I am in a cafe on a brisk morning in New York City. The morning sun is bouncing off the buildings and as they reached out to the slowly emerging Spring. It’s beautiful. Having had some time to settle into the sabbatical the next stage of what we are here is developing. I am increasingly in a rhythm with my family and can invest the time needed to reflect and think and write down what this time is for.  As I do that the win and shape of this time is getting clearer and more effective. I asked myself “What must I ask myself to have a fruitful sabbatical?”

My answers are:

#1: Have a Clear Win

In my previous post Six Reasons to have a Sabbatical I describe the WHY of a sabbatical. Here is more of a HOW. It’s essential to have an intentional purpose for this time. To have a clear win for this investment.

For me, this period of time has been set aside so I can “lead our Church into its future rather than from my past.”

That’s it. Simple! And not!

#2: Choose Your Shape

How can you approach this time so it has the maximum impact. What framework will guide and create the time and space you have to dream and consider the future. My shape for this time includes the following:

  • To rest.
  • To reflect.
  • To write.
  • To dream.
  • To plan.
  • To invest into my marriage & family.

#3: Have a Framework

I am utilising these questions to help me shape and determine the outcomes, not driving the outcomes, but shaping them. It’s important to be intentional.

  1. How am I going internally? Really really?
  2. What would I rate my marriage out of 10? What do I want it to be?
  3. If I changed NOTHING would the next 5 years be acceptable? Fruitful? God honouring?
  4. Is my current parenting commitment, example, and energy exceeding my own expectations?
  5. What is God saying to me? Personally? Marriage? Parenting? Ministry? Other?
  6. Am I fit & healthy enough for the next 5 years of life & leadership?
  7. Is there anything in my leadership past that will not serve our leadership future? What do I do about that?
  8. What 3-5 BIG changes can I make that would serve my role & responsibilities more in the next 5 years?
  9. Are there any blind spots I am refusing to acknowledge?
  10. What’s the hardest question I MUST ask myself? Have I?

Try these. I trust they will help.

They aren’t the ONLY questions that can be asked. Feel free to build on this process in your comments.