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Today (April 6, 2026), I begin a three-month(ish) “Renewal Leave” from full-time United Methodist ministry. A “Renewal Leave” for pastors is akin to sabbaticals for college professors. Every six years, full-time United Methodist pastors are allowed/encouraged to take up to six months of paid leave. In thirty-two years of full-time ministry, this is only my second three-month Renewal Leave. Maybe, if I counted my missed Renewal Leaves and un-used vacation days, I could apply for early retirement!

In other words, it’s time!

It’s time, not because I think I deserve a three-month leave, or have earned it, or am entitled to it…

It’s time, not because I’m burned-out, or in pastoral or vocational crisis, or on the verge of collapse…

It’s time because it’s time. It’s time because ministry is exhausting work – great work! –  but still exhausting.  Ministry requires a constant outflow of inspiring sermons, in-depth Bible studies, engaging articles, interesting retreats, creative worship, spiritual leadership, executive decision-making, community engagement and involvement, planning for the future, financial and facility oversight, forward-looking vision, employee supervision, volunteer recruitment, leadership training, meeting planning, creative innovation, wise decision making and policy implementation, denominational involvement, texts/Zoom meetings/phone calls/personal notes/emails, and occasionally just moving tables and chairs! Of course, every pastor learns early in ministry that the outflow must be matched or exceeded by an equally steady inflow of Spirit, information, continuing education, inspiration, specialized training, mentoring and Sabbath. But, overtime, the outflow inevitably exceeds the inflow, and another day off, vacation or continuing education credit just doesn’t suffice.

It’s time for something more.

For the next three months, I’ve been relieved of my regular pastoral duties and will be absent from the church.  Instead, I will travel, enjoy extended time with my wife and family (especially my three new granddaughters), read and reflect more than usual, and enjoy more of my preferred hobbies. On Sundays, I may watch church services online (not my own), or I may visit other churches in the area and listen to someone else preach for a change. Mostly, I plan to relax. I won’t be setting an alarm clock for the next three months unless it’s for an early cruise debarkation or a plane flight!

What are my goals for this renewal leave? The truth is, I don’t have anything major planned. I’m not traveling anywhere more exotic than a few cruise ports. I’m not learning a new language. I’m not hiking a mountain. I’m not writing a book. I won’t return with anymore (or less) expertise than I left with.

Maybe “goals” isn’t the right word.  I do have hopes! I “hope” to enjoy every day to the max! I “hope” to connect deeply with my family. I to “hope” rest and renew.  I “hope” to spend a lot of time with granddaughters in my arms, and/or good books in my hands, and/or puttering around the garden, and/or just sitting and “being.” I “hope” to find inspiration and new ideas. I “hope” to return in three months with renewed passion, energy and focus for my remaining years of active ministry. Mostly, I “hope” to mindfully connect with God and my own soul – daily – wherever I am, whomever I am with, whatever I am doing.

I do realize that this is an amazing privilege, for which I am deeply thankful. I am thankful to the United Methodist Church for this opportunity. I am especially thankful to the staff, leaders, and members of the First United Methodist Church of Orlando for your gracious support and encouragement.

Throughout my leave (and hopefully after), I plan to write about what I’m experiencing and learning. I realize I’ve not posted on this site in a while, and I am hoping to change that. If you’re interested, you can sign up to receive email notifications when I post something new. Feel free to “comment” and let me know what you think!