Clergy create a plan for Renewal Leave to include request, timeframe, and address the following questions:
Who will preach? Create plan to provide coverage for each week.
Who will welcome, provide hospitality, and orientation for guest speakers?
Who will visit those in the hospital, shut-ins, visitors?
Who will handle administrative duties?
Who will cover teaching responsibilities?
How will committees cover duties?
Who will provide emergency care?
What, if anything, should be communicated to the clergy while they are gone, by whom, and how?
Who will pray for the pastor on leave?
What communication is needed to the congregation? Methods: Newsletter, brochure, announcements, social media, website, sermon series etc. (See below for suggested information to communicate)
Gain approval from Administrative Council and SPRC on grant application form
Gain approval from District Superintendent on grant application form
Plan ritual/liturgy for beginning and ending time of Renewal
Plan for return, recognizing that the pastor and congregation may have experienced significant changes during the time of renewal. How will this be addressed, planned for, and what intentionality should be considered?
When communicating with the congregation(s) about the Renewal Leave, the items below could be important to incorporate:
