There is also a growing practice of granting sabbaticals to other long-term congregation staff members such as directors of religious education. No sabbatical leave is to be expected before the completion of four years of service. Sabbatical leave may accrue for a maximum of six months. The length of sabbatical is a matter of agreement between the congregation's board of trustees and the minister. Sabbaticals may be taken separately from or together with vacation periods.
Sabbatical leave is to be used for professional development.
The congregation's covenant may include some guidelines. The covenant may require the minister to continue service to the congregation following the sabbatical. This period usually will not be longer than one year. The congregation and the minister will jointly plan for ministerial services during the sabbatical leave. If a sabbatical fund is established, it should be clearly stipulated whether it is for the use of the congregation or the minister.