Unintended Sabbatical

How do we find balance in life

I surrendered to God’s call on my life to vocational ministry when I was 19 years old (34 years ago). Ministry is a journey and at times an adventure. With any journey we need times of change or pause to bring rest and renewal. Life and ministry have been out of balance many times. I am thankful for my unintended sabbatical that came along at a very important time. My sabbatical was a break, but it wasn’t planned. I feel God saw the path I was and knew that I was headed for ministry ending burnout.

This came at a time when my family and I were attempting to plant a church from scratch. This was a challenging ministry not to mention we had three young kids as well. The launch of the church was exciting and rewarding. However, now we had people to pastor and very little help with leadership. The result was my wife, and I were responsible for making most of the ministries of the church happen and to care for the people. We didn’t see what impact the demands were having, but it truly had an impact on our family and our health mentally, spiritually and physically. As you can guess, the new church did not make it. Although it got off the launch pad, we could not sustain the flight. In the end, I wish I could say that we were able to realize the work was done and let go, but ultimately, I feel God was the one who said, it is finish and took it out of our hands.

I did not mention that the church plant was in a military community. This was the first time we worked so closely with military families. We were challenged and moved by the challenges these families make. Also at this time, I was introduced to military chaplains and encouraged by some church members to consider chaplaincy work. But it wasn’t until the church ended that I had the opportunity to truly consider it. I chose to pursue the reserves and return to full-time church ministry and serve as a typical reservist.

God had other plans. I received my commission as a reserve chaplain and completed my Chaplains Basic Officer Leadership Course (CH_BOLC). I then landed in a unit and was ready to find another church ministry. However, no doors were opening for ministry. Just as I was getting frustrated, I got a call requesting me to become an augmentee (active-duty but still in the reserves) with Special Forces. This was intended to be a one-year order. It turned to 9 years of active-duty time and away from the church full-time.

I never intended to stay so long. But looking back I needed a break from the church work. Although, I didn’t realize it, I was burned out and had that time away not come, I would have continued to push myself and my family. And I know there would have been a crash.

After nine years, I found my passion for the church ministry and I am now serving in a church full-time again with renewed vigor for ministry. I am also continuing to serve as a Chaplain in the National Guard. These weekends of ministry with soldiers help me stay fresh and keep things in the right perspective.