Join Pastor Burnie Lund as he makes a compelling, scriptural case for the importance of sabbaticals and solitude, especially for pastoral staff who carry the constant emotional and spiritual burdens of their flock. Drawing from the Sabbath command in Exodus 20 and the Lord's invitation to "rest a while" in Mark 6, this message defines what a sabbatical truly is—a renewal leave—and explores how establishing a biblical rhythm of rest and reflection is an essential act of obedience and worship to God, not just a physical escape. Learn about the church's sabbatical policy, what the pastor will be focusing on for renewal, and how the church body can move forward with the given vision during the time of leave. This is a message of confession, encouragement, and a challenge to align the rhythms of our own lives more closely with God's design.

Chapters:

0:00:00 - Introduction and Message Focus

0:01:14 - A Need for a Break: The Courtesy Clerk Story

0:03:41 - The Need for a Pastoral Sabbatical

0:05:27 - Defining the Concept: From Sabbath to Sabbatical

0:07:54 - Defining Leave, Vacation, and Sabbatical

0:09:48 - Clarifying the Purpose of a Sabbatical: Renewal and Rest

0:11:42 - Corporations Offering Sabbaticals

0:12:00 - The Four Reasons for the Sabbath: Meditation, Repentance, Deloading, Gratitude

0:15:47 - Biblical Patterns of Sabbaths (Weekly, Seven-Year, Jubilee)

0:17:15 - A Call to Examine Our Own Rhythms of Rest

0:21:00 - The Foundation of the Command: God’s Creation Pattern

0:22:36 - What is the Canyon Ridge Sabbatical Policy?

0:24:58 - What Will Pastor Do on Sabbatical? (Individual Renewal)

0:27:54 - The Importance of Sole Care and Spiritual Discovery

0:30:00 - Solitude: Being Alone with God

0:32:00 - Solitude is Offensive: Escaping to Encounter God

0:33:57 - Avoiding Production Over Presence in Private Worship

0:37:48 - What Should We Do During Pastor’s Sabbatical?

0:40:55 - Vision Exploration and Ministry Expectations

0:41:40 - Expectations of Church Members: Attendance, Discipleship, Evangelism, Service, Tithing

0:45:34 - The Goal: A Renewed and Refreshed Pastor and Wife

0:48:28 - Conclusion

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