Greater Kansas City Sabbatical Fund

Purpose: To help pastors financially with their sabbatical, with the goal that they would come back renewed and refreshed for ministry in Christ.

Background: PastorServe received a grant from the Albert W. Zimmer III & Julianna A. Zimmer Fund to support this initiative. Sabbatical is defined as an extended time away from the ministry for the purpose of refreshment, recreation, and renewal in the Lord.

Eligibility

• Age: 50 years of age and older
• Location: Greater Kansas City area
• Experience: At least 10 years in ministry
• Sabbatical Duration: Up to three months
• Church Requirement: The pastor's church must financially contribute to the sabbatical expenses (at least half of total cost, which may include expenses incurred by the church during the pastor's absence and the pastor's salary)

Use of Funds

• Rest, rejuvenation and renewal for the pastor and their spouse
• Sabbatical activities and associated costs

Support Provided

• Coaching: A sabbatical coach works with the pastor on a biweekly basis prior to, during, and after the sabbatical (cost covered by grant)
• Review Process: Applications reviewed by Jay Fowler, Bill Zimmer, and Julie Zimmer before funds disbursement
• Reporting: Pastor writes brief report following sabbatical explaining what they learned and how the Lord used the time away

Application Timing

• Best to apply three months before the start date of the sabbatical
• Summertime is typically ideal for sabbaticals

How to Apply

1. Contact Jay Fowler - Executive Director of the Midwest Region of PastorServe
   • Phone: 1-877-918-4746
   • Email: info@pastorserve.org
2. Complete Application - Application asks for:
   • Goals for the sabbatical
   • List of sabbatical activities and costs
   • Church's commitment to cover at least half of total sabbatical costs (including expenses incurred during pastor's absence and pastor's salary)
3. Timeline: Submit application approximately 3 months before planned sabbatical start date
4. Review: Application reviewed by Jay Fowler, Bill Zimmer, and Julie Zimmer
5. Coaching: Once approved, pastor assigned a sabbatical coach for biweekly sessions before, during, and after sabbatical
6. Post-Sabbatical: Submit brief report documenting learnings and spiritual impact of sabbatical time