If lay leadership is not available or in the case of a longer leave it is common to engage an interim pastor, often at less than full time. Usually a pastor returns refreshed and eager to carry on in ministry in this congregation. Often that expectation is built into the leave agreement, for example, an obligation to serve one year or to complete a contract term after the leave. Usually the pastor returns with renewed passion and enhanced skills. Pastors who take periodic leaves usually stay longer in their congregations.
Little advantage is gained by insisting on fulfilling the term when there is no enthusiasm for it.
This enables a better start to be made in the pastor's next assignment and may be less disruptive and cause fewer transitions for the congregation than a leave followed by a short return and then moving on to another ministry. Family considerations are very important in deciding the timing, length, location and focus of the leave. A well-planned leave that involves the pastor's family in the planning will renew family life and encourage the pastor's spouse and children to support a return to ministry with enthusiasm. It will be to a congregation's advantage to ensure that a leave does not place excessive financial or other burdens on the pastor's family. Talk about your approach to pastoral leaves before your pastor asks for one.