Sabbaticals for Clergy
Clergy Sabbaticals in the Diocese of Chester
Sabbatical leave is one of the gifts of clergy life … to withdraw as Jesus often did in order to renew their ministry. Clergy are able to apply for a sabbatical of three months after seven years of service (noting certain conditions and restrictions below.)
Sabbatical leave is one of the gifts of clergy life… but it requires reflection and careful preparation.
What is a sabbatical for?
Ask yourself: Why did Jesus withdraw? There seem to be several reasons in the Bible:
· To pray (Mark 1.35, or Matthew 13.23)
· To re-orient and reflect (John 6.15)
· For fellowship (Mark 4.10)
· For learning / teaching (John 8, Mark 4.10ff)
· For worship (Mark 9)
Theologically the theme of re-creation seems to be central to all of this, as per Colossians 2.6-12.
This may suggest that sabbatical is a space bounded by four constraints and focusses on this work of re-creation and renewal: rest, retreat, reflection, and relationship, as per this picture:
What is a sabbatical like?
No two sabbaticals will be the same; We do, however, look for:
1. The four key boundary elements to be reflected in some manner. If you think visually, you can move the purple circle around and reshape it, but it must stay in the box (and be big enough to touch on all 4 areas)!
2. The three foci of Recreation, Renewal and Playfulness (apart from Jesus, of course, who is always the main focus) should be clear. We want you to be imaginative enough in your planning to curate space for creativity, fun, challenge, and refreshment.
Planning
Your application should be clear about 6 things:
1. Rationale – what is the overall aim of the sabbatical?
2. Rest – what part does recharging and refreshing play?
3. Retreat – when where and how will you do this?
4. Reflection – how will you structure your thinking and praying?
5. Relationship – how will this sabbatical be a relational blessing?
6. Re-entry – how will you transition back into ‘normal life’ and allow the sabbatical to bear fruit?
How do I apply for a sabbatical?
You will need the approval of your suffragan bishop and the support of your wardens and PCC. The Ministry Team at Church House are there to support you in your preparation and you should contact them early on in the process by emailing ministry@chester.anglican.org, as well as contacting your suffragan bishop for an initial indication of support.
When you have initial support from your bishop, you will need to arrange a meeting with a member of the Ministry Team to develop your sabbatical proposal. This will inform your completion of the application form, which is linked below.
Your Application should be sent to your bishop (and copied to the Ministry Team). They will discuss this with colleagues and either approve or ask you to revise your application.
What funding is available?
There is limited funding available to support sabbaticals (up to £300 per person), as well as using CMD grants (up to £250 per person). External sources of funding can also be advised in the application process.
What happens after a sabbatical?
Clergy are asked to prepare a sabbatical report. A sabbatical is a significant investment and a short report will help in your own reflection on its benefits, and share this with the wider church. As an aid to re-entry clergy will be invited to make a short presentation about their experience at a post-sabbatical seminar.
Further information:
Sabbatical policy and procedures