The EFCA Leader's Network
The Ministerial Association of the Evangelical Free Church of America
Take a Sabbatical!
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Why do pastors need a sabbatical? What does the Bible say about it?
What are the purposes and goals of a sabbatical? How can churches practically make it happen?
Download this 25 page handout from Focus on the Family for a really helpful discussion of these topics. Or check out this brief overview from Acts 29, or this one from 9 Marks. The suggested EFCA sabbatical policy is available here. The Lily Endowment offers a once in a lifetime grant churches can apply for on behalf of their pastor. For those in the southeast, here are several free or affordable getaway options for sabbatical or general vacation. (Those not in the SED, please share options near you in the comments!)
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
1 Timothy 5:17
Sabbath teaching begins in the very first chapter of the Bible. One of the primary purposes of Genesis 1 and the creation account is to demonstrate the rhythm of work and rest that God Himself followed and highlighted repeatedly in the Torah. Though modern church practice has gotten away from sabbath, solitude, silence and other historic disciplines, many are calling us back to these practices, most notably Pete Scazzero and the Emotionally Healthy series and John Mark Comer with his book and podcast, Fight Hustle, End Hurry. Comer quotes Dallas Willard giving advice to a young pastor on prayer and spiritual growth: “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
The fact is that pastors bear a unique burden due to the nature of our shepherding work. Every week we balance the demands of leading with energetic vision, preaching with Biblical passion, administrating with wisdom and efficiency, caring for people with warm relationships and supporting staff and lay leaders with the guidance and resources they need to succeed in their ministries. No human being can excel at all of these roles but pastors are expected to do so continually, without complaint and for minimal pay.
The Apostle Paul had it worse than any of us, but he eloquently describes the situation:
“…in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?”
2 Corinthians 11:27-29
Sadly, since COVID, research shows that 42% of pastors have thought about leaving the ministry. The top reason given is the immense stress of the job. Other key reasons are loneliness, negative impact on the family and loss of hope for ministry success.
A sabbatical can address all of these issues by helping the pastor and his family draw closer to the Lord and each other through the gift of rest. Check out this conversation with EFCA Pastor Matthew Hickok who shares his experience of needing and taking a sabbatical and the renewing effect it had on him, his family and his ministry. Matthew is transitioning this summer (2024) to go on staff with IMI/SOS in order to serve pastors and churches for free, filling the pulpit and providing leadership and pastoral care for the church while the pastor takes a sabbatical.
Contact Matthew directly to learn more!
Watch this episode here.
Listen to the podcast episode here.
We are the EFCA Network. If you need a sabbatical, please contact us for help with pulpit supply and pastoral care while you’re away. If you are a retired pastor or otherwise able to help with that kind of coverage, please contact us as well!
Pathways Training
Reach Global missionary and ministry leader Laura Carter discusses a practical and life-changing training tool with Samantha Frykholm of the EFCA Network. Often we read the Bible asking the question, “How does this apply to me?” It’s a great question but needs to come after the question, “What did this mean to the original audience?” The interpretive “triangle” of God to “them” and then to “me,” is one of many tools in the Pathway training for ministry trainers. Check out Laura’s website at www.trainingtrainers.org or email her at Laura.Carter@efca.org to schedule a training!
Watch the episode here.
Listen here.
Prepared – EFCA Women in Ministry
Prepared is a gospel-centered, affordable, accessible and systematic two-year equipping program for women in ministry leadership or preparing to serve in ministry leadership, locally or globally.
Listen to the podcast episode here: https://efcanetwork.podbean.com/e/prepared-efca-women/
Check out Kevin Kompelien’s interview and blog post for broader perspective on the EFCA’s history and heart as it relates to women in ministry.
EFCA Recovery Church
In 1990 the EFCA Ministerial Association started a program to help pastors who had fallen into sin or experienced burnout in ministry, as a place to help them recover. Over time several churches around the country were designated Recovery Churches and a two year process was developed to lead these brothers from repentance to healing and eventual restoration. Greg Strand, Linton Lundeen (Valley Church, Des Moines, IA) and Jason Harms (Oakwood Church, Tampa, FL) join Darin to share their perspectives and experience on this life-changing ministry. Click here to learn more or to start your process of recovery!
Podcast Episode here: https://efcanetwork.podbean.com/e/efca-recovery-church/
Click here for the EFCA Handbook on Discipline and Recovery.
EFCA Crisis Response
Kevin Watterson joins Darin along with Glen Schrieber (Southeast District Superintendent) and John Secrest (pastor in Naples, FL) to share the history and heartbeat of EFCA’s Crisis Response ministry. Kevin got involved through a trip to NOLA following Katrina in 2005, eventually joining the CR team. Glen shares the potential and power of partnership among EFCA churches as God’s family serves each other and reaches the community together. John brings us into the devastation of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida and the opportunity it could be for his church and many others to multiply transformational churches!
Podcast: https://efcanetwork.podbean.com/e/efca-crisis-response-history-and-ministry/
Global Fingerprints
Global Fingerprints founder, Greg Norwine, shares the story and vision of the EFCA child sponsorship program and GF Coordinator for the Philippines, Maria Cariaga, shares how the ministry is working in Manila. Now in 11 countries, with 5,000 children sponsored, GF is one of the great stories God is writing in the EFCA family! https://sponsorship.globalfingerprints.org/
Podcast episode: https://efcanetwork.podbean.com/e/global-fingerprints-overview-philippines-focus/
Credentialing – why and how
The foundation and fuel of our movement is theological truth. As leaders in the EFCA we are commissioned to “guard the deposit” entrusted to us. Why is credentialing important? How has it helped you? How have you seen it serve the movement and beyond? The Network Board has a discussion with Dr. Greg Strand, our Director of Theology and Credentialing. We conclude with a brief description of how the licensing and ordination process works. What is your next step? How can you encourage someone else?
PODCAST: https://efcanetwork.podbean.com/e/credentialing-why-and-how-with-greg-strand/
Network Podcast is Online
Network Board members share some of our favorite EFCA programs and ministries that we plan to highlight in our new Podcast this fall. Check it out here: https://efcanetwork.podbean.com/
Simply download the Podbean app and look up The EFCA Network. We just posted the 15 minute promo video and the first ministry highlight – focused on Global Fingerprints.
Please contact us to share your favorite EFCA ministry or idea!
The EFCA Leader's Network 