Seasons
The Church of the Nazarene recommends that the church board, in consultation with the district superintendent should provide a sabbatical leave for the pastor during each seventh consecutive year of service in one congregation in order to encourage a healthy pastoral ministry and strong spiritual life of the pastor. (Nazarene Manual 129.10)
With that in mind, the church board and Pastor Josh are working together to plan a sabbatical in 2024. The Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program offers a scholarship to cover Sabbatical costs for both pastor and the church. And Pastor Josh is working with the board to apply for this sabbatical scholarship.
Our desire is that a period of Sabbatical for Pastor Josh would be mutually beneficial, for him and for Stillmeadow. In order to prepare for reflection prior to and during a Sabbatical in 2024, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Below you will find three sets of questions. The first set has to do with the “season” that we are in as a church. The second has to do with which mode you perceive Stillmeadow to be in. And the third has to do with what direction you believe God is leading Stillmeadow in the next season.
Your answers will provide shape for prayers before and during the Sabbatical season.