Sabbatical
Hello COAH,
On May 1 (this coming Thursday), I will go on sabbatical for three months. I’ve waited 11 years for this. From the moment I began ministry at Youngnak, I’ve thought about what my sabbatical would look like. Now, back then, I was still single, didn’t have any children, and felt like a sabbatical was just about doing nothing. But as the date has been drawing nearer, God is reminding me that it’s not about what I want to do; it’s a time away from regular ministry responsibilities for the purpose of rest, renewal, spiritual growth, and reflection.
Last year was the tenth year of my ministry for me. I still remember back in 2014, walking into Pastor Peter’s office, not knowing that I walked into an interview. When I moved to Toronto to study at Tyndale, I prayed and asked the Lord to give me two years to focus on studying before even thinking about getting into pastoral ministry. September 2014 was exactly two years. I was glad that I had those two years to attend COAH and become a member first. And fast-forward to the present, I’m in my eleventh year in ministry. Last year, being ten years, came with it a lot of reflection and evaluation. I know that the Lord has worked in me and that there has been growth. But I think I focused more on my shortcomings. There were goals and benchmarks that I had hoped to reach by a decade of serving as a pastor.
However, God’s timing is always perfect. As I begin this sabbatical, there’s more clarity in what I’m hoping for. First, I’m hoping for renewal and refreshment. Just like our prayer and focus have been as a community, I’m looking forward to recharging physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m excited to return with a renewed heart, mind, and energy.
Second, I’m hoping for spiritual growth. Not that I haven’t been growing. But it can be easy to just relax and not make it a point to deepen my relationship with God through prayer, meditation and studying of God’s Word, and other spiritual practices. There are areas of growth as a pastor I am looking forward to learning and growing in during this time.
Third, I’m hoping for refocus and re-evaluation. From the moment I began ministry, I was always asked by wise people around me, “What’s your 5-year plan? What’s your 10-year plan? Where do you see yourself, or where do you want to be, in 5-10 years? What’s God’s 5-10-year plan for you?” I think we should all prayerfully consider this. But I’m hoping to reflect on this and have more clarity in vision of ministry. I want to reflect on my calling and what it means to be a pastor. And seek the Lord for guidance moving forward.
Lastly, I’m hoping to spend meaningful time with my family and friends. I’m so excited to spend more time with Irene and our daughter. I’m excited to make memories with them as we visit Korea to meet relatives. I’m excited to connect with some friends that I may not have had time to meet more regularly with.
Wow, sounds like a lot to do in a few months. But I am hopeful. Please pray that the Lord will continue to work during this time. I am so grateful for our church and community. This will be the longest I will be away from COAH ever since I became a member. I will miss everyone. But I’m excited to return in August with what I’m hoping for become reality. I will continue praying for COAH and YoungNak. To wrap up, here are some Bible verses that I’ve been reflecting on to prepare my heart for this season. May these verses encourage you as well.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 – God has spoken to me through this passage repeatedly over the past decade.
Isaiah 40:30-31 – “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Psalm 71:7-8 – “I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.”
Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
With Blessings,
Pastor Tim