Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning

by A. Richard Bullock, Richard J. Bruesehoff

Planned time away from the parish for study, rest, and spiritual renewal can be beneficial--and often necessary--for any pastor, as well as for the congregation. Bullock and Bruesehoff provide the definitive guide to putting together refreshing pastoral sabbaticals that can help keep ministry vital and growing for the long term.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Emily Holladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at the suggestion of a friend, as my church and I have been establishing sabbatical protocols. I’ve been told that this is basically the only book of its kind out there, and for that, it is a very good resource.

[Byron Fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a tremendous help in planning my upcoming sabbatical. I actually read it the first time in 2012 to help my church leadership understand the benefits of a sabbatical policy.

[Chris Halverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful resource for planning... or so I hope.

[Scott Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy little volume, full of very practical advice and illuminating examples. A man can dream, can't he?

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of helpful stuff and I know it will be central in planning my sabbatical. I wish there was more on handling anxiety in the congregation - passing out index cards to brainstorm "dream vacations" with the board didn't seem quite right. But the appendix is great and guess what? There really aren't any other books out there on the subject, so this is pretty much it. But it's Alban, so it's solid, and will be easy to ask my planning team to read with me.

[Elsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've started looking for resources to plan for my sabbatical now that my colleague has announced his retirement in the nearish future. I really want direction on how to bring a group of laity into the process. This didn't help.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little thin in spots, but, a good prompt for thinking about sabbaticals. Read it before entering a settlement, to prepare to request sabbatical leave as an option. Read it at least 1 year before setting out on a sabbatical.

[Rick Dugan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful introduction to thinking about a sabbatical, though it doesn't go very deep. Some good tips on how to communicate with those who may think you're just taking an extended vacation and how to prepare your church for your absence.