Staff pastors understand that their senior pastor has more responsibility, earns more money, and often has some benefits not offered to staff pastors. There is an emerging benefit for senior pastors, however, that can be shared with staff pastors to add value and refresh their ministry. I am referring to the sabbatical.

In 1 Corinthians 16:17, Paul — with appreciation and affection — mentions Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. We know little, if anything, about Fortunatus and Achaicus. They may have brought Paul the Corinthians’ letter to which 1 Corinthians is in part a reply. The household of Stephanas was among the first converts in Achaia and prominent on Paul’s radar.

These three visited Paul and refreshed him (verse 18). The verb Paul used that is translated “refreshed” also appears in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus said, “I will give you rest” (italics added). Evidently, these three men not only knew how to refresh someone, but they also practiced it.

Senior pastors need to consider how they might refresh their staff. Consider the following.

Sabbaticals for staff pastors help promote longevity. One church in Virginia allowed any staff pastor to earn two weeks of sabbatical leave for every five years of service — in addition to regular vacation. It is not surprising that most of the pastoral staff stayed five years or more.

I am a strong promoter of this truth because I believe it is biblical.

While sabbaticals can’t guarantee longevity, they can help prevent burnout, inspire loyalty and provide a valuable incentive.

Adding value to others helps develop a culture of generosity. Reaping what we sow is one of the laws of Scripture. A culture of generosity begins with the senior pastor. If culture is what people do without being told, then the senior pastor must constantly model what he wants others to do.

The greatest human power a leader has is modeling behavior for others to see and emulate. Interestingly, Paul said the three men who refreshed him deserved recognition (1 Corinthians 16:18). They did not ask for or expect recognition. Paul was simply putting the law of sowing and reaping into action.

Start somewhere, and make plans for further development. Some may not be convinced of the full benefits of a sabbatical or may not feel church leadership is ready to take this step. The senior pastor can prime the pump by providing a weekend away for a staff pastor, and then measure the results. Give it a chance.

If you want to make a statement, provide extra cash for your team member. Perhaps his or her short time away will lead to a more formal sabbatical program.

Sabbaticals help pastors finish strong. The coach of any athletic team knows what it takes to win. The term “fresh legs” is used in basketball. Certain players are given bench rest so they can make a strong finish and help the team win.

The coach knows his players and game plan well enough to rest players at the right time. We can learn from this sports analogy.

If you are still asking, Why? I want to respond with, Why not? Refresh others on your pastoral staff with a sabbatical. I am a strong promoter of this truth because I believe it is biblical.

This article originally appeared in, and is adapted from, the Fall 2007 Enrichment Journal.