Taking a sabbatical was not an easy decision. For years, I had been deeply entrenched in the work of pastoral ministry—planting churches, training leaders, and serving pastors. The thought of stepping away, even for a short period, seemed almost irresponsible. After all, my Hispanic culture has instilled in me the value of “working till you are dead.”
My sabbatical was a gift—one that I didn’t know I needed, but one that I am incredibly grateful for.
However, UBA has a different culture; they require you to take a sabbatical every 5 years. This practice is super rare for this workaholic Hispanic pastor, so I resisted the idea for a year.
As much as I resisted the idea, I knew that a sabbatical offered a rare opportunity to step back, not only to rest but to reflect and create. It was a chance to reset, to dive deeper into my relationship with God, and to finally begin the writing I had been putting off for years. With a mixture of reluctance and resolve, I stepped into this season of rest, not fully knowing what to expect but trusting that God had something important to teach me.
Sabbath is made for us.
The concept of sabbatical is deeply rooted in Scripture. God Himself modeled it when He rested on the seventh day, and the Israelites were commanded to observe the Sabbath year. However, for many pastors, taking an extended period of rest can seem like a luxury rather than a necessity. I was no exception. My work of pastoring in the urban ministry context and consulting with pastors both in UBA and the city had become a vital part of my identity.
But it was in those moments of doubt that I realized the depth of my need for rest. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint, and without proper intervals of rest, burnout is inevitable. The call to rest is not just a personal one—it is a divine mandate.
The first few weeks of my sabbatical were uncomfortable. I had become so accustomed to the pace of ministry that slowing down felt unnatural. My mind raced with thoughts of unfinished projects, upcoming events, and the people and pastors that I serve. But gradually, as I leaned into the rhythm of rest, something began to shift.
Sabbath helps us connect.
My main goal was to reconnect with God in ways I hadn’t in years. I rested from social media (as much as I could), television, and other distractions. I also listen to the advice of a wise pastor that encouraged me to set aside a chair or sofa in a special place in my house to commune with God. “Sit down, be quiet, and reflect,” was his advice.
My prayers became less about me and others and more about communing with Him. I spent unhurried time in the Word, not in preparation for a conference or sermon, but simply to hear from God. This time allowed me to reflect on my own spiritual journey and the areas where I had neglected my relationship with Him.
This inward journey also brought to light some of the things I had been avoiding—feelings of inadequacy, the pressure to meet expectations, and the subtle ways pride had crept into my ministry. The sabbatical gave me the space to confront these issues, to repent, and to realign my heart with God’s purposes.
The sabbatical offered me a precious opportunity to reconnect with my family in a way that I hadn’t in a long time. We spent time together without the usual distractions of ministry. We laughed, shared meals, and simply enjoyed each other's company.
Sabbath fuels ministry.
As the sabbatical drew to a close, I began to reflect on what God had been teaching me and how it would shape the future of my ministry. The time away had not only refreshed me but had also given me a clearer vision for what lies ahead. I returned with a renewed passion for serving pastors and my city with a deeper understanding that the work is God’s, not mine.
And perhaps most significantly, I now have the space and clarity to begin writing about the past six years of ministry. The insights I’ve gained, the challenges faced, and the victories won all need to be shared. I’m excited to see how this writing will unfold and how it might serve as a resource for others in ministry.
My sabbatical was a gift—one that I didn’t know I needed, but one that I am incredibly grateful for. It was a time of rest, reflection, and realignment. It reminded me that ministry is not about constant activity, but about being in tune with God’s will and His timing.
To fellow pastors and ministry leaders, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking time for a sabbatical. It’s not just a break; it’s a vital part of sustaining a long-term ministry. The work will always be there, but so will God’s provision. Trust Him enough to step away, and allow Him to minister to you as you minister to others.
In closing, my sabbatical has left me more committed than ever to the work God has called me to do. But it has also left me more aware of the need to regularly step back, rest, sit down, be quiet and listen to the One who called me in the first place. After all, the strength to continue the journey comes not from our own efforts, but from the rest we find in Him.
Victor Marte is a UBA Church Consultant. His primary areas of responsibility include church planting, leadership development, and new church development. Victor is bilingual and available to consult with congregations in English or Spanish.
La fuerza para continuar el camino no proviene de nuestros propios esfuerzos, sino del descanso que encontramos en Él.