Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Darcy Hansen, DMin

Second Advisor

Robin Pyles, DMin

Third Advisor

MaryKate Morse, PhD

Abstract

In the fast-paced ministry of today, non-denominational evangelical pastors in the United States often strive to serve their congregations while neglecting God’s gift of Sabbath rest. Though the Sabbath is deeply rooted in Scripture, it is often misunderstood, minimized, or neglected in the lives of pastors. My NPO seeks to address:

This doctoral project introduces The Sabbath Journey: An invitation for Pastors and Spiritual Leaders to find rest in God. It is a year-long cohort program designed for pastors and ministry leaders to cultivate deep personal relationships and accountability as they develop a weekly Sabbath practice. Through intentional community, shared practices, and accountability, participants are encouraged to slow down and reorient their lives around God’s gift of rest. The cohort includes 8-10 pastors and ministry leaders who gather for two three-day retreats serving as bookends to the year-long journey, along with monthly Zoom meetings focused on practicing Sabbath within their ministry contexts.

Between the two retreats, participants will engage with a core concept related to Sabbath spirituality, building toward a sustainable rhythm of rest. These concepts are not merely discussed but practiced, reflected on, and shared within the cohort, enabling participants to learn from one another’s successes and struggles. This collective approach fosters accountability, deep relational connection, and practical wisdom for integrating Sabbath into a pastor’s weekly life.

Drawing on pastoral experience as a local pastor in Northwest Arkansas, this project seeks to address the lived reality of pastors and ministry leaders who desire greater stability, faithfulness, and longevity in their calling. By cultivating a slow-down spirituality rooted in biblical Sabbath practice, The Sabbath Journey: An invitation for Pastors and Spiritual Leaders to Find Rest in God aims to equip pastors of all ages to experience renewal and to model and teach the Sabbath to their congregations.

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