The purpose of a sabbatical leave is to provide eligible pastors the opportunity to devote extended time to activities designed to foster spiritual and professional development. It is not intended as a time to address mental health or burn-out conditions. Those later issues should be addressed by other forms of leaves. 

A pastor who has been employed for at least seven continuous years in one church qualifies for a sabbatical leave. A normal sabbatical leave is three months (12 weeks). The pastor may decide to delay their sabbatical, but accrual of sabbatical leave ceases after seven years. 

The pastor must submit a request to Todd Lester or Melanie Wigg for a sabbatical leave.

The pastor is responsible for the following in preparation for a sabbatical leave:

1. A summary of the activities they will undertake during the sabbatical leave.
2. A statement of the goals and benefits from the experience.
3. A plan for coverage of their duties and responsibilities during the time of sabbatical.

The proposal should be completed at least six months prior to the anticipated start of the sabbatical leave. 

The pastor will continue to have the same employment status while on sabbatical leave including their salary and benefits. However, if they are employed by another organization during the sabbatical leave period, the salary paid by the church shall be appropriately reduced to the same net total as per their compensation agreement. 

The pastor applying for sabbatical leave agrees that they will stay at their place of employment for at least one year after returning from a sabbatical. 

If manageable and with approval by the local church board, sabbatical leave may be scheduled with all or part of any accrued vacation and/or professional development time.

If manageable, additional costs related to a sabbatical leave may be provided by the church.