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Benefits for the Church
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With a Sabbatical Swap the church is not going to be completely without a pastor for the duration of the sabbatical. Though the responsibilities of the visiting pastor will be significantly less, he will be there to cover some things, most likely the preaching. What works well is to have the visiting pastor preach three Sundays per month.
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People in churches often don't step up to the plate and serve until there is an urgent need. A Sabbatical Swap like this gives ministry opportunities to many people who might otherwise not consider getting involved to the same extent. In every experience we've had, the church mentioned afterwards how much growth had taken place in their members during the pastor's sabbatical.
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The church has the opportunity to get to know another pastor. Each pastor has a different style, different strengths and abilities, and different insights. In our swap this past year, the visiting pastor preached topical sermons, while I preached only expository sermons through the book of Nehemiah. Both congregagtions were inspired and thrilled with the different style of preaching.
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| 4. |
The pastor and his family come back to the church with renewed strength and enthusiasm. |
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