At its meeting in October 2005, General Council Executive, pursuant to the direction of General Council 2003, adopted a Sabbatical Policy.

A sabbatical is a period of at least three consecutive months intentionally set aside for reflection, recreation and revitalization, unencumbered by their usual responsibilities, and yet still receiving remuneration and benefits. Sabbatical finds expression in study, rest, spiritual retreat and prayer.

The Sabbatical Policy for Ministry Personnel in Pastoral Relationships is applicable to every Pastoral Charge and all full and part-time Ministry Personnel in pastoral relationships who have completed 5 or more years of service in the Pastoral Charge.

The Process:

• Ministry Personnel Completes five years of service to the Pastoral Charge
• Ministry Personnel Develops Sabbatical Plan and timeline and provides the congregation with one year's notice of the sabbatical
• Ministry Personnel begins a dialogue with Pastoral Charge through its M&P Committee about the nature of and process for the Sabbatical
• Pastoral Charge board or council approves the sabbatical
• Pastoral Charge notifies presbytery of the planned sabbatical providing the presbytery with six month's notice
• The Pastoral Charge makes arrangements for leadership during the sabbatical period (applies for funding from the National Church where applicable)
• The Pastoral Charge continues all salary and benefits for the duration of the sabbatical
• Ministry Personnel provides a report to the Pastoral Charge about the sabbatical
• Ministry Personnel remains in pastoral relationship with the Pastoral Charge for at least one year following the sabbatical

Some Resources:

• Adams, James & Celia Hahn. (1975). A Minister's sabbatical as an experience in Leaving to Share the Ministry. Alban Institute.
• Bullock, A. Richard. (1998). Sabbatical Planning for Clergy & Congregations. Alban Institute.
• Bullock, A. Richard. (2000) Clergy Renewal, The Alban guide to Sabbatical planning. Alban Institute. (This is a must Read when preparing for sabbatical).
• Chisttister, J. (1991). Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. Harper San Francisco.
• Dawn, Marva. (1999). Keeping the Sabbath Wholly. Eerdmans.
• Dickson, Charles. (Nov/Dec 1993). Planning A Pastoral Sabbatical, "The Clergy Journal".
• Dietterich, Inagrace. (2001). The Practice of Sabbath Time The Centre for Parish Development.
• Gabbard, Douglas. (Jan/Feb 2001). Sabbath as Spiritual Discipline, "Congregations". Alban Institute.
• Helm, Norman. G. (Jan/Feb 1993). The Parish And the Minister's Sabbatical, "Congregations". Alban Institute.
• Oswald, Roy M., (1991). Clergy Self-care: Finding a Balance for Effective Ministry. Alban Institute.
• Oswald, Roy M., Why You Should Give Your Pastor A Sabbatical (video: #AL247). Alban Institute. Includes 2-25 minute segments with a leaders guide.