Table of Contents
Purpose of the Rector Sabbatical Grant
The Diocese of the Rocky Mountains is committed to the spiritual health and long-term vitality of our clergy. Faithful ministry requires rhythms of work, rest, and renewal. Sabbaticals provide an important opportunity for clergy to step away from the regular demands of pastoral leadership in order to pursue rest, spiritual renewal, study, and refreshment for ministry. When clergy return from sabbatical with renewed vision, spiritual vitality, and fresh perspective, the entire church benefits.
To support this rhythm of renewal, the Diocese offers Sabbatical Grants to assist congregations, especially those with limited resources, with providing sabbatical leave for their pastors. Since rectors continue to receive their full salary and benefits during the sabbatical period, funds are intended to assist the church in maintaining ministry during the pastor’s absence.
For instance, grant funds may be used to support the following:
Honorariums for guest preachers and/or celebrants
Travel and lodging for guest preachers and/or celebrants
Additional ministry expenses associated with the pastor’s absence
DRM Sabbatical Policy
Clergy and parish leaders must review the DRM Customary on Sabbaticals before applying for diocesan sabbatical grants.
Eligibility
Sabbatical grants are available for full-time rectors, especially those rectors serving churches with limited resources
A first sabbatical may be taken after four years of ministry in a parish.
Thereafter, clergy may take sabbatical every four to seven years of continued service.
Award Amounts
Up to but not exceeding $5,000.
Nature of Sabbatical
Sabbatical is not study leave.
Sabbatical is a planned time of rest, renewal, and refreshment.
Length of Sabbatical
The minimum sabbatical period is three months.
Use of Vacation Time
Vacation time may be added to the sabbatical period, allowing clergy to extend their time away from parish responsibilities.
Planning and Preparation
Sabbaticals should be planned in consultation with the Parish Council.
A minimum of six months of preparation is required in order to ensure proper pastoral coverage and ministry continuity.
Post-Sabbatical Commitment
Following a sabbatical, the clergy member is expected to return to serve the parish for at least one year.
Parish Grant Review Committee: Membership & Responsibilities
The Sabbatical Grant Review Committee is made up of at least three members of the Diocesan Council who are appointed by the Council with the approval of the Bishop Ordinary. No member of the committee may evaluate a grant proposal related to his or her own parish.
Grant Review Process
Submission of grant proposal
Administrative Review
Committee Review
Committee Deliberation
Approval
Notification
Grant Evaluation Criteria
Eligibility and Policy Compliance (10 Points)
Is the applicant a full-time rector? Have they served at least four years in the parish? Does the sabbatical fall within the 4-7 year rhythm? Is the proposed sabbatical at least 3 months in length? Does the rector intend to serve for at least a year more following sabbatical?
Purpose Alignment (15 Points)
Does the sabbatical plan clearly reflect rest, renewal, and refreshment for ministry? Is it being taken as academic study leave? Does the plan demonstrate thoughtful engagement with spiritual, personal, and pastoral renewal?
Quality of Plan (15 Points)
Is the plan clear, intentional, and realistic? Do activities support spiritual health, vocational renewal, and long-term ministry sustainability? Has the rector considered how the sabbatical will benefit future ministry?
Parish Planning (20 Points)
Has the sabbatical been planned in consultation with the Parish Council over at least six months? Is there a clear plan for preaching, pastoral care and administration coverage during the rector’s absence?
Feasibility (10 Points)
Does the plan demonstrate awareness of potential challenges? Does the plan appear feasible for both rector and parish?
Financial Stewardship (10 Points)
Is the requested amount reasonable? Does the application clearly explain how funds will be used to support church coverage? Are expenses appropriate to the purpose of the grant?
Parish Investment & Support (10 Points)
Does the application show that grant supplements rather than replaces parish support? Is there clear support for the sabbatical?
Overall Benefit (10 Points
The sabbatical is likely to strengthen the rector’s long-term ministry and benefit the parish community.
Reporting and Accountability
Sabbatical Report, due one month after conclusion of sabbatical, is to include:
Statement of activities
Reflections on anything learned
What was most enjoyed
Annual Grant Cycle
Grant Announcement: Early April
Application Deadline: Mid July
Committee Review: August
Funding Decisions: September
Award Notifications: Early October
Grant Disbursement Begins: January
Mid-Year Reports: Early June
Final Reports: End of December
Guide to Writing a Rector Sabbatical Ministry Grant
Parish Information
Church Name & City/State
Rector Name
Years Serving Parish
Rector Email/Phone
Parish Council Chair/Warden
Chair/Warden Email
Sabbatical Eligibility
Proposed Sabbatical Dates (start/end):
Length of Sabbatical:
Have you served at least four years in this parish?
Date of your last sabbatical (if applicable):
Do you affirm that you intend to return to serve at the parish for at least one year after the sabbatical?
Parish Council Consultation
Have you already planned this sabbatical with your Parish Council?
Date of Parish Council approval:
Briefly describe the parish’s involvement in planning the sabbatical (150-300 words).
Personal Sabbatical Plan
Briefly narrate your plan for sabbatical (200-300 words). Include:
Purpose of the sabbatical
Activities planned
How this time will contribute to rest, renewal, and refreshment for ministry
Church Coverage Plan
Describe the plan for the church during your sabbatical (200-300 words). Please include:
Preaching coverage
Pastoral care arrangements
Plans for administrative leadership
How interim clergy, deacons or lay leadership will be involved
Anticipate Benefits
Describe how you expect this sabbatical to benefit (150-300 words):
Your personal health and ministry
The long-term health of the church
Challenges and Solutions
What major obstacles do you foresee in taking this sabbatical, and how will they be addressed? (150-300 words)
Budget and Funding Request
Provide a projected budget for parish coverage during sabbatical.
Parish Contribution & Support
Will the parish contribute funds toward sabbatical coverage?
If yes, please explain (100-200 words).
Supporting Documents
Include the following as supporting documents.
Letter of support from the Parish Council/Vestry