Pastor Oliver’s Sabbatical
Pastor Oliver will be on his sabbatical from 1 July to 31 December 2025. Before he takes his break, we invited him to share about his plans and how we can be keeping him in prayer.
Beloved, I am grateful that, as a church, you have given me this gift of a sabbatical. I am due for a six-month sabbatical leave from July 1 to December 31, 2025.
God’s good gift of rest
In many churches, there is a practice of sabbaticals. Inspired by the biblical model, sabbaticals provide individuals, particularly pastors and those in vocational ministry, with an opportunity to step away from their regular duties for some time to rest, reflect on their lives and work, and seek spiritual renewal in Jesus Christ.
In the Bible, we observe that God Himself rested on the seventh day after His work of creation and commanded humans to observe a Sabbath day of rest, setting aside time for worship of God, reflection on His Word, and seeking God in spiritual renewal (Gen 2:2-3, Exo 20:8-11). In ancient Israel, the land was to be given a year of rest every seventh year. This practice was meant to demonstrate dependence on God for provision, allow the land to rejuvenate, and remind people that God, our provider, is the ultimate source of all things (Lev 25:1-7). In the New Testament, we see Jesus often withdraw to quiet places to pray and rest (Mark 1:35), and prophets like Elijah experienced times of physical and spiritual renewal in solitude (1 Kings 19).
What will I be doing?
During this time off, I plan to grow in the following areas: strengthening ministry skills, connecting with gospel partners, and stewarding the body. I will also seek rest and renewal in Jesus Christ as I put aside my ministry responsibilities for a season. I will be taking 1-2 short trips to attend conferences and meet with gospel partners to strengthen our relationships. I will also be visiting some local churches in Singapore, particularly from October to December, to learn from their practices and connect with fellow pastors. Finally, I will head to Medan, Indonesia, with a small team in late November or early December to visit our mission partners and meet with their new church plant.
How to pray for me?
Your prayers are crucial during this sabbatical. Please pray that I will steward this time well. Pray that I will draw near to God and experience His pleasure in my life. Pray that I grow in my ministry competence and cultivate friendships among gospel partners. Pray that I will lose weight and get fitter so that I can steward my body well for long-term ministry. Finally, pray that I can care for my mother well in settling some household chores and practical needs!
Thank you, dear church, for your loving care and prayers. I am grateful for your support!