Pastoral Sabbatical
On May 6, 2016, it was announced to our church plant’s Core Team that we would plant Sojourn Spring Branch Church later that year in October. Since the days of recruiting that Core Team who would later become Covenant Members, to raising funds in order to launch, and root ourselves in the neighborhood, we have celebrated 7 years of God’s faithfulness. He has been good!
On May 6, 2024, I begin a three month Pastoral Sabbatical to rest from the duties of pastoring, preaching, and leading Sojourn. Being away from my parish, the pulpit, and God’s people is a way I hope to rest in order to re-enter into continued church ministry.
SOJOURN: A JOY AND CROWN
As I go into a time of renewal and reflection, there is no doubt about the faithful commitment to gospel ministry that Sojourn covenant members have lived out. Church family, thank you for saying yes and living this out together.
In covenanting with one another through the years, Sojourn Spring Branch has shown spiritual growth in community by way of participating in their weekly Neighborhood Parishes as well as serving in Sunday Gatherings
This doesn’t come by accident, but by the organic participation of church members and parish leaders as well as the organized effort of pastoral leadership. By the grace of God, I’ve been able to lead Sojourn and navigate our church through the highs and lows of church life. The work of the congregation and the work of pastoring is an honorable one and God receives all the glory!
LET THE SOIL OF THE SOUL LIE FALLOW
“For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow...”
Through the years since Sojourn’s inception in 2016, a lot of work has been done and a lot has been cultivated. People have met Jesus as Lord and Savior. They have been baptized, others married, some have had children, and all have practiced the “one another” commands of Scripture.
Taking intentional time from the wonderful work of pastoring to retreat, receive counseling, and spend time with the family is an intentional way to cease and let the heart and soul lie fallow for a bit before returning to the ministry of pastoring, preaching, and leading Sojourn with a renewed passion for what the Lord is doing in the Spring Branch area of Houston.
HOW TO SUPPORT IN THIS SEASON
“And [Christ] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ....”
As I take an intentional temporary break from equipping the saints for the work of ministry through my pastoral leadership, I am grateful for the people who make up our church. Last year, I asked our Financial Stewardship Team to consider setting up a stipend for Sabbatical expenses. And I am extremely thankful for our church setting apart funds for this season of rest.
In this season, Sojourn members are asked to continue in faithful ministry, as well as praying for their church leaders and our church who will be taking on more responsibilities during this time, and also praying for their pastor.
Trusting Christ as the Chief Shepherd, head of the church, who is in control, I am encouraged by the willingness to support the work of the ministry at Sojourn in these two ways:
1) CONTINUE IN FAITHFUL MINISTRY
Neighborhood Parishes make up Sojourn, so faithful participation in that small community serves the church body at large. Not only are you, as a covenant member being served, but your prayers and presence do make a difference to fellow parish members when you gather weekly in your parish host home.
Sunday Gatherings are a time when you celebrate all that God is doing in that small community and you get to join others that are part of theirs and God is glorified as the church sings, prays, and receives grace through the preached word and the Lord’s Table.
Serving in different Ministry Teams on Sundays also helps foster a hospitable environment to those who visit and worship with Sojourn.
2) PRAY FOR CHURCH LEADERS AND OUR CHURCH SERVING IN THIS SEASON
In these next three months, while volunteer church leaders, like Parish leaders, Sunday Ministry Team leaders, and members from our church, serve to make sure the organized aspect of our Sunday Gatherings and Parish Gatherings happen, would you pray for them?
If you have a need, let your parish leaders know. For other inquiries, please contact our volunteer Sabbatical Team at sojournspringbranch@gmail.com and someone will reach out to you.
For the Leaders:
“Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift:
Send down upon our parish leaders, and other volunteer leaders, and upon our congregation they serve,
the healthful Spirit of thy grace: and, that they may truly please thee,
pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing.
Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
For the Church:
“Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth,
hear our prayers for this parish family.
Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.
Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind
within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
3) PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND I
We believe that God hears us when we pray. So, would you add these prayer needs to your list over the next three months?
1. That the Lord would refresh my spiritual life. Pray Psalm 139.
2. That the Lord would continue to strengthen my marriage. Pray Ephesians 5:25-33.
3. That the Lord would continue to help me love and enjoy my children. Pray Ephesians 6:4.
4. That the Lord would guide me through my personal life, ministry life processing, and healing. Pray 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
5. That the Lord continue to shape me to be a spiritually healthy pastor for His glory and for the church’s joy. Pray 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Church family, I receive this time of rest as a gift and Ruthie and I are grateful for the support we feel in taking this Sabbatical. We will miss seeing you, but we are excited to enter into a season of rest in order to come back re-energized for faithful ministry.
-Tony Villatoro