Pastoring and completing my Doctor of Ministry degree program in 1998, I have blended pastoral ministry with activism and community development. As a preteen, my life purpose was impacted by what I had seen and read about the prophetic ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am now engaged in the kind of pastoral and prophetic ministry I've always envisioned and sought to inspire others to do.
A sabbatical would allow for reflection, recharging spiritually, and refocus the discipleship dimensions of my ministry. I could make good use of reflection on my journey, and refresh the habits of early morning devotions and prayer. Also, I need to renew my relationship with the scripture, and prepare teaching and preaching series that will further build the congregation and help make disciples. From my 1999 sabbatical I have learned that preparation for my absence greatly aids congregational and institutional development. Our community will greatly benefit from a stronger church and congregational leadership development. The stronger our
church and the more developed the disciples, the greater our capacity will be to have kingdom and social justice impact as salt of the earth and light of the world.