Forming ministers through Scripture, caring people, spiritual disciplines, and renewing events.
The purpose of the Ministers Sabbatical is to offer ministers and spouses a time of encouragement, fellowship, and renewal in a safe and supportive environment. The agenda is designed to facilitate sharing and listening without being instrusive or invasive.
| Components | Objectives | Strategies |
| Reflection | To increase understanding about ourselves and our relationships | Use simple stress and burnout instruments to increase self-understanding |
| Support | To provide caring intervention from caring professionals | Personal and group sharing with peers and team members |
| Spiritual Direction | To offer wise guidance in connecting our souls with God | Participating in worship, guided reflection on Scripture, worship, and prayer |
| Networking | To encourage the development of supportive relationships with other minister couples | Facilitate personal sharing and trust-buildling through formal and informal group activities |
|
Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center near Belton, Texas | |
| Cost | Participants pay nothing for the weekend but are responsible for their own travel expense. If you or someone you know could benefit from the services of the Ministers Support Network, please contact us. | |
| Opportunity | Individuals or churches interested in supporting the multiple services of the Ministers Support Network may become Minister Support Partners by funding the multiple ministries of the MSN at a level of their choice--annually, monthly, or one-time only. |
| Budget | |
| Ten annual regional sabbatical retreats | $200,000 |
| Annual counseling services for minister couples | $ 5,000 |
|
Annual MSN marketing |
$ 5,000 |
|
Total Annual Cost |
$210,000 |
Endowment
The endowment need for funding the Ministers Support Network is $5,000,000. By establishing an endowment for MSN, the program can continue for years to come to provide encouragement and counseling for minister couples and thus strengthen these frontline servants in the Lord's kingdom. To learn more about providing funds for an MSN endowment, contact the MSN office at ACU Box 29405, Abilene, TX 79699-9405 or by calling 325.674.3732 or emailing msn@bible.acu.edu.
