Renewal Leave for Dr. Joe Stobaugh
As Dr. Joe Stobaugh approaches completing his seventh year as Senior Pastor of University Park United Methodist Church, the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) and Church Council are pleased to announce that Joe will take an 11-week Renewal Leave from May 17 through July 31, 2027.
What Is a Renewal Leave?
Like all Christians, clergy too need Sabbath and rhythms of rest, prayer, and renewal. The United Methodist Book of Discipline specifically recognizes the importance of clergy taking time away for continued spiritual formation and growth.
¶351.3 of the Book of Discipline provides that clergy who have held full-time appointments for at least six years may take a Formational and Spiritual Growth Leave, often called a Renewal Leave, of up to six months while continuing to hold their appointment in the local church. Such a leave is approved by the PPRC, Church Council, and District Superintendent.
The PPRC recommended an 11-week Renewal Leave for Joe for the summer of 2027. The Church Council has approved that recommendation, and our District Superintendent, Dr. Lucretia Facen, has enthusiastically supported and approved this leave.
The Way: Pilgrimage, Prayer, Creativity and Renewal
Joe’s plan for his Renewal Leave centers on four interconnected themes: pilgrimage, prayer, creativity, and renewal. His time will include:
- Rest, Sabbath and Family — Joe will focus on the restorative rest that a period of Sabbath can provide. This will include celebrating important family milestones, including his son’s graduation, as well as extended time with family.
- Pilgrimage and Exploration — Joe will travel in Europe with a focus on theology, sacred and secular history, sacred architecture, culture, and creativity. He will then walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago and visit significant sacred sites along the journey.
- Prayer and Contemplation — Joe will spend several days at a monastery devoted to silence, prayer, the Eucharist, journaling, and contemplation, providing intentional time to reflect on and integrate his pilgrimage experiences.
- Joyful Creativity — Joe will spend time immersed in music, culture, beauty, and other experiences designed to replenish the joyful creativity he brings to preaching and leadership.
- Reflection and Reentry — At the conclusion of the Renewal Leave, Joe will take intentional time to rest, reflect, and prepare to return to UPUMC and the fall ministry season.
What Do We Hope This Time Will Accomplish?
Joe’s hope, shared by the PPRC and Church Council, is that he returns with:
- deeper grounding in prayer and pilgrimage;
- renewed creativity for preaching and church leadership;
- even stronger family relationships that undergird and support his ministry;
- new ideas for spiritual formation at UPUMC; and
- renewed emotional and spiritual energy for long-term ministry.
Joe has expressed his genuine desire to serve UPUMC for many years to come. He sees this Renewal Leave as an opportunity to replenish his spirit and creativity so that he can return ready to help lead UPUMC into a new season of growth, discipleship, and community impact.
The PPRC and Church Council believe this is an investment not only in Joe, but also in the future of our church.
What Happens at UPUMC While Joe Is Away?
UPUMC will remain in very capable hands throughout the summer.
Executive Pastor Rev. Emma Williams will oversee day-to-day staff leadership in accordance with our existing organizational structure and will work closely with the Church Council. To allow Joe to enter fully into this time of Sabbath and renewal, he will step away from church email, texts, calls, and routine responsibilities. Members needing pastoral care or assistance should contact one of our pastors or the church office. Joe’s Renewal Leave Team will determine if he needs to be contacted during his renewal leave.
Emma, Colin, Tripp, and other preachers—including members of our own congregation—will provide preaching leadership throughout the summer. Pastoral care responsibilities will be clearly delegated among our clergy, staff, and laity, with our new congregational care ministry helping ensure that members continue to receive thoughtful and coordinated care.
A Renewal Leave Team, composed of staff and laity, will help oversee preparations before Joe leaves and support the church throughout the summer.
What Will This Cost the Church?
The PPRC and Finance Committee have carefully reviewed the financial implications of Joe’s Renewal Leave. The key takeaway is that there will be no additional expense to the church budget. Joe’s regular compensation will continue during the Renewal Leave but the church will not fund his travel or other renewal activities.
The PPRC and Finance Committee also know that many in our congregation may want an opportunity to personally express their support for Joe and his family. We will therefore provide an opportunity for those who wish to participate in an optional Renewal Leave Love Offering. These gifts will help offset some of the travel and other expenses associated with his Renewal Leave. Participation is entirely voluntary, and more information will be provided closer to the leave.
Bringing the Renewal Leave Home
For Joe, an important part of the Renewal Leave will be bringing its fruits back to our congregation.
After returning, Joe looks forward to sharing insights and experiences with the congregation as they become part of his preaching, teaching, and ministry.
We look forward to hearing how this time of pilgrimage, prayer, family, creativity, and reflection shapes Joe and his ministry—and perhaps deepens our own understanding of the importance of Sabbath and renewal.
We are grateful for Joe’s leadership and his commitment to UPUMC. We hope you will join the PPRC and Church Council in supporting him, praying for him and his family, and embracing this opportunity as an investment in the next chapter of ministry at University Park United Methodist Church.
FAQs
What exactly is a Renewal Leave?
A Renewal Leave is a period set aside for a pastor’s spiritual formation, rest, reflection, and renewal. The United Methodist Book of Discipline ¶351.3 allows eligible clergy to request a Formational and Spiritual Growth Leave of up to six months while continuing their appointment at the local church. Joe’s leave will be approximately 11 weeks.
Is this the same thing as a sabbatical?
Not exactly. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but the Book of Discipline distinguishes them. A Renewal Leave under ¶351.3 focuses on formational and spiritual growth while the pastor continues to hold the local church appointment. A Sabbatical Leave under ¶352 may last up to one year and involves a formal Conference process for an approved program of study or travel.
Do other Methodist pastors take Renewal Leaves?
Yes. The United Methodist Church specifically provides for these leaves in the Book of Discipline, and United Methodist annual conferences have processes to support them. Renewal and sabbatical leaves are also common practices in many other Christian denominations.
Why now?
Joe began his ministry at UPUMC in July of 2020. After an unusually demanding period in the life of both Joe and the church, the PPRC and Church Council believe this is an appropriate time for intentional Sabbath, spiritual renewal, family connection, and creative replenishment.
Who will be in charge while Joe is away?
Executive Pastor Rev. Emma Williams will oversee day-to-day staff leadership and work with the Church Council. Our clergy, staff, and lay leaders will have clearly defined responsibilities before Joe’s leave begins.
Who will preach?
Emma, Colin, Tripp, and a variety of other preachers—including lay members of our own congregation—will preach during the summer. We see this as an opportunity to hear from a variety of voices while maintaining strong and meaningful worship throughout Joe’s leave.
What happens if a member needs pastoral care?
Our clergy, staff, and trained lay leaders will continue providing pastoral and congregational care throughout the summer. Responsibilities will be clearly assigned, and our congregational care ministry will help coordinate care so that members continue to feel known, supported, and connected.
Will this cost the church additional money?
No. Joe’s regular compensation will continue, but the PPRC and Finance Committee have determined that the Renewal Leave will require no additional funding from the church budget.
What is the Love Offering?
The Love Offering will be a completely voluntary opportunity for members who would like to personally support Joe and his family during the Renewal Leave. These gifts will help offset some of the travel and other expenses associated with his renewal plan and will not come from the church’s operating budget.
Will Joe be returning to UPUMC?
Yes. Joe has expressed his strong desire to continue serving UPUMC for many years. The purpose of this leave is renewal for continued ministry—giving him intentional time to replenish spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and creatively so that he can return energized for the next chapter of leadership at UPUMC.
How can the congregation support Joe?
Most importantly, through prayer. We hope you will pray for Joe and his family, for meaningful rest and renewal, for our staff and lay leaders during the summer, and for what God may reveal through this time—for Joe and for UPUMC.
