Ready to Rest

Sabbatical. After spending several years in seminary, volunteer ministry, and full-time pastoral work, it was finally my turn. I had heard of other pastors going on them. Those who weren't able to take advantage of the extended time away still dreamed of the possibility. Knowing that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I started researching how to do a sabbatical well. 

What I found surprised me.

The vast majority of resources I found weren't about how to plan a great sabbatical. There were plenty of resources for those who needed to convince their church boards and congregations for the time away, but fewer for those who were preparing for one. So I scoured podcasts, blogs, sermons, and writings to set myself up for an incredible time away. I reached out to mentors and asked questions to learn from those who had taken the time away.

Now, I want to share what I learned with you.

The purpose of this guide is to help you prepare for your time away so that when it finally comes, you can actually enjoy it! I've distilled different perspectives, best practices, and personal experiences into a single resource that you can use to make the most of your sabbatical.

My prayer is that the wisdom contained in this resource will help you, your team, and your church to thrive during your sabbatical. Not only that, but may it help you move forward into whatever God has for you when you return. Sign up below for your free copy.

Enjoy!

Alex G.

Sermons and Podcast Interviews

• "Rethinking Rest" sermon by Alex Gowler
• "The Gift of Rest" sermon by Alex Gowler
• "When Love Feels Small" post-sabbatical sermon by Alex Gower
• "The Power in Rest Pt. 1" - The Honest Pod with Karrie Garcia (feat. Alex Gowler)
• "The Power in Rest Pt. 2" - The Honest Pod with Karrie Garcia (feat. Alex Gowler)

 Theology of Sabbath and Rest

• "Sabbath" Biblical Theme Video from BibleProject
• "Seventh Day Rest" Podcast Series from BibleProject
• "Sabbath" Sermon Series from Bridgetown Community Church in Portland, Oregon
• Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
• How to Unhurry by John Mark Comer

Planning Your Sabbatical

• "Sabbaticals Pt 1: What They Are and Why Every Leader Needs One" from the "Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast" with Pete Scazerro
• "Sabbaticals Pt. 2: How to Plan for a Transformational Sabbatical" from the "Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast" with Pete Scazerro
• Planning Sabbaticals: A Guide for Congregations and their Pastors by Robert Saler
• "Sabbatical Guide" online Course by Bill and Kristi Gaultriere of Soul Shepherding