The sabbatical tradition began in the university at the time when the university was part of the church. The idea then was that Doctors of the church, who were the university professors, needed one year in every seven to become students again and to refresh their calling. That tradition is alive and well in all universities and colleges around the world. In recent years sabbaticals have grown in importance among church professionals. Most ELCA synods have a Sabbatical policy.
Many congregations have policies for their pastors and lay professional leaders.
Not only are sabbaticals the healthy thing to do, they also have a way of revitalizing ministries. A strong sense of call to ministry and devout loyalty to their ministry settings enable many pastors and professional leaders to persevere in spite of the hardships. However, most will eventually function with diminished effectiveness. Others will seek and accept a call to another ministry setting. Tragically, sometimes pastors and professional leaders depart the ministry altogether.