Journeying toward Renewal: A Spiritual Companion for Pastoral Sabbaticals

Melissa Bane Sevier

Sabbatical leaves are becoming an increasingly common part of pastoral life, as both pastors and congregations recognize the renewed vitality that these times away can bring to their common ministry. Yet many pastors are still wary of seeking the opportunity for renewal leave, often because of a fear of the unknown—potential negative effects, an unexpected transformation of their call, anxiety about finding out they are not indispensable, or simply the uncertainty that comes in “letting go.”

Melissa Bane Sevier has used her own sabbatical leave time to create a spiritually nourishing resource that helps to shepherd pastors through the unknowns of renewal leave. Drawing on her own journal entries and her own and others’ experiences of sabbatical, Journeying toward Renewal is a deeply personal guide that demonstrates powerful insight into the joys and stresses of pastoral ministry. Sevier not only provides engaging reflections on the experience of being on sabbatical, but also includes numerous thought-provoking exercises, activities, ideas, and other resources to help readers get the most out of their renewal leave. Foreword by William F. Brosend, associate director of the Louisville Institute.