Sabbaticals in Alabama
Throughout Alabama, a small but growing group of pastors and other religious leaders are finding new life for ministry, thanks to the Sabbatical Leave Program at Samford University’s Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence. To date, 24 clergy have participated in the sabbaticals, using their leaves to pursue a wide range of interests.
Black and white, young and old, male and female, the sabbatical participants come from a variety of denominational backgrounds, including Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Catholic, and Disciples of Christ. They have used their leaves for an extraordinary range of projects, including writing books, studying churches in transitional communities, pursuing artistic interests such as painting, and exercising.
In addition to the Rev. William King’s “Alabama Pilgrimage,” here are two more examples of works produced by sabbatical participants:
- “Year of the Jubilee,” by Mary McGehee, a chapter from her book My Heart Rejoices: One Benedictine Sister's Spiritual Autobiography
- Poetry by the Rev. Marc Burnette
Visit the Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence website for more information about the center and its Sabbatical Leave Program.
