Jarrett Allebach’s Sabbatical Journey: Prayer, Planning, and Wise Prioritization

Sabbaticals can be among the most impactful events in a pastor’s life. However, because the factors that contribute to a life-giving sabbatical are often assumed, but not clearly articulated, these important seasons of rest are sometimes delayed or altogether neglected. Prayer, planning, and wise prioritization before and during a sabbatical make all the difference.

The Allebach Family

In a recent conversation with Geneva’s Vice President of People & Culture Jon Medlock, Pastor Jarrett Allebach recounted his experience of a much-needed sabbatical after ten years of ministry, reflecting on the blessings, challenges, and revitalization that came out of his time away.

Allebach planted Grace Presbyterian Church in Worcester, MA, in 2013. Originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, his first sabbatical was delayed by the COVID pandemic. When describing his condition shortly before his sabbatical in 2023, Allebach shared, “My wife told me, ‘You’re more tired than you even realize,’ and she was right. I was worn down from the regular stresses of ministry.”

Before leaving, Allebach worked diligently to prepare the church for his absence. He and his elders collaborated to ensure that everything would run smoothly. This involved scheduling preachers, sharing account passwords, setting up bill payments, and delegating shepherding duties. An informal congregational meeting was held a few weeks before Allebach’s departure to ask for prayer and communicate expectations for his time away.

“It was a great opportunity to teach the congregation about the importance of rest – not just for me, but as a principle for all of us,” Allebach said.

His final sermon before sabbatical was on the Aaronic Benediction (Num. 6:22-27), followed by a congregational cookout.

Allebach was one of the first recipients of Geneva’s Ministerial Wellbeing Sabbatical Matching Program. The grant offers up to $10,000 in matching funds, allowing pastors and their churches to afford the cost of pulpit supply, travel, lodging, and other sabbatical-related expenses. “The grant was really helpful. That money made a huge difference for us. It helped us cover a lot of the logistical costs,” Allebach said.

Allebach’s aspirations for his sabbatical were oriented around three themes: rest, renewal, and realignment. His primary goal was to slow down. As he put it, “We live at 3,000 RPM, but God speaks to our souls at 300 RPM.” He and his family sought to intentionally slow the pace of life and engage in activities that would foster spiritual and emotional refreshment.

Jared Allebach with his wife and daughter

With the help of a counselor, they were able to set realistic goals for how best to use their time during sabbatical. Allebach initially had an ambitious target for how much reading he would accomplish, but he soon embraced the idea that rest meant doing less. “I’m the guy who wants to sample everything at the buffet,” he admitted, “but I had to learn that it’s okay to take things slower and to prioritize what really matters.” On more than one morning, Allebach embraced the gift of a few more minutes in bed, as opposed to getting up to get more done.

A portion of Allebach’s sabbatical was spent with his family in Puerto Rico, living in the dormitory of a Christian school in Luquillo. Being in a slower-paced, family-friendly, and culturally rich environment allowed the Allebachs to enjoy a time of rest together. The Latin community resonated with the family and aligned well with their ministry in a diverse city back home.

One of the most memorable lessons Allebach shared from his time in Puerto Rico came during a visit to a café where he watched an unhurried barista preparing his coffee, taking her time to perfect every detail.

“It was like God was saying, ‘I’m the barista. I’m going to make your coffee the way I want, when I want, and it’s going to be good. You can either be in a rush, impatient, or you can be happy.’ That became the distillation of a lot of what [I learned] during sabbatical.”

Geneva aims to provide pastors with logistical and financial resources for their sabbaticals, so they can intentionally relinquish responsibilities, slow down, and savor the good gifts of God. These resources can be especially useful for church planters, bi-vocational pastors, and those who serve in smaller, less-resourced churches. For pastors who don’t know where to begin, Geneva offers a one-stop webpage of sabbatical best practices.

Allebach and his wife returned from sabbatical with a felt reaffirmation of their long-term commitment to Worcester and Grace Presbyterian. “We’ve been here 10 years, and during the sabbatical, it became clear we’re in for another 10, 20, or more,” he said. “It was an opportunity to refocus, and now we feel more grounded in our calling.”

Moreover, the sabbatical helped Allebach develop a vision of how to approach the next season of ministry with a greater emphasis on celebration and hope as distinctives of his church. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for the church’s emphasis on a diverse community. The congregation’s shared heart of joy is something he wants to continue to foster.

Allebach acknowledges that no sabbatical is perfect. There are things he’ll do differently next time, other priorities he hopes to focus on. But overall, his first sabbatical was a rejuvenating, enriching blessing from the Lord.

“The sabbatical was good for me, good for my family, and good for the church.”

Allebach’s sabbatical journey was one of personal reflection, spiritual renewal, and family connection. It provided not only an opportunity for restoration but also valuable lessons on trust and patience in God’s timing. Allebach’s experience highlights the profound impact a well-structured sabbatical can have on a pastor’s life and ministry.

If you’re a pastor planning for a sabbatical, consider applying for Geneva’s matching grant program. Additionally, Geneva’s comprehensive Sabbatical Best Practices page offers valuable guidance and tips to ensure your sabbatical is meaningful and restorative for both you and your church. Start planning your sabbatical today!