Preparing for Ministerial Leave

For over two years, I have been praying, preparing, and planning for my upcoming ministerial leave. This season of personal and congregational renewal will officially extend from Monday, May 11 through Sunday, August 23.

This February, during my Conejo 2020 sermon series, I talked about the parallels between my life as a mid-career minister and the Conejo Church of Christ’s “middle-age” as a church pushing forty. I suggested how this sabbatical season of reflection, enrichment, travel, continuing education, prayer, mentoring, and reading parallels the Conejo Church’s opportunities this summer to hear fresh voices, consider new perspectives, pray about the next decade of ministry, and reflect on the opportunities that lie ahead for us. I believe that this change-up in routine will be invigorating and beneficial for all of us.

I wanted to share with you my general plans for the ministerial leave.

• May. Ten day tour of Israel to visit a variety of biblical sites, to learn and gain fresh insights into the land, people, and history of Israel and early Christianity; 3-day visit to Athens, Greece en route.
• June. “Christian Spirituality” class in a retreat setting with Dallas Willard (through Fuller Seminary) to pursue spiritual renewal through the discussion and practice of the spiritual disciplines and to read widely from the Christian spiritual classics.
• July. Family trip to visit Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York and Boston to enjoy quality family time in a context of learning, exploring, and experiencing various historical and cultural sites.
• August. Family trip to Lake Brownwood, Texas with Wall cousins to enjoy and relax with my family in a fun lake-side setting.

In addition to the above “big-ticket” plans, I also plan to pursue the following enriching activities: visit a wide variety of Los Angeles area churches on weekends; read from a wide variety of books recommended by trusted friends and mentors; pursue an intentional series of interviews with 5-10 older ministers who have done well in ministry over the long-haul; share in a memorable overnight trip with each of my girls individually; enjoy various running opportunities as they arise.

I am grateful for the kind support and valuable input which our elders and staff have given throughout this planning process. I am grateful for the encouraging comments many of you have shared with me as well. I invite you to be praying for what God will do in me this summer as I pray for what God will do in all of you. May we all continue to enliven one another to love and good deeds for the sake of God’s Kingdom.