Subject to all of the points that follow, the lead pastor can receive up to 3 months of sabbatical leave at the completion of 7 years of continuous, full-time service at Oakwood Church, and up to 2 months of sabbatical leave after another 5 years of continuous service. Other full-time pastoral staff can receive two months of sabbatical leave after 7 years of service, and another 2 months of sabbatical leave after another 5 years of continuous service. The proposal for a sabbatical must be made 9 months prior to the desired time of the sabbatical. The sabbatical must be taken all at one time, not divided into smaller increments during the year.

The pastoral staff member must have a record of good job performance as of the last annual review, and in the current year, and be in good standing in the congregation at the time of the sabbatical approval.

The year in which the sabbatical is taken may potentially be delayed based on extreme conditions in the congregation, i.e., significant financial strain or vacancies in other pastoral staff positions, etc.

Pastoral staff members must submit a sabbatical proposal to the lead pastor (lead pastor to the elder board), outlining in general terms how the sabbatical time will be invested. Once the lead pastor has affirmed the sabbatical, it will be presented to the elder board for approval. Sabbatical proposals should reflect a balance of physical rest, personal recreation, intellectual stimulation and spiritual renewal. Sufficient time for family should be included. The application will show how the staff member=s duties will be covered in his/her absence.   

During the sabbatical year the normal benefit of a paid "study week" will not be taken. This is to be considered as incorporated into the sabbatical.

The pastoral staff will report to the elder board and to the congregation after the completion of the sabbatical to indicate how the time was invested and what benefits were realized.

The pastoral staff person=s full wages and benefits will continue for the duration of the sabbatical. Normally budgeted expenses for the individual's pastoral growth and education may be used for sabbatical expenses. No compensation will be given for unused sabbatical time.

Pastoral staff members who are granted a sabbatical will covenant with the church to serve at least two more years with the congregation after the sabbatical.

Normally, only one pastoral staff member per calendar year will be on a sabbatical leave.