In 2019, Saint Luke received a National Clergy Renewal Program grant from the Lilly Foundation to fund a sabbatical for Pastor Matt Staniz. A time of renewal leave was planned and schedule to begin in April 2020, which was made impossible by the Covid-19 pandemic. Two years later than anticipated—and after the unforeseen challenges of both the pandemic and a pastoral transition—Pastor Matt is finally embarking on sabbatical leave for three months.
What is a clergy sabbatical?
Sabbatical leave provides an opportunity for pastors to step away from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry. In February 2014, after years of preparation, Saint Luke unanimously approved a sabbatical leave policy after seven consecutive years of parish ministry.
We are what God has made us
“For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” –Ephesians 2:10
From Pastor Matt: “This passage from Ephesians reminds us who we are and how we are to exist in relation to one another and the world in which God has placed us. Identity is a gift created by God that defines who we are: as individuals, as families, and as a congregation. Identity evolves over time as we experience spiritual growth and new circumstances. During this sabbatical, we—pastor, family, and congregation—will seek a deeper understanding of our evolving identity that clears the way to outwardly live as an authentic reflection of God’s creative work within us.”
From the Sabbatical Planning Team: “Because we have called Pastor Staniz as a spiritual leader, we are committed to his personal and spiritual well-being. We know that a time of rest and renewal is not only needed for him and his family at this moment in their life, but will also deepen and strengthen his identity as a Christian and a pastor. His expression of that renewed identity will serve our desire to be a congregation that provides genuine, enthusiastic welcome to every person. We also affirm the need to faithfully reflect upon Saint Luke’s evolving identity in order to equip people to express their faith in meaningful ways throughout every unique chapter of life.”
Journey with Pastor Matt during his Sabbatical Activities
We are invited to journey with Pastor Matt and his family during his sabbatical. Together, may we all find ourselves more rested, renewed, and reenergized for the great work of knowing, loving and serving Christ. Here are some next steps that we can take together:
Pray with us: Keep the Staniz family in your prayers as they enter this exciting season.
Follow along on the blog: To share the renewal as it unfolds, Pastor Matt plans to send brief updates, pictures, and videos that will be shared via this blog during and after sabbatical leave. These updates will provide exciting glimpses of the stories and insights that Pastor Matt will bring back to Saint Luke during his ministry as lead pastor during the months (and years) ahead!
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