As the pastor of a larger church in a small community, I often struggle with the balance between: church leadership/administration vs. pastoral care/shepherding planning vs. prayer staff development vs. development of my own soul running a church vs. listening to God's voice

Recently, I bought two books at the same bookstore: Thinking for a Change, by leadership guru, John Maxwell and the folksy novel, At Home in Mitford, by Jan Karon. As I read them both, I thought, “If a pastor is going to thrive in a small place there needs to be a blend of both of these perspectives.”

The early Methodists seem to have grasped this balance better than most. They were men and women of both prayer and action.

The purpose of my sabbatical is to discover that balance between:
Being and doing
Leading and loving.
Teaching and learning
Communicating and listening.
Maxwell and Mitford!

I will strive to accomplish this in my Sabbatical through:

Exploring the world of the early Methodists (by visiting England.)

Resting and Re creating with my family (at home)

Researching (In college/seminary libraries) revival/renewal movements, particularly in the small town context.

Reflecting/Writing (in Florida) to encourage other pastors who serve small communities.