Pastor Adam will be on Sabbatical June 1, 2025 - August 24, 2025
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
From June 1 to August 24, 2025, Rev. Adam C. Bowling will be on a Sabbatical—a sacred season of rest, renewal, and spiritual growth. Rooted in the biblical rhythm of Sabbath, this sabbatical is a time for Pastor Adam to step away from daily ministry responsibilities to reconnect with God, his family, and his calling.
During this time, Pastor Adam will be focusing on spiritual reflection, study, and planning for the future of FUPCDC’s outreach and worship life. This sabbatical is not only a gift to him but also an opportunity for the church to deepen its leadership, strengthen its ministries, and grow in faith together.
We invite you to explore this page to learn more about what the sabbatical entails, how the church will continue to thrive in Pastor Adam’s absence, and how you can be part of this journey of renewal.
NOTE: The above document is password protected, to obtain the password, please contact the church office at office@fupcdc.org or 703-670-7834. Only official members and official friends of the church may have access to this information.
What is a Sabbatical?:
A pastoral sabbatical offers a sacred time of rest, renewal, and reflection for ministers who have dedicated themselves to the tireless work of shepherding their congregation. In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), sabbaticals are recognized as an essential component of pastoral care, allowing pastors to step back from the demands of ministry and reconnect with God, family, and self. Rooted in the biblical concept of Sabbath, a sabbatical mirrors God’s own pattern of work and rest, as seen in Genesis 2:2-3: "On the seventh day God finished the work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all the work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it."
The time away is not only for physical rest but also for spiritual and intellectual rejuvenation. Jesus Himself modeled the importance of withdrawing from the crowd to be with God. In Mark 6:31, Jesus said to His disciples, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” Like Jesus, pastors need moments to recharge and renew their sense of purpose so they can return to their ministry with fresh energy and vision.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this sabbatical is to provide a time of renewal for both body and soul, in order to return to ministry with a deepened relationship with God and a renewed sense of vocation. The sabbatical will include:
Spiritual Renewal: Time for prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture. Jesus’ example in Luke 5:16, "But He would withdraw to deserted places and pray," encourages pastors to seek personal communion with God, apart from the distractions of everyday ministry.
Rest and Recovery: Sabbaticals offer a necessary pause from the physical and emotional demands of pastoral life. Matthew 11:28-29 reminds us of the importance of rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Study and Growth: To return to ministry with new perspectives and insights. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." A sabbatical is an opportunity to pursue further study and reflection that can enrich both the pastor's life and the congregation.
Visioning for Ministry: A time of creative reflection and discernment for the future of the pastor’s ministry. As in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” The sabbatical is an opportunity to listen for God’s voice and discern where the Holy Spirit is leading both the pastor and the congregation in the next chapter of ministry.
In taking this time apart, the pastor honors both the rhythm of work and rest ordained by God and follows Christ’s example of retreat for spiritual renewal. The congregation, in turn, benefits from a refreshed and renewed pastor ready to continue serving with joy and strength.