A Sabbatical #1: How to request it (especially for those in full-time Christian ministry)

Photo: Gavin Fordham

You probably came across this blog post because you are considering requesting a sabbatical, or you are already in the early stages of planning one. You will have many questions: Am I entitled to it? Will I be allowed it? What will people think? Who will do my work? Will I continue to receive my allowance? What will I do with the time? 

If you have questions like these, you will want to know what the first steps are to getting a sabbatical approved. More and more, organizations and businesses are realizing the value of such a time for their employees, that they actively encourage it. In my organization, the concept is not so widely practiced, so I had to do some research myself to decide on the best way to approach it. 

10 Steps to requesting and announcing a sabbatical 

1. You realize that you have come to a crossroads in you ministry and that you need to do something. Continuing with the status-quo is no longer an option. Most people request a sabbatical when they are: a) facing or considering a ministry transition; b) when they are struggling with burnout (not always 'over-work' related but often a 'frustration' because they feel they are not making a significant contribution); c) If you haven’t had a sabbatical in the last 7-10 years.
2. Talk with close family and friends about your feelings and frustrations and ask them if they recommend a "time-out". Usually it will be so bleatendly obvious to these people that you will not need to do much convincing. 
3. Talk with your church leadership (both in your sending church and the church you regularly attend). It's important that you bring them with you in your thought process, especially if a major change is being considered. 
4. Write down the reasons why you would like to request a sabbatical and also the goals you would like to achieve. When doing this, I found the Sabbatical Guidelines from the Navigators to be very helpful.
5. Request a meeting with your boss, were you gently request a sabbatical (remember you may have been thinking about it everyday over a long period of time but for him it may be a surprise and the concept may be something he has not explored).
6. Meet again to discuss the time frame and the practicalities involved. Hopefully by this stage you will have received permission.
7. Create a plan with suggestions of how to delegate your responsibilities during your abscence and get your bosses' approval. 
8. Meet individually with those who will be affected the most by your absence (e.g. co-workers). Explain your plan and seek their cooperation. Give them the tools they need (e.g. teaching notes, email access, contact information…). Cancel engagements or find replacements.
9. Make your plans known, starting with those closest to you and working out, to releasing a prayer letter. (From this point it will be common knowledge.)
10. When complete, circulate a plan to all affected, explaining who will be responsible for what during which time period. Also stress the importance that you be allowed to completely withdraw during this time (i.e. you do not wish to be contacted and you will not be checking email but setting up an automatic out-of-office reply. What others can't deal with, will have to wait.)

Successfully communicating the reason for your sabbatical to your co-workers will ensure their support and willingness to take on additional responsibilities during your absence. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you have this support will increase the effectiveness of your sabbatical.

In the next post I will talk about setting goals for your sabbatical and planning how you will spend your time.