Sabbaticals
Years ago, former church leaders of our body saw the value in living out the Fourth Commandment that the Lord gave us: “Remember the Sabbath day, keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Since then, elders have and continue to encourage our ministerial staff to practice this commandment by taking intentional and purposeful times of rest through sabbaticals.
About Sabbaticals
How sabbaticals are taken varies among churches and denominations. Here at West Shore Free Church, ministerial staff can apply for a three-month sabbatical after every seven years of employment. On the sabbatical, pastors allot their time to specific criteria given by the elder board. We call it the “Six R’s”:
- Rest: Seeking purposeful rest from the busy schedule and work of ministry
- Recreate: Doing enjoyable activities
- Revive: Investing in relationships with Christ and family
- Reload: Learning for the development of skills, perspectives and innovation in ministry
- Refocus: Seeking God’s direction for the future
- Return: Preparing to re-enter daily ministry in ways helpful to the church and staff
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Pastor Trent's Sabbatical
Pastor Trent was eligible for a sabbatical some time ago but felt it wouldn’t be wise to leave the body for an extended period during the pandemic. So, a few months ago, the elders asked Trent to develop his plan so that he, his family and the church family all could enjoy the refreshing benefits of him having a good sabbatical rest.
Trent will begin his sabbatical just after Easter, beginning on April 11 and ending on July 10. Among other things, his excellent plan includes much reading; extended times of intercessory prayer for our body; visiting other churches to worship and observe; and fun activities with family, friends and some time alone.
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Preaching While He's Away
The elders also see this as a great time for staff growth as they cover his responsibilities while he is away. Our team will share the preaching responsibilities with other pastors from our area, including many from our sister EFCA churches. It will be a rich time for all of us!
Our guest speakers include:
April 16: Tony Hunt, Lancaster Evangelical Free Church
April 23: Michael Martin, Stillmeadow Community Fellowship
April 30: Layne Lebo, McBIC: Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church
May 7: Ben Maxie, Living Water Community Church
May 14: Shad Baker, Carlisle Evangelical Free Church
May 21: Benjamin Vrbicek, Community Free Church
June 11: Matt Looloian, Liberti ChurchPastors from our team:
Russ Allen, Student Ministries Pastor
George Romanacce, Worship Pastor
Quay San, Junior High Pastor
Dan Spino, Discipleship Pastor
Ken Thompson, Care Pastor
Nate Winters, Marriage & Men’s Ministry Pastor