Stepping up in summer: MiTs leading through sabbatical

What happens to MiTs when their senior pastor goes on sabbatical? Kevin Kirkland found out this summer

Our pastor, Jon Skelton, has served faithfully in ministry for more than 30 years, and this summer he took his first-ever sabbatical – from May through to September. When he joined Rugby Elim from Kingstanding Elim five years ago, the leadership promised to honour a sabbatical request if it ever came. This year, we were glad to make that possible.

In the lead-up to his time away, the pastors’ team met together to plan well in advance so Jon could step away knowing things would be in safe hands. During his sabbatical, fellow MiT Joe Davis, Pastor Sean Charlesworth, myself and the wider leadership team have worked together to share responsibilities and support the life of the church.

While we were prepared to simply “hold the fort”, it turned out to be a season of significant activity. Just as Jon stepped away, the opportunity came up to complete the sale of our current building and make an offer on a new building in the heart of Rugby. For some time now we’ve been meeting in a local high school, having outgrown our original premises. We have been exploring the purchase of a building in central Rugby – something that could serve as a hub for mission, including a counselling centre, youth drop-in, coffee shop and flexible meeting space.

It’s been very much a shared project. Joe has brought great care and wisdom – he has some great ideas for how this space can be used to demonstrate the good news of Jesus and he has real heart for people, which has helped carry us through the transition.

Sharing the vision has been incredibly important in preparing for the next season we believe God is taking us into. I’ve focused more on communication and logistics, working to share the vision and guide the church through the practical aspects of selling and preparing to buy.

Balancing this alongside my fulltime role as a managing director hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been a season of real clarity and growth. It’s confirmed a growing sense of call to move fully into church ministry, and I’ve now begun conversations with my company about a gradual and responsible transition out of my business role.

All in all, this summer has been a huge learning experience for me as an MiT. From strategic planning to pastoral care, office life, and Sunday gatherings, I’ve had the chance to get stuck into the reality of church leadership alongside Joe and the rest of the team. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity – and for the people I’ve had the privilege of walking it with.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.