05/31/2026
Church family,
I want to share something important with you, and I want to share it with the same transparency and love that I try to bring into every part of my ministry.
After much prayer, counsel, and reflection, I will be entering a pastoral sabbatical for the month of June.
A sabbatical is not a vacation, and it is not stepping away from my calling. It is a biblical rhythm of rest, renewal, and restoration that allows a pastor to return healthier, stronger, and more spiritually refreshed for the long haul.
For many years, I have poured my heart, energy, and strength into shepherding this church. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life. But ministry also carries a weight that accumulates over time spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
A sabbatical is a way to honor the biblical pattern of Sabbath rest and to ensure that I can continue serving you with clarity, joy, and longevity.
During this sabbatical, I will be stepping away from all ministry responsibilities such as preaching, teaching, counseling, planning, and leadership duties. This is intentional. It allows me to rest deeply, reconnect with the Lord in an unhurried way, and renew the parts of my soul that constant ministry output can drain.
I will also be spending time with my family, my daughters, my grandchildren, and loved ones who pour life back into me. This is not “ministry work.” This is part of the restoration God uses to strengthen a pastor’s heart.
I want you to know this clearly:
I am not leaving.
This sabbatical is a healthy, proactive step to ensure long‑term faithfulness and fruitfulness in the calling God has placed on my life.
During my time away, our leadership team will continue to shepherd, preach, and care for the church. I trust them completely. This is also a beautiful opportunity for the church to grow in shared leadership and to experience the truth that the church belongs to Jesus not to any one person.
I ask for your prayers during this season. Pray that God would renew my strength, deepen my walk with Him, and prepare me for the next season of ministry with fresh vision and fresh anointing. And know that I will be praying for you as well.
Thank you for your love, your support, and your understanding. I am grateful for each of you, and I look forward to returning rested, renewed, and ready for all that God has ahead for us.
With love and gratitude,
Pastor Robert
