Why Leaders Need Sabbaticals: The Strategic Power of Rest

In a world that glorifies nonstop productivity, many leaders find themselves caught in a relentless cycle—pushing through exhaustion, carrying the weight of their organizations, and convincing themselves that rest is a luxury they can’t afford.

The idea of stepping away for a sabbatical? Radical. Impossible. Intimidating.

Many pastors and ministry leaders we know took their very first sabbatical after 20, 30, even 40 years in ministry. Many would say a Sabbatical "took them", after things became unmanageable or their soul health was at a breaking point. And their most common response?

"I wish I had done this sooner".

For many, sabbatical has never been part of their rhythm.

Yet in the business world, it’s becoming a recognized and even expected practice. It's all the buzz. Secular organizations are discovering what Scripture has declared all along: intentional, extended resets are essential for leadership longevity and effectiveness.

"Have you heard of this new business strategy trend called a Sabbatical?"

...Are we behind in our own game?

Ironically, while sabbatical is a deeply biblical concept, those in ministry often struggle the most to embrace it; even honoring one true day of rest each week feels out of reach for many.  

Why is the case for rest so difficult for us? From what we observe, there hasn't been a case for the soul's well being as first priority. 

At Soul Care, we believe that playing the long game in your calling means making rest a strategic priority, not just an emergency response when you’ve gone too far. A well-discerned, guided sabbatical is more than an extended break—it is a sacred opportunity to restore your soul and realign with God’s rhythms of rest. 
Here’s what we’ve learned about Sabbaticals and why many burned-out leaders still shy away from them. 

The Challenges Leaders Face in Taking Sabbaticals

If the benefits of sabbaticals are so clear, why do so few leaders take them?

It’s Not in the Culture

Many organizations, especially churches and nonprofits, have not normalized the practice of sabbaticals. Leaders worry about how it will look to others:

• “Will people think I’m abandoning my responsibilities?”
• “How can I justify this when my team is working so hard?”
• “What if my absence makes things fall apart?”

Yet, research on resilient leadership shows that long-term effectiveness is linked to periods of deep rest and reflection. A sabbatical isn’t an escape—it’s an investment in the future health of both the leader and the organization. 

It’s Intimidating

Even when a leader knows they need rest, the thought of actually stopping can be terrifying:

• “I know how to work, but I don’t know how to rest.”
• “What will I do with all that time?”
• “Will I feel aimless or disconnected from my purpose?”

For many leaders, their identity has been shaped by productivity. The silence of a sabbatical can feel disorienting at first. But that’s exactly why it’s needed. Learning to be still and to listen—to your soul, to God, to what’s stirring within—is part of the transformational work of rest. Although many leaders would nod their head to the spiritual practice of silence and solitude, they feel intimidated to pursue it on their own. 

Re-Entry Can Be Hard

Taking a break is one thing. Returning is another. If a sabbatical is truly restful, stepping back into a world of deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities can feel jarring. Leaders need a strategy not just for resting well, but for reintegrating wisely. Otherwise, the risk is jumping back into old habits of overwork, undoing the benefits of the sabbatical.

What We Recommend for a Healthy Sabbatical

At Soul Care, we’ve helped countless leaders navigate the complexities of burnout and restoration. Here’s what we’ve learned:

Plan with Priorities in Mind

A healthy sabbatical is intentional. Rather than simply “taking time off,” we encourage leaders to define clear priorities. Consider questions like:

• What do I most need? (Physical rest, emotional renewal, spiritual refreshment?)
• What will I intentionally avoid? (Overcommitting, excessive travel, distractions?)
• What rhythms will I establish? (Daily prayer, reading, walks, journaling?)

Your sabbatical should include a mix of reflection, restoration, and exploration. The goal is not just to pause but to reset—to step back into life and leadership with greater clarity and strength.

Avoid the Productivity Trap

Many leaders are tempted to structure their sabbatical as just another form of work. They sign up for courses, write books, or launch projects. While those may be valuable endeavors, they do not replace true rest. A sabbatical is not about achieving—it’s about receiving.

Give yourself permission to slow down. To linger in Scripture. To take long walks without checking your phone. To listen deeply to God. You may be surprised what emerges when you stop striving.

Seek Guidance and Accountability

It’s easy to drift back into busyness without realizing it. That’s why having a spiritual director, mentor, or coach to guide your sabbatical is invaluable. They can help you discern priorities, hold you accountable to true rest, and support you in the re-entry process.

Prepare for Re-Entry

Just as you plan for stepping away, you must plan for coming back. Without a re-entry strategy, the shock of resuming work can erase the benefits of rest. Consider:

• Gradual reintegration: Can you return part-time before jumping back fully?
• New rhythms: What practices will you maintain to sustain your soul health?
• Shifts in leadership: What changes need to happen so you don’t fall back into unsustainable patterns?

A sabbatical should not be a temporary fix—it should catalyze lasting transformation.

Sabbaticals are a Gift for Lasting Well-Being and Desired Kingdom Outcomes 

In The State of Pastors, researcher David Kinnaman put it bluntly: “We don’t just need stronger leaders; we need more resilient leaders.”

But resilience isn’t about white-knuckling your way through exhaustion. It comes from stewarding your soul—staying alive to God, knowing your limits, and embracing the rhythms He designed for us. It means knowing when to push forward and when to pull back, learning to lead not just from effort, but from overflow.

So if you’re exhausted… if you’re leading on fumes… if you’re wondering how much longer you can sustain this pace—something has to change. For the sake of your soul. For the sake of your relationships. For the sake of the work you’ve been called to.

Sabbaticals aren’t an act of escape; they’re an act of trust. It takes faith to step away.

But here’s the promise: when you learn to trust God in your rest, you’ll rediscover the joy, strength, and clarity you need to lead well—for the long haul.

We’ve just launched sabbatical resources at multiple levels—from planning guides to coaching to customized retreats—so you don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’re preparing to step away, we’d love to help ensure your sabbatical is truly restorative.

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