Part 6 – Sabbatical FAQs
General and Financial Questions
There are certainly many questions that have yet to be asked and many more answers we simply have to wait and see. As we blaze this path together, with our Lord’s help, we will continue to learn what is helpful and how to do things better in the future for other elders.
What is the aim of this sabbatical?
Physical rest and spiritual renewal.
What will be done towards that aim?
I plan to spend my devotional life, mainly in the gospels. I want to pay special attention to Jesus’ pace of life and His communion with the Father. I am also asking God to speak through my family and others along the way to examine my life for any areas where confession and repentance is needed and/or obedience and growth cultivated. I will be seeking to reimplement a form of regular, physical exercise.
Some of the books on my reading list include:
An Unhurried Life (Fadling), The Digital Fast (Whitehead), Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest (Barton), Subversive Sabbath (Swoboda), A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Peterson), You are What You Love (Smith), Habits of the Household (Early), Untangle Your Emotions (Allen), Anatomy of the Soul (Thompson).
Is it okay to communicate with me at all? If so, what is appropriate or would be most helpful?
If you see me out and about, please say Hi! I would also love to receive letters/notes of encouragement by mail. However, the elders agree that I should not receive texts and phone calls in keeping with the aim of the sabbatical. If you have further questions about what would be appropriate, please ask Aaron and Jordan.
What will Tracy’s and the kids’ relationships be like during the sabbatical period?
Social calls to Tracy are fine and the children will maintain their social relationships with and among the Redeemer youth.
I am on your shepherding list. Which elder will be my first point of contact during the sabbatical?
You can find an updated list here. Find your name, look to the right and there will be an asterisk next to another elder’s name in bold. That elder will be your elder first point of contact during the sabbatical period. Your assigned deacon has not changed. If you do not see your name or do not see another elder’s name in bold where it should be, please let an elder know immediately.
How will the teaching/preaching responsibilities be covered?
Pastor Aaron will oversee the preaching schedule for Sundays. Pastor Jordan will oversee the midweek gathering for Through the Bible and the Bible reading plans.
How will the budget be handled in regards to my regular salary as well as compensation for Pastor Aaron and Pastor Jordan due to their increased workload?
My salary has already been approved by the church for the budget year ending on August 31st, 2024. However, the elders, per our bylaws, propose that the church approve and continue my regular compensation package as is through the end of the fiscal year.
Pastor Aaron has expressed the desire to come on full-time. The elders agree and propose that the church affirm this by vote. Compensation not previously budgeted would also need to be approved.
Each decision concerning remuneration for any elder during the sabbatical period, including Pastor Jordan, will be decided in a member’s meeting, June 23rd following the morning service. Any other regular compensation approval for the new fiscal year will be decided upon as usual at the annual meeting on Sunday, August 25th.
Will we be checking in with anyone during the sabbatical? Will the church family be updated in any way?
I plan to be in contact with the elders, at least once a month and more often as reentry draws near. The purpose will be for sharing and giving an account for how God is at work in the Glockles’ lives, as well as seeking the counsel of the elders and being shepherded by them. The elders will update the congregation as needed based upon these interactions.
Is there an occasion in which you would return from sabbatical early?
The answer to this question is difficult and somewhat subjective. An early return, whether indefinite or definite, could be necessary for something like an unexpected tragedy that significantly impacts the congregation. In the event of a church member’s death, I would make contact with the member’s family, but the elders would need to agree if additional involvement beyond that would be appropriate.
What will reentry look like?
The reentry period will be a time when the Glockles begin to simply gather once again with you on Sundays and Thursdays. My corporate involvement may increase incrementally each week in some capacity during reentry. At the end of the reentry period, per our bylaws, the elders will assess me and then ask the congregation to once again affirm me to serve as an elder, and to reinstate me to my former work or whatever work is deemed best.
How can we pray for the Glockles?
-Wisdom to know how to help Dan and the aim of the sabbatical (Tracy).
-Pray that I would love Tracy and my children well, enjoy them, and grow deeper in my knowledge and understanding of them (Dan).
-Pray that God’s calling in our lives clear, His blessing, power, wisdom, and grace are in all and through all of the stages of the sabbatical (Dan).
-Whatever soul work needs attention and care, God would reveal, redirect and reorient me; whatever needs healing and/or rest in my body and mind, God would graciously heal and restore (Dan).
-My reading (Bible or books) would fill my soul, renew my mind, and draw me closer to Jesus Christ and boasting in Him and abiding in Him alone; my times of prayer and communion would be deeply enriching and satisfying (Dan).
-Pray that my dad would let go of everything in the church that he believes is his responsibility and give it to God (Charles).
-Pray for us to have an awesome time together as a family (Charles).
-That God would help my dad to be rested and better in any way God wants (Ella).
-For travel mercies when visiting family and to enjoy one another and our time with family (George).
-For patience towards everyone during the travel times in the vehicle (George).
Travel Questions
Do you have any travel plans and if so, where do you plan on traveling?
Texas – visiting Tracy’s mother, brother and extended family (est. end of June).
Minnesota – visiting my parents, brother and extended family (est. early August).
Solitude – I am planning to spend some time in complete solitude, location TBD (est. sometime in July).
Ethiopia (possibly) – this would be a trip with TLI to Adama and Bishoftu (Oct. 1st– 21st) to teach a course in prophecy. If our Lord wills, the elders would keep you updated and how to support this trip by prayer and financial support.
Church Attendance Questions
What churches do you plan to visit or attend?
Mission Fellowship (Salem, OR) https://missionsalem.com
The Branch (Corvallis, OR) https://www.thebranchcorvallis.org
Sylvania Baptist Church (Tyler, TX) https://www.sylvaniachurch.com
The Landing (Proctor, MN) https://www.thelanding.church
Faith Baptist Church (Hermantown, MN) https://fbchermantown.org