I hope and pray all is well on this Wednesday afternoon. I am sure you’re busy about your day, but I just wanted to stop and encourage you today. I am not sure if many of you saw the news report or video of the Pastor of the well-known Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandrea VA, Rev. Dr. Howard John Wesley, but if you haven’t I want to urge you to watch it.
I so admire Wesley for what he did. He’s a very capable young preacher and the fruit of his ministry there at Alfred Street speaks volumes about God’s calling and His service to the kingdom of God. But Wesley is right. Pastor’s need a sabbatical.
During my tenure at both Mission of Faith Baptist Church of Chicago and Second Baptist Church of Reno, NV I sought time for a sabbatical. Regrettably, it wasn’t so easy to make happen and ultimately, I left full time pastoral ministry seeking healing for me.
All of that lead to my writing ministry, but Wesley and I know that I am not the only ones. Be sure Wesley took a Sabbatical where as I stepped down; but both are for the same purpose, to find healing for the hurting that pastor’s endure ministering to their churches, taking care of their families, and doing their best to maintain a loving and nurturing fellowship with the Lord.
I’ll never forget when the Lord spoke the words, “Michael what would you not give up to have more of me?” I knew then that I had to let some things go. Because of that decision to step aside for me, and the decision for Dr. Wesley to take a sabbatical, I have experienced a much-needed healing, and resurgence of strength to take on the good fight of faith.
Again, I am very clear that Pastor Wesley’s path is quite different from mine, but the effect is just the same. I have found a new strength for my writing ministry and new life in service to the local church, to pastor’s and to many others as a personal coach and just good friend.
So, I urge to look what God has to offer you in the tranquility of a place of peace, strength, and refueling for your ministry. You church will be there when you get back. Dr. Wesley has set a new mark. He showed his humanity and his own vulnerability to the rest of the world. You can show yours to your church. You just may find that there are more people than you know that love you, and are concerned for your well-being; and will welcome that you, take a sabbatical.
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