Pastor’s Corner March 2010

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

A few years ago, when I passed my tenth year of ministry at Redeemer, one of the elders made passing mention of developing a sabbatical policy for Redeemer pastors, as a planned way of encouraging personal renewal and growth. Then about a year ago, I remembered the idea and mentioned it to the elders for their more serious consideration. My personal reason was the need for some concentrated time to work on my doctoral degree. I have been working toward a Doctor of Arts in Religion degree from Whitefield Seminary in Lakeland, Florida for the past several years. It is primarily a research and writing degree with an emphasis in Christian intellectual thought, theology and philosophy.

Very graciously, the Session worked on and approved a formal sabbatical policy that is available to all RPC pastors after seven consecutive years of ministry. I will be the first to benefit from a sabbatical under this new policy. In the modern sense, one takes sabbatical typically to fulfill some particular goal. Such is the case for me, as I will be on a sabbatical from my normal pastoral duties at Redeemer to work on my doctoral degree from May 17 until August 9.

While I haven’t had time to work intensely on the degree while in the midst of a very active pastoral ministry, the work I have done so far has been helpful in keeping my mind sharp and providing me with material to pass along to the Redeemer flock in my preaching and teaching ministry. Working on this degree has been a blessing to me and hopefully by extension, a blessing to you also. During the twelve weeks of sabbatical time I will be worshiping with you all at Redeemer several weeks during June, but I will be out of state in Colorado for the last 5 weeks. During this time my two able brothers in pastoral ministry, Nathan and Brian will be tending the flock, along with the other elders. I have full confidence in these brothers to care for you well. I am asking you to give them your full support and encouragement during my absence. Obviously Redeemer is not my church, it belongs to the Great and Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus. Such occasions are good opportunities for a wider use and development of the leadership gifts God has granted Redeemer.

Shari and I will begin our fourteenth year of ministry at Redeemer this May. The time has absolutely ripped by. We love it here. We love each one of you in our Redeemer family. I hope God keeps us here for a long time.

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich