Reading List Prep

Reading List Preparation and the Need for Renewal

Part of the goal for any sabbatical is the idea of renewal. I think this is necessary for any job or career we might have. Especially since, in the Western world our identities are often connected to what we do for a living. Of course this is unhealthy. At a very basic level, my identity is not wrapped up in what I do, but in who I am – specifically for the Christian, who I am in Christ.

So renewal is partly the process of breaking away from what you do to rediscover who you are. The ultimate benefit of renewal is when one returns to their normal life, they can continue doing their job more effectively because they are serving out of who they are and not out of some other reason such as "I need to make money" or out of guilt because I'm supposed to do this job and I can't find another. Whatever the reason, there is no sustained power in those reasons nor will a person find joy and purpose in their job. Burn out, short term or long-term, is inevitable.

Biblically, humans were created to work. Work was a blessing, giving to human beings before the fall. Of course the fall radically transformed our work so the need for some sort of renewal or revision is really important if we are going to finish strong in whatever we do. With that mind, one of the books that I plan on reading is Pastoral Pause: A Practical Guide to Renewal Leave by Gregg Pimlott.

Click to see the Book on Amazon

Maybe you want to read along with me? I would love to hear what you think about the book (comment below). Or, if you're part of my congregation, I want to hear all about what God taught you about renewal and restoration when I get back.

I'll keep you posted as I build my reading list for this fall. Blessings.