Unlock the full potential of your sabbatical

Soul Shepherding’s Sabbatical Guide helped me get all my ducks in a row for my Board and staff. They guided my wife and me on how to structure our Sabbatical and gave us practical tools to make the most of it. In their week-long Institute retreat we experienced closeness with Jesus and a renewal in our hearts to serve God’s people with greater empathy and love. Now, back to work, I feel God’s power and renewed joy for ministry.

I hit the wall personally, in ministry, and in my marriage… On my Sabbatical Bill helped me see productivity differently and face up to some uncomfortable truths about myself. That season was the beginning of a turnaround for me… Now I’m having more fun pursuing God’s calling in my life now than ever before. I actually sleep well at night, and I finally understand my emotions! And that has helped every one of my relationships.

During the craziness of the pandemic I was in some dark places… But Bill and Kristi’s patient and wise coaching mediated God’s presence for my wife and me on our Sabbatical… Learning Soul Shepherding’s approach to Scripture meditation has helped me to get out of my head to feel my longings, pray from my heart and share vulnerably with my wife.

I had been on sabbaticals before, and while the time off was nice, there was always this urge to attend a conference, or read a stack of books, or do some other “ministry” activity. I had to somehow prove that I had made good use of my time and show that the church’s investment was worth it. A few years ago, we came across Bill and Kristi Gaultiere’s Soul Shepherding ministry and the Sabbatical Guide. It radically changed my last sabbatical by guiding me towards a healing restoration with Jesus rather than just a different way of being busy. That sabbatical was two years ago, and I am still living in an “easy yoke” rhythm WITH Jesus rather than jumping back into frantic ministry FOR Jesus. Bill and Kristi have helped us engage in ministry in new and healthy ways that are re-shaping how we lead people closer to Jesus.

My sabbatical actually began as an ordered medical leave from my job as a non-profit director due to stress-related health issues. As I stepped away to take care of my physical health, I was graciously led by the Holy Spirit to the ministry of Soul Shepherding and the Gaultiere's book, Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke and their Sabbatical Guide. I devoured this material and learned a new rhythm of life that began with rest. It was invaluable in helping me navigate what an eventual return to my position would look like and how to serve with Jesus from a non-anxious place.

I had 26 years of pastoral ministry before I took my first Sabbatical. Soul Shepherding helped me put together a Sabbatical plan that was restful and refreshing. The Sabbatical Guide provides a practical framework and helpful ideas… I received personal coaching that included rich times of intercessory prayer… My coach helped me name and explore my concerns and resistances to taking a 3-month break from leading my church. Don't make the mistake of going it alone as you plan for a sabbatical! Get help and guidance from an experienced soul shepherd and receive the gift of resting well!