Sabbatical Policy
First Church of the Nazarene
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Recognizing that normal routines often do not provide for reflection and renewal of the vision and mission of the Pastor’s ministry, the congregation will provide a sabbatical for the pastoral staff. The benefits of the sabbatical for the pastoral staff member and congregation are to:
- Express gratitude and high value to the pastoral staff member.
- Share in the building of the pastor for continued service.
- Strengthen the relationship between Pastor and Congregation.
Policy on Ministerial Sabbatical
- The Senior Pastor shall be entitled to a three-month leave after six years with this congregation and entitled again after every four years.
- The timing of the sabbatical leave shall take into consideration the needs of the congregation, the scheduling needs from the pastor’s proposal, and other pertinent concerns as may be established.
- A written proposal shall be presented to the church board at least six months prior to the beginning of the desired sabbatical. The proposal shall include the expectations of the leave, focus of the leave, travel plans, and a listing of the church tasks to be cared for in the absence of the pastor.
- During the year of the sabbatical, time ordinarily allotted for the continuing education will not be used. Vacation time will not be reduced because of the sabbatical leave, nor will it be used to extend the sabbatical period.
- The financial support of the pastor during the sabbatical period will include full salary and retirement benefits, insurance and social security. Travel and entertainment allowance will be suspended during this period. A stipend will also be provided, with the amount to be determined by the board after the consideration of the application and proposal.
- A Sabbatical Committee will be formed, with the compositions determined by the pastor and church board.
- To allow for congregational and pastoral benefit from the leave, the pastor will be expected to remain in employment with this congregation for a period of at least 12 months plus the amount of time of the sabbatical after the conclusion of the leave. Financial arrangements for repayment of expenditures to the church will be made between the church board and the pastor if a shorter period than this is considered.
- No two members of the pastoral staff may be on sabbatical leave in the same church year.
- Any additional hiring of permanent personnel will be decided on and arranged for prior to the sabbatical departure of the pastor.
- Mutual communication between the pastor and the Sabbatical Committee during the leave period will be on a regular basis occurring monthly, or as needed.
- An evaluation of the sabbatical leave will be viewed in terms of the ministerial impact and of the congregational impact. The pastor and the Sabbatical Committee will each prepare an initial written review about one month after the completion of the leave period. Topics will address the favorable as well as any unfavorable aspects of this period. An additional written report will be prepared by both about six months after the leave. A copy of each of the reviews will be forwarded to the district superintendent for review, along with a copy of the evaluation.
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