Melissa Bane Sevier, Journeying Toward Renewal: A Spiritual Companion for Pastoral Sabbaticals. Alban Institute, 2002.
Referenced in: Minister Self-Care
LifeandLeadership.Com Summary
Sevier helps ministers assess their need for a sabbatical, propose it to their churches, and secure funding for themselves and their congregations. She discusses how to plan and engage the actual sabbatical period – what to do, where to go, etc. She also suggests helpful strategies for reentry. Sevier shows ministers and churches how sabbaticals can bring refreshment, rejuvenation, and renewed vision to one’s ministry.
From the Publisher
Sabbatical leaves are becoming an increasingly common part of pastoral life, as both pastors and congregations recognize the renewed vitality that these times away can bring to their common ministry. Yet many pastors are still wary of seeking the opportunity for renewal leave, often because of a fear of the unknown-potential negative effects, an unexpected transformation of their call, anxiety about finding out they are not indispensable, or simply the uncertainty that comes in ‘letting go.’
Melissa Bane Sevier has used her own sabbatical leave time to create a spiritually nourishing resource that helps to shepherd pastors through the unknowns of renewal leave. Drawing on her own journal entries and her own and others’ experiences of sabbatical, Journeying toward Renewal is a deeply personal guide that demonstrates powerful insight into the joys and stresses of pastoral ministry. Sevier not only provides engaging reflections on the experience of being on sabbatical, but also includes numerous thought-provoking exercises, activities, ideas, and other resources to help readers get the most out of their renewal leave. Foreword by William F. Brosend, associate director of the Louisville Institute.
About the Author
Melissa Bane Sevier has been pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Indiana, since 1992. She received her Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and her Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She also holds a Master of Christian Education from Reformed Theological Seminary and worked as a Christian educator for ten years before being ordained.
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