical:- When they are facing or considering a transition in life or ministry.
- When they are struggling with burnout or resenting their calling.
- If they haven’t had a sabbatical in the last 7-10 years.
Advisor
1. 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.2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.5. 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.6. 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.7. 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.8. 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.9. 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.
Sabbatical Support Team
1.What is the role of the Sabbatical Support Team (SST)?
Those on sabbatical 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 with staff through their sabbatical. We suggest the SST (including the Sabbatical Advisor) meet with the person(s) on sabbatical every month or so as a group, so the synergy of the group benefits them.2. How is a Sabbatical Support Team chosen?
Someone 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 the Sabbatical Advisor will participate in the group.) Ideally, people on the SST should meet the following criteria:- Have the person’s best interest at heart.
- Be willing to speak truth to them.
- The person(s) are willing to be transparent and vulnerable with you. (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.
