I propose a sabbatical from May-August of 2006 under the theme: Restoring the Joy in Ministry. My need stems from 33 years of intense ministry responsibility with little time for renewal, and frequent experiences of near burnout. These have dulled the joy in ministry. My plan has three components: Restoring my spiritual joy (a two-week retreat at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota), renewing my ministry vision (a 30-day cross-cultural mission trip to Kyrgyzstan to assist in training pastors), and refreshing my mind (special study in creation and evolution and the house church movement). These bricks would be held together by the mortar of travel, play, and reflection on what God has been teaching me. The benefits of this proposal for the Pastor are physical and emotional rest, spiritual renewal, renewed vision of his place in God's mission, and new ideas for parish teaching. Those for the congregation include a healthy pastor, the new ideas he brings, encouragement to participate in cross-cultural mission work, a re-discovery of their capabilities for service at home, experience for the Assistant Pastor, and the adoption of a sabbatical policy for all called workers.