MARK 6:31 — Jesus said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’
This July, I will begin my 4th year at St Paul, and my 10th consecutive year as a full-time senior pastor. I will also be taking my first ever Personal Formation and Spiritual Growth Leave from my regular pastoral duties, from July 20th through October 05th.
This leave is a time of intentional reconnection with God, restoration with my family, and preparation for a renewed season of pastoral leadership. The United Methodist Book of Discipline provides this for clergy who have served six or more years in full-time ministry (¶350.3). I am grateful for Rev. Tom Long, my District Superintendent, for recommending the leave, and for the SPRC and Ad Board who approved it, in recognition of the need for spiritual, emotional, and physical renewal. My initial plan to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been cancelled, due to escalating military conflicts. However, just as Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16), I still need time to reconnect with God—to listen, reflect, and allow God to speak afresh into my heart simply as a follower of Jesus.
Additionally, I’m look forward to revitalizing relationships with my family. As Paul reminded Timothy, a spiritual leader’s home life is not separate from ministry—it is a core part of it. (see 1 Timothy 3:4-5) Ministry is not something I do alone; it impacts my spouse, my children, and those closest to me. This leave is a chance to celebrate my 15th anniversary on a trip with Anna, to be present at home with Abe and Sam in a new way, to repair what has been stretched thin, and to grow closer together.
This spiritual growth leave is also about preparation. The Apostle Paul also spent seasons in preparation and renewal before launching into public ministry (see Galatians 1:15–18). I am hopeful that God will use this season to renew my strength and vision for ministry with St Paul UMC. I want to return to the church with fresh energy, clearer purpose, and a deeper reservoir of grace to offer. It gives me great peace of mind to know that St Paul UMC is in good hands during in my absence:
Rev. Dr. Russell Miller, our Associate Pastor of Congregational Care, will continue to work with the Stephen Ministries team to provide pastoral care and support for our constituents.
Dave Patterson, our Director of Worship, will continue to work with our musicians, choir, and lay members to facilitate weekly worship services.
Mark Yeilding, our Business Manager, will continue to work with our finance committee members and the ushers to be faithful stewards of church funds.
Abigail Harrison, our Director of Family and Student Ministries, has build a terrific team to ensure our children, youth, and college ministries and programs will thrive in this summer and new school year.
Lisa Barela, our Office Administrator, will be working with Betsy Feemster, and the Ad Board to keep the church office running smoothly, and our church calendar and communications up to speed.
David Feemster, our President of Trustees, will continue to provide leadership for the Trustees and third-party vendors to ensure the church facilities are maintained to the best of their ability.
LeeAnn Snelling, our Staff Parish Relations Chair, will oversee the committee as it continues the search and hire process for a new church organist, and will also be the primary point of contact if someone needs to reach out to me or to my family while I am on leave.
Fruit of Faithfulness Today,
Pastor Benji