Hitting the Refresh Button: A Workbook to Help Clergy Plan for Renewal Leave

Ministers have incredibly important, wide-ranging roles in the lives of individuals and communities. That's why you need an extended pause after you have been in your role for several consecutive years. Sometimes, though, it can seem like getting ready to be away is as much work as sticking around. This 38-page workbook provides a scaffolding – thus alleviating some of the mental load – for planning your leave, a span away from ministerial duties that is different from vacation and that can last from 1-6 months. The questions are geared more toward renewal than a working leave, though you will find some guidance that fits for the latter kind as well. The prompts will lead you through thinking about what it is you need from your leave and how to make that happen, how to bring your congregation along in planning, embracing, and debriefing the collective experience, and how to reflect back on your time away to prepare yourself and your church for future renewal leaves.

Below is the breakdown of what the workbook covers. There is ample space provided for you to write, doodle, and dream about the following: 

• Take your leave

• Where you are

• Where your church is

• Goals for your return

• Kinds of leave

• Policies and advance budgeting

• Timeframe for leave

• Timeline for preparation

• Leadership coverage

• Resources for your use during leave

• Budget

• Accompaniment

• Communication between you and the congregation

• Departing for leave

• Easing into leave

• Checking in with yourself during leave

• Re-entry after leave

Your renewal leave can be an opportunity for refreshment and growth for you and for your church. Make the most of this time with the guidance this workbook provides. 

After purchase, you will receive the download link in your email receipt.

Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed is a Professional Certified Coach who works with ministers and their ministry settings. You can read more about her coaching work at her website.