Sabbatical

A few months ago, I heard about the decision at Flatirons Community Church to place their lead Pastor, Jim Burgen, on a 6-month sabbatical. Having worked in church world my entire adult life, I feared the phrase “taking a break” was churchspeak for “the end” of his ministry at Flatirons. I had a sinking feeling he might not return and watched the sabbatical unfold from afar with great curiosity. I hoped for the best but feared the worst. 

Yesterday morning I watched online as Jim was officially restored and welcomed back. Even as an outsider, I recognized Jim’s return as a profound, holy moment for sure. It struck me that in that moment, Flatirons courageously put aside an emphasis on church growth strategies, marketing, programming and content, and placed unique value in a flesh-and-blood person, their senior leader, friend and pastor.

As Flatiron’s teaching pastor (and Jim’s son-in-law) Ben Foote so honestly confessed this return as a rare victory, he described “the overwhelming majority of the time, the lead pastor does not return (from a forced sabbatical) for one of two reasons: the lead pastor gives up on the church or the church gives up on the lead pastor.” He went on to describe the restoration as a reflection of the nature of Flatirons’ culture and the nature and character of God. Rare, indeed.

“Because of Jesus, you’re not too far gone and I’m not giving up on you.” - Ben Foote

I’ve experienced this kind of love up close and personal as, together with my husband, we waited for, pursued, loved and restored relationship with our comeback son during a really dark season. It was a privilege and an honor to participate with the Spirit’s work in his life and in our family. It was messy. It was scary beyond words. It was worth it. 

I have no idea how this is going to play out for Flatirons. Just like my son’s return, there was a vulnerable season of return and repair and in many ways, the hard work is just beginning for their community. I have no idea how this example will translate to other church organizations, but I’m so grateful for this display. 

Thank you, Flatirons. Thank you for your decision to walk this out with Jim and display rare gospel-restoration. 

Your decision to work with, restore and love Jim, and Jim’s decision to reciprocate, marks your ministry with patience and humility. Your decision to walk with Jim as he honestly grows and wrestles through his season of weakness and struggle without the threat of rejection is unique to say the least. Your decision to communicate honestly and authentically is refreshing.

What if your example will encourage other organizations to minister and lead powerfully and with total confidence during seasons of weakness and uncertainty? What if your example opens conversations of honesty as it relates to the sometimes messy challenges of ministry? What if your example makes way for broken ministry relationships to experience God’s grace in new and profound ways?

What does this kind of gospel look like for organizations with practical pressing realities and bottom-lines? How do you lead, equip, teach and grow your community in the midst of personal leadership crises? Where do you go from here?

Flatirons has stepped up to the challenge. 

There will be many days ahead to feed the hungry animal of strategy, marketing, programming and content, but yesterday, you nourished us all. Thank you for opening your doors to all who are weary and need rest, who long for comfort, who fail and desire strength. Thank you of showing us the heart of Jesus is open wide. Thank you for pointing us to the One who will never give up on us.