WELCOMING PASTOR BACK FROM SABBATICAL
I thought you might like to see a sample of a litany that a congregation can use to welcome back a pastor from being on sabbatical.
INVITING GOD’S BLESSING
LEADER:God said to Jeremiah, “I chose you (Jeremiah 1:4)
PEOPLE: We recognize that God’s call comes to all of us from out of eternity. Today we celebrate that God’s call came to (Pastor’s name) to be pastor at (Church name) Presbyterian Church.
LEADER: Paul reported a vision that changed the direction of his call. I “saw a Macedonian standing and begging (me), ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’ (We) decided that God had called us to preach the Good News to the people there.”
PEOPLE: We celebrate your courage and faithfulness in hearing God’s call (?) years ago to move to being our pastor. We rejoice that you have had this sabbatical and welcome you and (spouse’s) return to be among us.
LEADER: God has commissioned us in the words of Matthew 28:19: “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
PEOPLE: As members of (name of church), we renew our commitment to your leadership in helping us to fulfill this great commission. May your work prosper and may our spiritual, financial, and physical support of our shared ministry increase.
LEADER: As you did at your installation to this ministry, we invite you, (name of pastor and spouse) to come before the Lord and accept our continued affirmation of your ministry among us
Corporate Prayer:
God, who made of one blood all races and nations of earth, and sent your Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near; pour out your spirit on (pastor’s name) and our church that we may be faithful to Christ’s commission and demonstrate your love to all of our neighbors. Bless and deepen the power of your spirit in each of us. Empower us to demonstrate the fruits of your spirit that testifies to the world that we are indeed your disciples.
Let us rise and sing the Gloria Patria
