And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:2-3

Back in the day, I led a youth worship team. I played guitar, sang and we had a bass player and vocalists. We even had a keyboard player and a violinist (is that a word?). And while I love all of those instruments, you know which one was probably the most important?

The drums.

It’s not because I was trying to relive my childhood dream of fronting an 80’s hair-band. It’s because music is about rhythm, and that’s what the drums provide – a rhythm that every other instrument and singer can follow.

That rhythm has to have rests in it – spaces inside the music where others can fill in. The rests give the music clarity, and it distinguishes it from being just noise. Without a constant rhythm, complete with rests inside it – it is chaotic noise.

This to me is the clearest way to understand Sabbath. It’s a purposed rest to create space and clarity. It can be short or long, but it’s purpose is to create space.

A few years ago, our church leaders made it a priority for our full-time pastors to have a time of purposed “Sabbath” every 5 years of ministry, for 5 weeks. It’s a time to create space for learning and clarity and rejuvenation.

I had my first one two years ago, and it was during that time that I can see the beginning of our refocus on living out the reality of Jesus for those far from the Gospel. It was huge for me to get around other leaders to improve my leadership, but most important it was time for me to listen to God in a way that I had never experienced before in my life. It still fuels me.

Believe it or not, Parker Dane has been a part of Western Hills for 5 years, and now it is his turn for that kind of time. The timing is perfect. This year, we’ve watched Parker’s leadership grow, moving from the Student Ministry into our Discipleship Pastor. The task is larger than the title would imply. Not only has Parker given valuable leadership to our adult Connect Groups but also our Children’s Ministry, and he continues to have a huge influence in our Student Ministry, along with many other areas of responsibility, such as building and hospitality.

So starting July 15th, Parker will take his sabbatical. He’s got a couple of conferences planned as well as some time alone to think, dream, play, and listen. Western Hills, you were so thoughtful and respectful of my time. I know you’re going to do the same for Parker. If something does come up, the rest of us are here to help in any way possible. Call/text/email any one of the other staff members – me included – and we will do the best we can.

Would you pray with me for Parker during this time? Here’s what I’m asking:

That God would refresh him.
That God would speak clearer than He ever has in his life.
That Parker would learn something new.
That this time would be full of laughter and wonder.
That Parker’s time in the Word would be deep and challenging.

Nationally, there are more pastors walking away from ministry than there are coming into it. While there are a lot of reasons for this, one huge reason is the lack of Sabbath. Pastors tend to be the worst at creating space and time to listen to God. I’m so thankful we serve in a church that values this.