ministers return re-energised, refreshed and their calling re-ignited
Read our Sabbaticals FAQs (Pdf)
Sabbaticals are a required part of a presbyter's or deacon’s performance of his or her duties They can be extremely beneficial both for the individual minister and for the health of the wider Church and can significantly enhance the ministry of the whole people of God.
For Methodist presbyters and deacons, a sabbatical is a period of release from ordinary ministerial duties, in addition to normal holidays, for the purpose of pursuing an approved programme of study, research, work or experience. It is intended as a time for re-equipping, refreshment and renewal.
All presbyters and deacons in Full Connexion and stationed in an appointment within the control of the Church are expected to take a regular sabbatical. The years in which sabbaticals may be taken are normally every seventh year of travel as a minister.
Click here to see in which year a sabbatical is due (Pdf)
Sabbaticals are part of the continuing development of ministers and as such need to be carefully planned, well in advance. Here are some downloadable resources to help ministers, districts and circuits as they prepare for ministerial sabbaticals
Global Relations act as a point of contact for ministers who are interested in spending all or most of their sabbatical period with a partner in another country. Please contact gr.admin@methodistchurch.org.uk
"It gave me the time to simply be with God, to listen and not have to rush away; to be touched, healed, restored and directed."
"Both I and the church benefited from creative work undertaken."