5 Steps to Experiencing the Sabbatical Effect During Pandemic Ministry

Since March it seems like our world has been flipped upside down. Everything we had planned for our student ministries came to a screeching halt - end of the year celebrations and summer plans were canceled or reconstructed. Though we know this summer of slowness has been no sabbatical, it gives us the ability to reflect and view things from a different point of view. Now, as you prepare to take on ministry for the Fall semester, take some time to walk through these steps.

Reflect and take thoughtful action for your spiritual formation. There is time now to remain without feeling rushed. Remain with God.
Take care of yourself with a long-term plan for your health-mental, physical, and emotional. The extra time during sheltering gives you time to think on the things that are most important and do something about it. Understand that even though the pandemic has gone on longer than expected, we can leverage the habits we desire to have when we return.
Take time to start over with your ministry. When you first started you were full of ideas and dreams. Dream again. Evaluate your philosophy of ministry and rethink a strategy that will align with your philosophy.
Think smaller. Seems like we are always thinking bigger but now is the time to build relationships with students and leaders and give them undivided attention. Since your group isn’t as large during this season, think small.
Think wide. How can you develop others during this time so that your reach will be wider? Remember how hard it is to provide training for leaders during a busy youth ministry schedule? Share the things you are learning and have your leaders dream with you.

Now you might want to pull out your calendar and do some meaningful planning. Plan with the end in mind and don’t let your good work during your sabbatical go to waste.

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