Sabbatical Plan '26-'27

This sabbatical is long overdue; I became full-time at Good Shepherd in January 2018; our Policy Manual calls for 3 months of sabbatical after 5 years of full-time ministry. I would have taken a sabbatical in 2023, but with the congregation’s “recovery” from Covid, I’ve waited. Accordingly, I may ask for a “catch-up” sabbatical in a few years, but only if the situation warrants the same and if believe I need the break, at that point.

When?

I. 8/24/26 – 10/19/26 – sabbatical + vacation
II. 8/23/27 – 10/17/27 – sabbatical + vacation

The plan, after discussions with staff, is to take the sabbatical in two spurts: 6 weeks of sabbatical + a few weeks of vacay, during each of the two intervals, which I’ve seen a former colleague pastor do. I think being gone for 3 months, in one spurt, is too much for the needs of GS, while 6 weeks would be too short, for me. In addition, the hit to the financials for one year might be pushing it.

For each period, I would start the sabbatical immediately after the budget is voted on and passed (August 23, 2026, and August 24, 2-2027). It is important that I be here in the summer period to be involved with budgeting. My return would be just before Reformation, when festival services and the high season begin to happen, heading toward Advent and Xmas. Then, in both ’26 and ’27, Lent begins early, in early-mid February. Finally, in the spring, lots of important events and activities take place, leading into budgeting time. So, these August to October intervals are probably the most reasonable windows.

Why?

The purpose for the sabbaticals of professional church workers is stated in the sabbatical guidelines and resources by our denominational office: Southeastern District, LCMS, and the GSLC Sabbatical Policy created by the GSLC Board of Servant Leaders on March 18, 2021.

What and How?

The following is the agenda for the sabbatical:

1. Rest and care for family and friends. Obviously, the ministry demands lots of attention on it. This sabbatical will be an opportunity to reconnect with and care for family and friends, particularly those who are elderly and on their last legs of this life.
2. Sermon prep: Sabbaticals are great opportunities for developing preaching plans, especially without having to navigate the daily demands of the ministry and prepare for preaching in fits and starts. I will focus on the preaching that I would do from October – December of both ’26 and ’27. Accordingly, upon my return to GSLC in October, I can “catch up” on many other matters with less time needed to be spent on sermon prep.
3. Study and research regarding post-Covid trends in the ministry for medium-sized congregations, particularly Lutheran ones. What is working and what is not?
   Methods: interviews and discussions with congregational and denominational leaders and pastors; a questionnaire may be developed; and personal analysis based on my experiences in the ministry and prayer.
4. Pending: I may spend a bit of time at a retreat center.

Who?

I have asked Pastor James to fill in for me, including leading additional worship services as well as tackling additional preaching, visitations, and leading staff. He has agreed to do so. We are also discussing the possibility of inviting guest preachers, as needed. Georgia Thorstenson (our business manager) and I have met to calculate the additional costs to compensate Pastor James (a contractor) and or/guests preachers.

I aim to do plenty of work in advance of these intervals, such as planning worship elements for the months while I’m away, including selecting hymns, writing Sunday prayers, etc. I will hold meetings in the summer with all the heads of our congregation’s core ministry areas, so as to ensure that their plans, while I’m gone, are solid and clear.

If an important decision needs to be made, I will stand by to be contacted. I don’t plan to “absolutely” shut down from GSLC activity but be away from the day to day and week to week operations.

Costs

For information about costs, you may contact the church office.

Conclusion

May this sabbatical be of mutual benefit and growth to the congregation, staff, core ministry leaders, and volunteers as well as myself. I pray that the sabbatical offers opportunities for members of the staff, core ministry leaders, volunteers, and the congregation to emerge and grow in leadership.

Solely to the glory of God!

Pastor Johann