Sabbatical leaves are granted to provide an opportunity for rostered leaders to take an extended period of time for renewal, enrichment, study, spiritual growth, travel, skill development, research, and / or experimentation. Upon return, the leader, ideally, should have a renewed sense of commitment to and energy for his or her ministry.

The annual “Minimum Compensation Guidelines” encourages sabbaticals for rostered leaders. The Southeastern Iowa Synod Sabbatical Planning Guide has been created to help rostered leaders who are planning sabbaticals. Also included as a resource is “The Parish and the Minister’s Sabbatical,” an article by Norman Helm.

Additional resources:

• Southeastern Iowa Synod Sabbatical Planning Guide

• The Parish and the Minister's Sabbatical (article)