Sabbaticals Can Save Ministry Leaders and Ministries (Part 1) with Rusty McKie

April 5, 2023

Earlier in this season, Adam and Micki Ann talked about the spiritual rhythm of sabbath, but what if you need more than one day of rest? In this episode, guest Rusty McKie shares advice on how to take a sabbatical.

After pastoring for several years, Rusty sensed God leading him in a new direction, resulting in Steadfast Ministries, an organization that helps ministry leaders. One of Rusty’s focuses is sabbatical coaching, where he helps individuals make the most of an extended time away from work. Although sabbaticals can be for anyone, pastors in particular often need time to refocus and reconnect with the Lord. Rusty explains that pastoral ministry is a career with unique burdens and difficulties, such as mixing the personal, vocational, and spiritual parts of one’s life. Whether it’s time for deep rest or space to process through repressed grief, a sabbatical provides the opportunity to address hardships and make plans for a more sustainable life in ministry.

Even if you’re not a pastor or ministry leader, you can still use Rusty’s tips on caring for your own soul. Listen in to Micki Ann’s interview with Rusty, the first of three episodes about sabbaticals.

 

Jump Through the Conversation

  •  [1:19] Why focus on sabbaticals?

  • [2:07] Rusty McKie’s ministry background and present work

  • [6:06] Why Rusty chose the field of spiritual direction

  • [10:15] What is a sabbatical?

  • [12:24] Sabbatical coaching and book

  • [15:13] The unique challenges of pastoral ministry

  • [21:40] First steps for someone taking a sabbatical 

  • [28:07] A crisis of grief

  • [34:26] Planning your sabbatical

  • [40:00] Processing big questions/issues

  • [44:46] How to stay in restful space upon reentry

    • Spend time with God in silence and solitude and ask what needs to change

    • Utilize a Rule of Life

    • Anticipate old habits

  • [48:57] Final thought: care for your own soul

 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

Links and Resources

 

A resource of the Chattanooga House of Prayer