Questions, Questions

So lots of folks have had questions about the Sabbatical - by the way, what is a Sabbatical?

What This Sabbatical Isn’t:
· Not a prelude to Pastor Dennis leaving
· Not one year long
· Not “intensive” study or research time
· Not a 3 month vacation
· Not just another opportunity to lose his luggage!

What This Sabbatical Is:
· Time with God
· Time alone
· Time in prayer, reflection and intercession
· Time in worship and the Word
· Time for reading and journaling
· Time for specific counsel and coaching from mentors
· Time with Gwen and family (strategically with the grandbaby!)
· Time with friends for replenishment
· Time in mission partner development
· Time of rest and relaxation

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that the Personnel Committee offers answers to:


· Who is in charge while Dennis is away? Pastor Peter Yoshonis will be giving leadership to the Church and staff. As Executive Pastor, this is part of the normal role he carries anytime Dennis is away.
· Who will give Local Board of Administration leadership? Pastor Peter will be working with the Vice-Chair, Britt Cary to give leadership at this level. The Vice-Chair generally leads meetings.
· Who will be preaching? What a blessing to have a preaching team already in place to insure consistency and connection! Pastors Peter and Dave Horne will carry most of the teaching responsibility with others. In addition, we have two special guests - Paul Hontz from Central Wesleyan in Holland and Steve Deur from Watermark.
· What about care that Pastor Dennis normally gives? Pastor Peter will lead and opportunities will be shared by the team.
· Will Pastor Dennis have contact with SLWC leadership while he’s gone? Dennis and Peter will have scheduled contact.
· How is the Sabbatical experience being funded? The costs for this Sabbatical are being completely cared for by an unsolicited gift from outside of our congregation.
· How about Long-Range processes? Larry Ritsema and the Oversight Team will provide leadership to long-range planning and initiatives for the Capital Stewardship launch in 2008. Administrator, Cecil MacLaren will be deeply involved as usual.
· Will Gwen be with Pastor Dennis during this experience? Approximately two-thirds of the time Gwen will be with Dennis. Gwen’s expenses will be covered by their own personal funds.
· Is Pastor Dennis considering leaving Spring Lake Wesleyan? No, not at all. He would not accept the sabbatical if he had any intention of leaving.