What is a pastor's sabbatical and what are the details for this one in particular? Those are great questions! In fact, I prepared an FAQ document to answer those very questions. It opens with these words:
"On Sunday, July 26, we announced that I and my family are granted a spiritual renewal sabbatical, from October 19 through the end of this, our 7th year at Community Grace. Since not everyone was in attendance, here is much of what was said that morning and in that evening’s Q2 business meeting, and more!"
One new question that came up was, "Isn't this a challenging time for the pastor to be gone, with all the NEXT Initiative work going on?" The elders answered quickly: "It would be a challenge at any time. He should go now."
--And I would add a personal word of assurance about this good question. I've come to believe this is the perfect time. The organizational groundwork of the NEXT Initiative work is set fully in motion. Now, it is time for me to pursue clarity of God's vision for what is to come from it, over the next several years of an entirely new era. Be ready to hear and join it in January!
Click below to read all the other details, for the Overstreets and for Community Grace while we are away. I have confidence in our staff, elders, many leaders, and entire congregation to lead, welcome, serve, and minister well to everyone who comes and to grow the church in which Jesus has placed us by His glorious grace. Welcome to CG!