Pastoral Sabbatical 2026
A Pastoral and Congregational Renewal Project for Late Summer 2026
 
The First Baptist Church of Vero Beach aspires to afford Rev. Dr. LaGuardia a sabbatical in late summer of 2026 that will incorporate a church-wide season of renewal, rest, and refocus.
 

What is a Pastoral Sabbatical?  According to Rober Saler, director of the Lilly Endowment Renewal Project, a pastoral sabbatical is “an extended period in which the pastor steps away from the day-to-day practices of ministry in order to focus on spiritual development with an eye toward returning to the congregation with renewed energy for ministry” (Saler, Planning Sabbaticals, 3).  It incorporates both the pastor and the congregation in the work of renewal.

Learn more about the sabbatical and get up-to-date articles at Pastor Joe’s blog at www.baptistspirituality.org

What is the purpose of the Pastoral Sabbatical?  Pastor Joe is applying for a competitive grant through the Lilly Endowment Renewal Project, which awards 150 grants to churches seeking to do a Pastoral Sabbatical.  The grant awards a project surrounding “what makes the pastor’s heart sing” and will bring renewal to the congregation. 

Pastor Joe chose to focus on cosmology and Psalm 19 for the basis of the project: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God . . . The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (v. 1, 7). 

The purpose of the sabbatical renewal project is to provide an intentional time of prayer, reflection, and discovery for the pastor and congregation of First Baptist Church of Vero Beach surrounding the origins of the universe, the heavens that declare the glory of God, and the awe that inspires spiritual revitalization.  

In short, our sabbatical project will be one of revival for the entire church!

What is the focus of the renewal project?  Psalm 19 states that the heavens “are telling the glory of God” that “pours forth speech.”  It states that the exploration of God’s creation can “revive the soul.”  The program seeks to connect the pastor and congregation with the grandeur of God’s creation, bringing the heart of God’s people back to the “law of the Lord… reviving the soul” (Ps. 19:7).  This is what makes the pastor’s heart sing. 

Exploring space, time, and the universe is a passion that the Rev. Dr. LaGuardia has had since childhood.  All too often, ministers and churches forget that they belong to something larger than themselves.  They get stuck in tribal allegiances, echo chambers, daily church business, planning and renovations, and cultural enclaves.  Sometimes, in order to bring about sustainable, life-giving revitalization to a church community, a congregation has to catch a spark of awe, a re-fascination with its founding and calling, and its ties to God’s creation.

Exploring the heavens can have a regenerative power to expand the missional heart of a church, to “pour forth speech” in ever new, creative, and meaningful ways.  For that reason, this proposal is to incorporate a program of the study of cosmology, nature, and science. 
 
During the sabbatical, Rev. LaGuardia will make a pilgrimage across the United States, covering over 8,000 miles, to explore God’s natural features on earth while touring astronomical points of interest, including reputable observatories and planetariums, and meeting the people and staff who are tied to these sites. 

It will also include intentional times of writing to reflect on the pastor’s learnings while away. By allowing the heavens to declare God’s glory, the pastor and congregation aim to foster a refreshing, bold, missional outlook – to boldly go, some would say! – of their shared future together.

Sites that Rev. LaGuardia will explore include:
  • J. W. Shepherd Observatory (Alabama)
  • Howell Observatory (Mississippi)
  • McDonald Observatory (Texas)
  • National Radio Astronomical Very Large Array (New Mexico)
  • Lowell Planetarium (Arizona)
  • Griffith Planetarium (Los Angeles)
  • Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Niagara Falls
Where will funding for this project come from?  Rev. LaGuardia is competing for a grant through the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program.  Depending on the grant, the sabbatical will be either 12 weeks or 8 weeks.
 
How will the church thrive in the Pastor’s absence?  In granting time for sabbatical, the pastor and congregation will work together to provide for the needs of the church in several ways.  The church will hire a full-time pulpit-supply pastor who will gently guide the church in a season of renewal, prayer, and reflection in Rev. LaGuardia’s absence.  This pulpit-supply pastor will also lead weekly Bible studies.  The pastor and Rev. LaGuardia will work on a lesson and preaching plan before the sabbatical takes place.  The ministry team will continue in their roles, with the help of appropriate committees and deacons as outlined in the church constitution and by-laws. 

“On behalf of the congregation at First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, we are writing to express our full and heartfelt support as the Rev. Dr. Joe LaGuardia prepares for a sabbatical in 2026.

We believe this time of rest, renewal, and discovery is a gift not only to Rev. LaGuardia, but also to our entire church.

During the pastor’s absence, the church will be in capable hands. We are grateful for the leadership of our associate ministers, the dedication of our deacons, and the service of a pulpit-supply pastor, all of whom will ensure that the needs of the congregation are met.
 
We, as a church family, will work together to support one another and carry on the mission of First Baptist Church.”
– Adam Crawford
FBC Sabbatical Team Leader
Another portion of coverage concerns adequate resources for four weeks for Rev. LaGuardia’s wife, Kristina LaGuardia, who serves as full-time Minister of Children, Youth, and Families.  A portion of the budget request in the grant application provides adequate stipends for people in the church who will minister to the children and youth ministries while she is traveling with Rev. LaGuardia.  She will continue to serve as full-time minister for the duration of Rev. LaGuardia’s sabbatical upon her return.
Children can participate in Sabbatical too…
 
Pastor Joe’s friend, Rocket, invites all the children of our church to join Pastor Joe on his journey.  Rocket will share stories, pictures, and insights from across America. Children are invited to email Pastor Joe and ask questions to Rocket.  For more about Pastor Joe and Rocket’s sabbatical journey, visit here.