It is the practice of Trinity, in alignment with synod recommendations, to allow for its pastors to take a sabbatical every five years of service to the congregation, and this summer Pastor Adam will be taking a three-month sabbatical from June 1st through August 31st.
Pastor Adam has been working closely with the Trinity Church Council since November 2024 in preparation for this time of rest and renewal. Initially, he received affirmation and approval to take this sabbatical a few months before reaching five years with Trinity, as this will be his first in 13 years of ministry.
Also, Pastor Adam and Council Treasurer, Jennifer Weiss, worked for several months on a Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal grant application that would have provided generous funding for Pastor Adam’s and Trinity’s sabbatical activities. Unfortunately, we were not granted these funds, but it is Pastor Adam’s intention to maintain the spirit of that proposed sabbatical plan while adapting travel, learning, and renewal activities.
Our church is excited for Pastor Adam to embrace the rhythm of sabbath and prioritize rest and renewal over his sabbatical. His absence, though, will necessitate some adjustments to how we function and coverage of his leadership responsibilities. Here’s what that will look like:
It is essential for the sabbatical experience that we allow for Pastor Adam to fully disconnect from the life of Trinity during these three months. Pastor Adam has arranged with Pastor Ann, Elisabeth, and the Executive Council limited situations in which it would be agreeable for them to contact him during this time. Otherwise, please refrain from communication with Pastor Adam while he is on sabbatical.
It is part of the sabbatical arrangement that Pastor Adam commits to returning to Trinity and remaining in his call for at least one year following his time away.
Our primary responsibility as a congregation, for the months leading up and then for the three months he is apart from us, is to pray for Pastor Adam and the time he’s committing to restoration of body and soul. We will pray that God works within him over this time to renew his calling to ministry and life.
frequently asked questions
Will you someone be filling in for Pastor Adam while he’s gone?
Yes! Our awesome Trinity staff will be filling in the gaps created by Pastor Adam’s absence this summer. Pastor Ann will assume pastoral responsibilities like preaching, visitation, pastoral care, and the like. Between the Trinity Church Council, Pastor Ann, and Elisabeth, our Executive Director, all other staff leadership responsibilities will be covered. We have also lined up guest preachers and emergency pastoral coverage for when Pastor Ann is on vacation this summer.
Where is Pastor Adam going to be for his sabbatical?
First and foremost, not at Trinity. Sabbatical is a time of disconnection from the life and ministry of Trinity for this period of time. More broadly, there is not one specific location for sabbatical. Since Pastor Adam lives in this community, you’ll likely see him around, as much of sabbatical time will simply be spent home with his family. Additionally, Pastor Adam and his family have various travel plans related to sabbatical activities.
Is sabbatical a vacation?
This sabbath time is not meant to be merely vacation, even if at times it may feel like it. Sabbatical is a time to refresh and renew body, mind, and spirit for the work of this calling. Being a public leader in general – but for Pastor Adam, also living in this community – allows for few times and spaces where one is not “on.” Sabbatical is a chance to reconnect with one’s self, family, and personal faith in a way that isn’t always possible while actively in the role of pastor. It will be a time of intentional rest and renewal, but also exploration and reflection that helps reaffirm the calling to ministry.
How will Pastor Adam be spending his time during sabbatical?
Again, much of the time will prioritize disconnecting from the daily life of ministry. Sometimes this will look like more presence in home life – being a spouse, a dad, a coach, and a homeowner with a long list of projects. Other times, it will be taking a solo retreat, spending extended time at the family cabin, taking a road trip to see pastoral colleagues and friends, and spending time with people in places that bring joy and wholeness. Within these three months, Pastor Adam also has plans to read books and write words, both for fun and for further reflection on ministry and faith.
How can we reach Pastor Adam while he’s on sabbatical?
For the sake of the sabbatical, both for Pastor Adam and the congregation, please refrain from contacting Pastor Adam while he’s away. While on sabbatical, Pastor Adam will not be checking email or communicating with Trinity staff or members. If you have an urgent need, please contact Pastor Ann or Elisabeth, and they will assist you. Also, Pastor Adam has arranged with staff and lay leadership limited instances of significance for which it will be appropriate to contact him.
