Pastors Take Vacation

This may seem like a silly topic for some; doesn’t everyone take vacation? Well, actually, I’ve heard many church-goers talk about the unavailability of pastors while they are on vacation, that they take too many days off, or that their scheduled vacation isn’t working for some members of the congregation, you get the idea.

Pastors are human, they run out of gas, get bogged down with having to heed to others’ needs or wants, sometimes running dry on their own spiritual and emotional care. These are just some of the reasons that pastors need to take vacation - the vacation that the congregation or presbytery has agreed that they should have. It’s important to remember that while your pastor is on vacation, she or he is not necessarily going to be at their desk or behind their phone. Even if they are staying in town and taking a relaxed vacation at home, they should be allowed to distance themselves from their job just as others wish to be when they are on vacation.

I can only speak from my own tradition, one in which I have embraced. In the Presbyterian Church (USA), the “Terms of Call” are worked out between a congregation and pastor in which they have invited to serve their congregation. Just like other jobs, this can be worked out through the acceptance of the offer, or by counter-offering.

I know some of you are thinking, but what about an emergency? What about a death in the congregation? These can be worked out with the Elders or Deacons, someone who can be the contact person while the pastor is on vacation, who is aware of an already agreed upon procedure for the judgement of emergencies.

We all need time set apart to rejuvenate our minds, our spirits, and to rest. It is my hope that pastors are given that chance as well.

-Emily M.

Welcome to Pastors Are People, Too!

Hello! My name is Emily and I have created this blog for many reasons. Throughout seminary and in the time since, I have realized that many people (agreeably not all) find it hard to understand not only the lingo that we in the ministerial world use (understandably!), but more importantly do not recognize that we are people, too: women and men who do typical, normal things, like take vacation, work way too much, have the occasional beer, etc.

This blog is not for ranting, I hope to assure you of that. It has come from many conversations with many people, hoping to bridge this unknown gap, answer questions, and encourage dialogue.

While the posts will be respectful, I ask that the comments also stay respectful. This is not a place for theological debate, but may raise questions for dialogue. No two people have exactly the same viewpoint, and that, too, is to be respected. God's grace abounds!

Peace,

Emily