Time To Recharge 🪫
How many devices do you regularly re-charge?
I am a little embarrassed 
by my number so I'll keep the answer to myself. The need to re-energize something so it can continue to operate effectively is part of our daily lives. Unlike our electronic devices, the way to re-power our souls is to disconnect. The hustle and bustle of life combined with the "always on/connected" nature of our world takes an unseen, unimaginable toll on all of our souls - especially ministry leaders.
We need to regularly re-charge our spiritual batteries.
How do YOU do that? What practices re-energize YOUR soul so the joy of the Lord begins to lead YOUR life again? Each of us would probably answer that question slightly differently yet there are some universals we all need. I once heard Rick Warren sum those up well when he said something to the effect that every Christian should "Divert daily, withdraw weekly (Sabbath), and abandon annually."
As a part of City Church's structure to ensure the long-term health of our senior leaders, our primary teaching pastors are each eligible for a Sabbatical every 7 years. Pastor Obie is wrapping his up and (coincidentally) Lisa and I are due for ours as well. Due to our current phase of life, Lisa and I are opting to divide our sabbatical time over the next 7 years to give us a bit of extra time away every year rather than taking all of it in one chunk. If you would like to learn more about the vital need of Sabbaticals for pastors, read this blog.
Since I already get 3 weeks of annual time off, the added Sabbatical time divided over 7 years provides an extra 2 weeks annually to rest, recharge, and ready ourselves for what God has next. Lisa and I are not burnt out, dealing with sin, or anything negative like that - but we need the time for sure. Because we want to be your pastors for a long time, this process is critical.
Some amazing Christians have provided a home for us near the water in Fort Myers Florida. We head out Monday morning and plan to be away entirely until Sunday July 28th.
Four things.
- Thank you for being the kind of church that values your leaders' spiritual health.
- Please do not be offended as texts/emails are not responded to. Lisa and I are not trying to ignore anyone - we are trying to best honor this gift given to us.
- Please give grace to our team as staffing will be diminished over the Summer. On any given week, 1-3 staff members will be out. Someone will always be around here and we have a solid plan but grace is appreciated.
- Pray for us! I am praying/believing we will come back having been with God, heard from Him, been with our family, loved on our family, and be 100% ready for the new season.
Lisa and I will be at City Church this upcoming Sunday so come find us for one last hug!
Love you all,
Pastors Kyle & Lisa