Pastor-in-Residence/Study Leave Program

Many mid and late career pastors desire opportunities apart from the daily practice and activity of ministry that provides space for extended reflection on their lives, their pastoral identity and the long arc of their ministry. Experienced pastors who have served without intentional time away often feel constrained, weary, and depleted of energy, wondering if they can remain vital, creative, and feeling good about their later years as spiritual leaders. At the same time, these pastors possess accumulated knowledge and wisdom they want to process and share, and by sharing, often discover a renewed sense of vocation and spiritual vitality.

While a small number congregations are able to provide their pastor short-term “study leave” periods or sabbaticals, most are simply not equipped or financially able to do so. Others may provide time away but purposes for not primarily aimed or structured for self reflection and renewal through the sharing of experience and wisdom.

For more than two decades, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina has formally partnered with four ATS accredited theological schools in the state: Campbell University School of Divinity, Gardner-Webb University Divinity School, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and Duke University Divinity School and its Baptist House of Studies. Working together with each of the partner schools, CBFNC will coordinate a Pastors-in-Residence/Study Leave program. Structured with the input and advisement of a faculty and/or staff member of the school, the residency can be taken in the fall or spring semester and is four weeks in duration. Pastors would be selected based upon an application process.

Pastors-in-Residents receive housing, an expense allowance, and stipend for food and travel costs while in residence. The pastor’s congregation also receives financial support to cover costs associated with supply preaching and other leadership expenses during the four week residence.

While in residence, pastors participate in a wide range of educational, spiritual, artistic and cultural opportunities while on campus. These may include auditing courses, participating in spiritual direction and vocational coaching, engagement in community worship and other campus activities. Pastors may also be given opportunities to interact and mentor enrolled students as they prepare for the transition from school to first-time ministry settings.

In cooperation with CBFNC partners:

Campbell University Divinity School

Duke University Divinity School

Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity

Wake Forest University School of Divinity