Respite Program

The Thriving in Ministry Respite program provides pastors an intentional way to respond to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV)

The Respite Program is available to provide encouragement, resources, and guidance for a pastor to step away from the daily routine of pastoral ministry for a brief time (two to three weeks.) The respite is intended to give a pastor time for rest, reflection, refreshment, and refocusing on ministry. While stepping away from the daily demands of ministry, this respite is a time to attend to health and well-being in a wholistic way, finding renewed hope and strength of heart, soul, mind, and body. Working with a mentor, a pastor will design a plan which will foster connecting with the Lord, with family and friends, with life giving practices, and with God’s ministry calling.

Pastors may find a brief respite helpful due to:

• general weariness with the work of ministry and pastoring,
• recovery from a difficult decision, issue, or transition in the life of the church,
• weekly pressure of preparing for and delivering messages,
• a family crisis or emergency that requires more attention,
• engaging in an intentional time of prayer and reflection around a personal or church situation which requires more focused time and energy.

How can the Respite Program help?

• Helping a pastor and congregation to have a conversation about the benefits of the Respite Program.
• Helping a pastor and church to create the space and time for a period of rest and respite.
• Providing resources and contacts for pulpit supply.
• Providing resources and contacts for a personal retreat.
• Providing resources and referral for spiritual direction.
• Providing general support for the success of a respite period.