Summer Sabbatical
A LETTER FROM DR. SWANSON:
Over the years, our pastors have taken longer periods away from the church for seasons of rest, renewal and study. These are commonly referred to as sabbaticals. Both Tanner and I will be taking one over the summer months, so this is an overview of our practice and philosophy so that you can be in prayer with us and for us while we’re away.
The First Presbyterian Church policy states:
“The concept of sabbatical is rooted in the biblical concept of “Sabbath” which God modeled (Genesis 2:1-4) and commanded (Exodus 20:8-11). In Leviticus 25:1-7, the Lord says that after the sixth year the people were not supposed to sow the fields or harvest a crop. The land was allowed to rest, and therefore, so were the people. Sabbaticals have often been used in the church for the purpose of refreshing a pastor spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
We believe a time of sabbatical is important both in the sharpening and renewal of the pastor and for the health and strength of the Church. Clearly, in Scripture, there is a work/rest design, both for a short-term cycle (weekly) and an extended cycle (the year of Jubilee). In fact, the extended cycle was taken so seriously that the Lord commanded the return of land to its original owners after fifty years ("In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his own property.” Leviticus 25:13).
In the New Testament, two important examples exist to help us see the pattern of rest. After thirty-some years of living, and just before entering the most demanding and stressful time of His life, Jesus spent forty days alone to fast, pray and reflect. Further, the Apostle Paul, following his conversion and earliest ministry, spent time in obscurity in his home area before Barnabas sought him out for his “life’s work” (Acts 11:25).”
As a result of these Biblical admonitions, our elders encourage pastoral sabbaticals, and I am grateful to serve in a church that takes the care of its pastors seriously. Thankfully, our church is in a place of good health, such that sabbaticals can be securely allocated. Towards that end, Tanner Fox will be on sabbatical beginning May 1, returning to the office on July 14. I will be on sabbatical beginning August 1, returning to the office November 1.
During this time, I would ask for your support of the pastoral team that remains. It is their sacrifice that makes this time possible and such a gift is not taken for granted. I would also ask for your faithful prayers for Tanner and me in the weeks we are gone. This will be my third one, and I can attest to the significance they have played in my longevity and ongoing creativity at First Pres. Pray for the Lord to grant us rest and renewal as we pursue Him!
Should you have any questions during this time, feel free to contact Jack Peebles, who will be overseeing the ministries in my absence, or Charles Bell, who will oversee operations.
We will both be eager to share our experiences upon your return. God bless!
David D. Swanson
Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando