It was like we won the lottery. Part of the grant can be used to pay for pastoral services for the congregation while the minister is away. Until now, the recipients have been from Indiana. In December, the endowment is expected to add a similar program for pastors outside the state. We don't recognize the symptoms when they're happening and don't think ahead of time about what we really need.
Pastors commonly work long hours, often attending weekend and night meetings.
Bruesehoff sees sabbaticals as necessary for ministers to reflect and sit in the presence of God. A pastor gives and gives and gives. If at a point you're not replenished, you become spiritually bankrupt. Addressing the problem of clergy burnout is not new. Other programs such as SonScape Re-Creation Ministries in Colorado offer programs that provide a retreat for ministers.