We are partnering with eligible churches to provide rest and renewal for pastoral leaders. The grant award maximum is $2,000 ($2,000 for one-month sabbatical or $1,000 for two-week sabbatical).
Pastors experienced tremendous pressure during the pandemic and have shepherded God’s people faithfully.
A sabbatical provides rest and refreshment for their spirit and time for them to develop greater intimacy with God so that they can continue leading the church well.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment and support from Texas Baptists, we are partnering with churches to help provide rest and renewal for pastoral leaders. The Pastor Sabbatical Grant Program makes providing a sabbatical financially possible and impactful for both the church and the pastor.
To receive a one-month sabbatical ($2,000 grant), the church must have given a minimum of $1,200/year (same as retirement match) to the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program in 2022. For a two-week sabbatical ($1,000 grant), the church must have given a minimum of $500 to the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program in 2022.
A church lay leader must complete one of the three following activities: a) watch the pre-recorded, “Giving Your Money Purpose” online seminar and submit a completed worksheet, b) Read “Pastors Are People Too: What they Won’t Tell You but You Need to Know” by Jimmy Dodd and submit a one-page report, or c) Review a Shift Toward Total Compensation: A Pastor’s Primer on the Guidestone website and submit a one-page report. All reports/worksheets must be submitted within three months of the pastor’s sabbatical completion date.