Rules of Engagement, as defined by the U.S. Department of Defense, are the guidelines that define the circumstances and limitations under which military forces will begin, continue, or suspend combat engagement. Jesus may not be widely hailed as a military strategist, but the Gospel of Mark shows us that he understood the concept of rules of engagement long before the modern military got around to defining it. Jesus knew when, where and how to aggressively engage in Kingdom work. Mark 1:35-39 illustrates that amidst the intensity of ministry and the many competing demands for his attention, he also knew when to regroup and reconnect with his spiritual supply lines. Just as Jesus retreated from the crowds, using solitude, prayer and reflection to prepare himself to engage in well-focused ministry, I plan to use this twelve-week Sabbatical to re-center, regroup, and reconnect in order to more powerfully engage in the ministry to which I have been called.