Common themes that emerge range from down-to-earth realities to significant theological insights.  For example, nearly all participants in Sabbaticals longer than a few weeks have told us that only after a couple of weeks' time were they able to "disengage" from their ministerial roles.  Curiously, ministers – who preach and teach the importance of honoring Sabbath to renew awareness of God's presence and grace – often have difficulty entering Sabbath rest. 

Perhaps the most important theological insight we have gleaned from exit interviews is the challenge of balancing "being" and "doing."  Relentless demands of pastoral ministry exist in a culture that values individual wants over needs and has changing – and unclear – expectations of ministers.  Such an environment can influence even the most conscientious and self-aware ministers to be more concerned with the "doing" of pastoral ministry than "being" a pastoral minister. 

Marva Dawn, in her fine book, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly, writes about the importance of ceasing, resting, embracing, and feasting.  Her theme is based on a quote attributed to Martin Luther:  "The spiritual rest which God especially intends in this commandment [to keep the Sabbath holy] is that we not only cease from our labor…but much more – that we let God alone work in us and that in all our powers do we do nothing of our own."

The most effective pastoral ministers give attention to keeping in balance the daily challenges of being God's beloved while doing the work of leading a congregation. 

Michael Wilson