For the last eleven years I have served in a leadership position at ClearView Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Just recently it became the policy of this church to award a seven week sabbatical to any minister on the staff who has served for seven years.

I began my sabbatical on May 27 with three goals: one to relax and unplug from the routine, two take some time to learn from other leaders and three study about some radical disciples in church history.. I believe I have accomplished these goals and still have one more week to go.

In the last seven weeks I have been able to:

study church history through a trip to England and Scotland lead by two distinguished professors
visit four churches seeing how God is using them to reach their community.
interview thirteen business leaders focusing on their thoughts on leadership
spend some time with my family on vacation

Tomorrow I take the last trip of this sabbatical time. My wife and I will fly to Seattle where we will board a cruise ship that will take us on a tour of the Alaska coast.

The sabbatical is coming to a close. I am grateful I have had this time and I look forward to being back with my co-workers and friends at ClearView on Monday July 20.

P.S. I will not be uploading another post to this blog until at least July 19.