For those of you who have never had the blessing of being a pastor—and maybe you even wonder why pastor appreciation month exists—allow me to provide some clarity and suggestions for Pastor Appreciation Month

UBA's Executive Director Josh Ellis is heading on sabbatical soon. Here's his plan leading up to and during his sabbatical.

Regardless of your church or staff size, take care of the people who feel God’s call on their life to lead and take care of you. From ministry interns to senior pastors, we need them at their best, because they often see us at our worst.

There is nothing quite like receiving a gift—especially those gifts we did not ask for and did not see coming. Young or old, rich or poor, culture to culture, it is all the same. Without hesitation, the mental checklist begins with how to get the most use out of what has been handed to us to change us for the better. This unexpected season of stillness is a gift to those who use it well.

Are you an over- or underachiever? If you're anything like me, the answer is probably: yes. It's easy to fall into either ditch depending on the task, the season of life, or how much coffee you have or haven't had. Whatever your inclination, the solution isn't to dive into the other ditch; it's to find the right balance on the path forward. We need godly self care—not as an escape but true restoration.

Recently, I was told that I have the best work/life balance of anyone on the team. We were joking because I never leave vacation on the table at the end of the year, and I fuss at the other staff if they do. UBA doesn’t hire slackers, so it is not uncommon for one of the staff to get a little wrapped up in work, the to-do list, and unexpected challenges that arise. Before you know it, things are out of balance.

Over the years, however, I’ve come to believe that holding all the areas of my life in balance before God brings honor to him. My theology about balance involves the belief that all the aspects of my life are meant to be lived fully to the glory of God. Here's what that has looked like for me.

This season of my life has been particularly straining. All good things, but good things still take their emotional toll. Ministry requires pastors who truly love their congregation, feel what they feel, hurt when they hurt, and grow weary when they grow weary.

My point here is not to commiserate. The spiritual oversight of souls is tough work, and those of us in ministry aspire to that work. Instead, I simply want to issue a plea: Pastor, seek respite. Use the resources available to you for the good of your ministry, your family, and your soul.

There was an old Isotoner Glove commercial featuring Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino saying the tagline, “Take care of the hands that take care of you.” Regardless of your church or staff size, take care of the people who feel God’s call on their life to lead and take care of you. From ministry interns to senior pastors, we need them at their best, because they often see us at our worst.

Sabbatic leave is a gift. Once it’s granted, though, some times we don’t know how to use it. If you have been granted a sabbatical leave, spend this rare and precious time carefully. To succeed, plan well and focus on these four key areas.

One of the signs of a healthy organization is how employees are encouraged to take time off. Unfortunately, Churches are notorious for being dependent on a few key figures. Here are a few suggestions for those who need help letting go and leaving well.