Sabbatical

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term ansingnyeon (安息年) means "a year of rest." In the Korean church it refers to a practice in which a pastor or missionary, after serving for several years, steps away from his or her responsibilities for a set period of rest, theological study, continuing education, and spiritual renewal. Although the term literally denotes a year, the actual period often differs from a full year and is frequently measured in months.

Biblical and Historical Background

The name comes from the Old Testament ordinances concerning the sabbatical year. Leviticus 25:1-7 commands that the land be farmed for six years and allowed to rest in the seventh. Deuteronomy 15:1-2 prescribes a "year of release" at the end of every seven years, when debts are to be canceled. Leviticus 25:8-12 designates the fiftieth year, which follows seven sabbatical years, as the "jubilee," in which land is to be restored and servants set free.

The sabbatical observed by churches today is not a direct observance of these ordinances. It is closer to an adaptation, for pastoral ministry, of the academic sabbatical, a research leave for professors that is generally said to have originated at American universities in the late nineteenth century.

Practice in the Korean Church

A senior pastor's sabbatical is more often established by a resolution of the local church's session or by the church bylaws than mandated by the denominational constitution. It commonly takes the form of a leave of several months to a year after six or seven years of service. Matters typically decided by the local church include the following:

• Whether, and to what extent, the pastor's salary will be paid during the sabbatical
• Who will preach on Sundays, whether an associate pastor, an affiliate pastor, or guest preachers
• Whether to support overseas training or a degree program

A missionary's sabbatical is governed by the regulations of a denominational mission board or mission agency and consists of a period spent in the home country after several years of field ministry. In addition to rest, this period is used for visiting supporting churches, undergoing medical checkups, and addressing matters such as children's education. Some organizations call it a "home assignment."

Opinions on the sabbatical are divided. Some hold that it is necessary to prevent pastoral burnout and to improve the quality of ministry. Others point out that it is feasible only for medium-sized and large churches with sufficient financial resources. In practice, financially dependent churches and small churches often find it difficult to grant a sabbatical because they struggle to secure a substitute preacher and the necessary funds. Some presbyteries and interchurch organizations operate programs to help pastors of small churches take time for rest.