Calvary Baptist Vision Path (Part 2) - Sabbatical

Vision Path Strategic Priority #1 - Sabbatical for Pastor Chuck in 2009

Next summer Chuck and his wife Janis will take a 3-4 month sabbatical. We're only about six years overdue in doing this, so it's well deserved indeed. As you can imagine, this will have a pretty significant impact on the life of the church. What we don't want it to be is a time to just 'endure' and 'cover' the things needed to get done so he can return to the same situation as before. Rather, we want this to be a catalyst that highlights the need and benefit for an essential transition in our church - from being a small church where pastor-does-the-ministry to a growing church where pastor-equips-for-ministry. We've left the small church stage (under 150-200) but have not crossed the next growth barrier (of 400-500 attendance) into a smoothly run operation led by several experienced full time pastors. Technically, it's called the "awkward size" stage of church life. The second key transition that needs to be made is within Chuck and his leadership style - from an overworked involved-in-everything personal style focused on ministry to a much more coaching and developing style focused on the people who will do and lead ministry. To be clear, Chuck knows this and is looking forward to it (mostly!)

Specific Goals:

• Raise the vision of the congregation to step up to ministry
• Extend the influence of our pastor by leadership development
• Renewal (spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally)
• Position the church to break through the 500 growth barrier

Resources, Responsibilities: We've applied for a Clergy renewal grant and should hear back on that around July. A Sabbatical Planning team will be formed to work out the details of the sabbatical, the pre-sabbatical preparation, mid-sabbatical preaching and duties, and post-sabbatical reintegration and sharing of vision. The Strategic Leadership Team will in some ways function as the staff would in a larger church in terms of support.

Key Outcomes: Chuck and Janis will enjoy a great sabbatical; Chuck will return with a clearer sense of vision and how he can best lead us in the future; the congregation will fully understand the biblical model of ministry and will have successfully stretched itself in 2009.

Clarifying the "Win": This priority will be accomplished if Pastor Chuck and the congregation are together eager and equipped for every member to serve in ministry according to their SHAPE and led by a shepherd who loves them and trusts them to do the things God has prepared in advance for us to do.