Subscribe to Every Post:Sabbatical May and June
Every seven years the elders at Grace give a full-time staff member a sabbatical as a break from the daily responsibilities of ministry and to do something else in ministry. During my first sabbatical I traveled around the country and compiled research for my doctoral thesis on multicultural ministry. That was seven years ago. I have been at Grace for 14 years, and now in 2009 I have started my 15th year (unbelievable to me).
I will be taking this second sabbatical during the months of May and June of this year. I will be away from Grace Gathering during these two months and focusing on two things: 1) researching and interviewing leaders around the country regarding the next stages and steps of our church direction , and 2) I have decided to begin writing my first book (something I have wanted and have been encouraged to do by many people over the years).
I am debating a few different book topics. I might write about these topics sometime in the next week or so and seek input from all of you on which topic I should tackle first.
Also, I would like to get prayer support during those two months. I would like to have at least one person or family from Grace pray for me during each day I am gone (which would be about 60 families).
I am looking forward to what God will show me during this time away. I am thankful for the elders’ support and for the church’s support. I do not deserve to be a follower of Christ and certainly don’t deserve to be a leader at Grace Gathering. It is so incredibly humbling.
May God receive all the glory.
March 19th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Hey Chris,
Looking forward to reading your book when it comes out. I’m sure it will be great. Once it is published, if you need someone to come up with a fantastic cover design, you may want to contact The Design Works Group at: http://www.thedesignworksgroup.com. They “specialize in designing books that are distinctly unique and culturally relevant.” However, I have no idea what they charge or if they will fit your budget.
Also, regarding the actual publishing of the book, you may want to look into http://www.lulu.com or http://www.360digitalbooks.com. They may be worth checking out. Looking forward to reading your book when it is finished. Have a blessed sabbatical.
-brad
March 19th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Chris,
It has been a wild ride for 15 years hasn’t it.
I am completely astonished that it has been 15 years already and you are on your second sabbatical already. WOW!
You keep things so fresh and interesting it still seems like yesterday that you came to us.
I thank God everytime I get to hear a message that He has put on your heart to teach us.
Your last paragraph where you talk about being so undeserving and how it all humbles you gives me chills.
Thank you so much for your service!
Also remember to keep training for your triathlon while on your sabbatical.
March 21st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hey Brad,
Thanks for the encourgement and the publishing information. I will check those sites out. Hope you are doing well!
John,
Thanks so much for your support over the years. It has been truly amazing. Keep perservering yourself as I know you will. Take care!