Robbie Anderson

“Always be joyful. 17Never stop praying. 18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
― Anonymous, Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation

“A Sample Sabbatical Plan I offer the following sabbatical plan written by a minister whom I see in spiritual direction. I have used this with permission and have deleted any personal information: dates, names of places, etc. I hope you find this helpful as you prepare for your own sabbatical. Rest, Relax, Recreation, Reduce Stress ● Slow road trip to visit friends in (various cities) ● 10 days at (a retreat house) ● Prepare our own meals together most of the time, but find fun restaurants on weekends. ● Exercise and fast from T.V., social media, and email ● Fun activities: swim with manatees, nature walks, beach, bikes, 2-3 museum days on my own ● One week at home at the end of sabbatical to prep for return Personal Spiritual Growth and Renewal ● Morning walks with God ● Daily prayer of examen at sunset ● Weekly one-page journal entry of Holy Spirit encounters/revelation ● Saturday morning devotions with (spouse) ● Monthly sessions with my spiritual director ● Personal silent retreat; discern pastoral calling and dreams for ministry ● Read a book for personal growth - “Hearing God” by Dallas Willard Rebuild/Enhance Marriage and Family Ties ● Five-day pastors and spouse retreat ● Quality time - fun exploration, and rest with (spouse); one-week vacation in beach retreat house ● Establish healthy rhythms of spiritual disciplines together and on our own ● Connect with (spouse and in-laws) Professional Development ● Visit with (mentor and leader) ● Visit a (a professional ministry network) gathering ● Intentional time to dream about our future as a couple and my ministry calling ● Intentional time to pray about the future of (my church’s) group and individual spiritual formation. ● Read “The Starfish and the Spirit” by Alan Hirsch”
― Jeremy Harrison, Sabbaticals: A Guide for the Weary

“Instead of using the Word as a sword to pierce through to the thoughts and motives of their own hearts, many spiritual leaders have used it as a stick to drive others, for a variety of reasons: to keep others from holding them accountable; to protect their image; to uphold a doctrine they have based a whole ministry upon; to keep funds coming in; to build religious kingdoms in order to bolster their own spiritual self-esteem. In other words, it’s possible that some leaders teach the Word for personal gain, not to heal and to free.”
― David R. Johnson, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church

“Given that change is always with us”
― James T. Bradford, Lead So Others Can Follow: 12 Practices and Principles for Ministry