Blackhawk Presbytery’s own John Walker, minister of Word and Sacrament, First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa will be hosting a Zoom event on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Can we really send our pastor on Sabbatical?
Did you know that our Presbytery has a simple and straightforward Sabbatical Policy? COM recommends that all churches in the Presbytery offer sabbatical to their pastor. This policy offers clear steps for making possible a sabbatical for a congregation and pastor. A sabbatical is NOT just a season where the pastor is gone, leaving the congregation to simply wait for their pastor’s return. A sabbatical IS a winning and strategic agreement between a pastor and congregation that renews a pastor’s energy and vision to effectively lead, while helping a congregation to sustain a long-term ministry relationship with its pastor. Sabbatical can be a WIN-WIN for both pastors and the congregations they lead.
If you’ve ever wondered about sabbatical, and even if you haven’t, consider taking one hour to join John and learn some of the great benefits to congregations and pastors to be discovered in sabbatical. I am entering my 28th year as pastor of First Presbyterian Church. In 2026, we will be celebrating together our 4th season of sabbatical. We have learned a great deal about how to dream, plan, fund and implement a successful sabbatical for both the pastor and the congregation. It’s not as hard as some might think. It actually can be a lot of fun, and it can offer great hope for your pastor and congregation to have a strong, healthy and vibrant ministry together for many years. Elders, pastors, and church leaders are encouraged to join, but anyone who is curious is encouraged to come. Come hear some stories and gain some positive steps to begin moving forward on what can be life-giving to everyone involved.
To register, please use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mZOZEpBqRya2AbzxfYDk6A
