May 1, 2020
Dear Redeemer Family,
As you may have heard, this summer Adam will take a three-month sabbatical. He will be gone from mid-May through August, which includes a couple weeks of vacation. Since the idea of a sabbatical is new to many I thought I’d answer a few questions you may have.
Why do pastors take sabbaticals?
A sabbatical provides a minister time away from the normal output demanded in teaching, counseling, and leading so that he can have more time to invest in activities which grow him as a pastor. We believe that sabbaticals should be a part of regular cycle of ministry so that self-care is a priority. Sabbaticals create space for pastors to give attention to their spiritual, mental, emotional, physical and relational health. Healthy pastors lead healthy churches and sabbaticals are one way to contribute to the health of our pastors. Adam has been a wonderful pastor to Redeemer since January 2013, and we trust that this time of resting, thinking, praying, and learning will strengthen him for his future service at our church.
What is Adam’s plan for his sabbatical?
Though some things are still up in the air with the Covid-19 crisis, Adam’s plan is to spend time in a private retreat at a monastery, participate in a marriage therapy training course for clergy and therapists with Karina, prioritize reading, worship in different church communities, travel to Australia and Indonesia, and enjoy plenty of sun, surfing, and ocean activities.
How can we support Adam during his sabbatical?
First, the Feichtmanns want you to know that they feel greatly supported by our church community. They are grateful to have the opportunity take a sabbatical and appreciative of the financial support provided by the church which makes this sabbatical possible. Second, let’s give the Feichtmanns space and let them disengage from ministry in this season. If they need us, the ball will be in their court to reach out. Finally, would you join me in praying for Adam & the Feichtmann family?
Over this summer, consider using the Lord’s Prayer as a model for your prayers:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name… May the Feichtmann Family rest in you as their Father and King. May they love you well and may the glory of God be their great longing in life.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven… May they seek first the kingdom of God and come to a deeper awareness of how you are calling them to serve in your kingdom.
Give us today our daily bread… Provide for the Feichtmann family. May they know that every good in their life is a gift from you, and may they find nourishment and rest mentally, physically, relationally, emotionally, and spiritually.
And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors… May they know the depths and power of your forgiving love demonstrated on the cross. Give them hearts that are full of grace toward others.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one… Protect their family from doubt in their hearts, division in their marriage, and distance in their relationships; keep them close to you and to one another. Aid them so that they fight sin and live faithfully for Christ.
All the best, Josh Hahne