A sabbatical is a period of time during which the pastor will set aside their normal responsibilities with the congregation for spiritual, mental, emotional, physical and professional renewal.
Sabbatical leave is offered to a person who serves in a pastoral role (ordained or licensed) who completes the following years of continuous service in a pastoral role at Northview Church (see chart below). It is understood that the pastor is obligated to stay with Northview Church for at least one full year after returning from a sabbatical at the discretion of the Board of Elders.
- A pastor must submit a written request for a sabbatical leave, outlining how the time will be used, to an Executive Pastor at least six months prior to the proposed starting date. An Executive Pastor will submit a request to the Senior Pastor, and the Senior Pastor to the Elder Board.
- The sabbatical proposal should include: The purpose and desired outcome of the sabbatical, a general schedule of activities planned during the sabbatical, including ministry related activities like conferences, books, or visits, etc. that are planned, and a strategy for coverage of ministry responsibilities during the sabbatical.
- The sabbatical leave is separate and distinct from accrued PTO.
- No PTO can be used within four weeks before or after a sabbatical leave.
- No weekend comp days can be used during a quarter(s) in which a sabbatical occurs.
- No two pastors may be on sabbatical at the same time. Priority is given on seniority basis.
- All time off for sabbatical leave must be submitted in Trinet and approved by the employee’s supervisor. Select “Leave with Pay" in Trinet as the time off type so that it doesn’t take from your available PTO hours. Please add "Sabbatical" in the comments section.
- The pastor’s full wages and benefits will continue during the sabbatical/study leave. Northview Church will contribute an additional $300 for each year served in a pastoral role as a sabbatical stipend.