Sabbatical INterview

What are the benefits of taking a sabbatical?

The goal of a sabbatical is rest and refreshment,

there’s actually a policy all about it - but in summary it’s for:

physical and spiritual refreshment,

reflections time on ministry and ministry development for the future.

so that when the someone returns to normal ministry, they are better prepared to minister.

How do you feel you've benefited/what have you learnt from your Sabbatical?

Spiritually i’ve enjoyed reading some older material that I don’t always have time for, I’m enjoying Bishop JC Ryle from the late 1800’s - who has an excellent (and easy to read) commentary on the 4 gospels.

And I’ve made good headway into Calvins Institutes - a 15th century reformer whose institues form the foundation of our theological convictions today.

Physically - I love big DIY projects, so I’ve knocked down and rebuilt our collapsing garage, and put an extension onto my garden office cabin, so there’s a better work environment for our our weekly staff work together days - and I’ve put in a padded room for our youngest son Zeke. (He plays the drums - we don’t lock him in a padded cell)

We also had a brilliant time as a family travelling around Southern Africa where we used to live and work as missionaries.

Reflection on Ministry - it was helpful to visit a number of other churches in our area and get ideas and reflect on our practices here at GC.

Ministry Development - We were really encouraged to visit Caleb Fetterhoff a mission partner in Lesotho, he’s always an inspiration. I also read a number of helpful books about ministry - which I’ll list on a report that I’ll put together for those who are interested. I’ll send that out in the Friday email

How can we be praying for you, and for Gracechurch?

Firstly I think, Give thanks to God - we have something special here as a church - having visited plenty of others. There are problems of course but we shouldn’t underestimate God’s kindness in growing this church family here in WP.

You could pray for me to get back into things trusting in God and not myself - for more time in prayer and bible reading - which has been a benefit of this sabbatical.

And finally, we can do all sorts of programs and initiatives as a church,

but what’s more important is that we

pray that we would be a church marked by humble,

repentant,

obedience to God’s word.

And that that is displayed in love for Christ,

love for one another and

a love to reach the lost with the Gospel.