Understanding Sabbaticals

At Stonegate, we see sabbaticals not as a break from ministry, but a step into renewal. The word sabbatical comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, meaning “to cease” or “to stop.” It’s a sacred pause—a space to rest, recenter, and regrip on Jesus. 

Pastoral ministry doesn’t clock in and out. Even in moments of rest, a shepherd still carries the weight of people’s burdens, heartaches, and stories. Sabbaticals offer our pastors time to simply be: to be a son or daughter of God, not just a leader or problem solver. It’s time for them to listen, breathe, retool, and return with fresh vision for the next season.

And here’s the beauty—we’re not pressing pause on the church. In fact, we believe this will be one of our strongest summers yet. Stonegate isn’t built on one man, but on Jesus and a team of godly leaders and everyday saints. While Rodney and Geoff step away, the work of ministry presses on—new leaders rise, new voices preach, and the same mission continues: to enjoy Jesus and make disciples.

So join us in praying for our pastors this summer. Pray for deep rest, clarity, and intimacy with Jesus—for them and their families. And lean in with us as a church. Let’s keep showing up, growing together, and stepping into what God has next.