By Rev. Brenda Booth, Executive Director
Beginning on March 13, 2023, I will be on sabbatical for the following 12 weeks. This is my first opportunity to take a sabbatical since coming to work as the Executive Director at Isaiah 58 Ministries 16 years ago. While I am excited to step away from my daily responsibilities at the ministry, I also admit that I enter into this time with a bit of trepidation. There is so much to plan, both for my time away and for the ministry while I am gone. But I trust that Isaiah 58 Ministries is in good hands. With the leadership of our Program Director, Rev. Meredith Jackson, and our Board chair Greta Buck (along with all our board members) I know that all will be well.Sa
It is important to acknowledge that while this is a first for me, it is not the first time for Isaiah 58 Ministries. After a conversation with our previous Executive Director, Rev. Millie Slack, I learned that she too went on sabbaticals during her tenure here at the ministry. The ministry was and is committed to ensuring the physical, spiritual and emotional well-being of its leaders, of which sabbaticals play an important role.
But I am entering new territory here, as is our current Board of Directors. We are excited, and if we are honest, as I stated before, a little bit nervous. And yet while this is new for all of us, we also know the importance of providing this to those who lead within our ministry.
The Center for Non-Profit Advancement states, “It’s common knowledge-those who work in the nonprofit sector are at high risk of burnout, especially at the leadership level. These dedicated individuals face impossible budgets, unrealistic expectations, staffing challenges, endless client needs, changing government regulations and a multitude of stressors that eat up each day. Even working incredibly long hours, there is little time left to reflect, innovate, gain fresh perspectives, monitor new trends, prepare for shifting politics and lead proactively into the future.
The sabbatical offers an effective and surprisingly feasible solution. Not only successful in relieving burnout and lowering turnover, sabbaticals can also strengthen capacity, sustainability and impact.”
Sabbaticals are an important part of a strong leadership model. I am grateful that our board recognizes the benefits of offering a time of sabbatical for myself and others in leadership positions. With their blessing I intend to use this time for rest and renewal and growth so that I can return ready to lead our ministry into the future.
So, as Isaiah 58 Ministries enter into this new territory, trusting in our strong leadership, we ask that you keep us in your prayers. May I be enriched from my time away and may our leadership (Meredith, Greta and our board) find strength and assurance as they navigate their roles during this time.