The word sabbatical has its roots in the Biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbath includes elements of rest, disengagement, study, exploration, reflection and prayer.

This time designated for a pastor or minister of the gospel to remove himself or herself from the routines of regular ministry and to experience a change in perspective, to receive spiritual nourishment, and to deepen one’s relationship with God. It is a time to rest and reflect; to be renewed and refilled.

First, recognize that any ministry is not its leader. The ministry of YFC does not belong to Mike. It belongs to Jesus.

Second, lean in, not out. It’s very normal to think this would be a great time for you to take a break from giving or volunteering. Our hope is that this won’t be the case for you. YFC still needs all of its parts doing what they do best.

Finally, pray for the McAuliffs. Though there are many great things about experiencing a sabbatical, it can also be a struggle. Disconnecting from relationships for a period can be painful and changing the day-to-day rhythms can leave one wondering about their purpose. Pray for Mike’s journey through sabbatical and for his leadership to be renewed.

Mike and his family will be doing a number of things related to developing a deeper understanding of God’s voice in their lives including reading, counseling, and extended times of silence, meditation and reflection.

A sabbatical is designed so ministers can receive, rather than give, by providing the time and space necessary for spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational renewal. It provides an intermission within the unending demands of daily ministry life. It is not additional vacation, an academic leave, nor an escape. Mike will spend his time resting, recharging, and being with his family.

Brian Pettigrew will be acting Executive Director during this time. Additionally, our Board of Directors will provide oversight and support where needed. We have a great team of staff and volunteers that are fully capable of leading during this time.

Mike will be unavailable throughout the period of sabbatical and it’s requested that you don’t try to contact him through email, Facebook, or by phone. If there is a ministry need, you can contact Brian Pettigrew via the contact form on this site.

Absolutely. Mike will not be seeking any other position or speaking at any other ministries throughout this sabbatical. The intent of the sabbatical is for Mike to return to the ministry refreshed and renewed, ready to move forward into the next phase of ministry.

Taking times of sabbatical are normal occurrences in pastoral ministry. Many churches and ministries have established policies of sabbatical leave, most often granted after every seven years of ministry. Mike has been serving with YFC for 12 years now.

Sabbatical leaves are not common outside of ministry or academic institutions. To many people in the business community, this can seem like a strange idea. However, pastors and ministers are not CEO’s. Their role is to shepherd and lead God’s people and to do so requires them to seek God’s voice and spend time engaging God in different rhythms.

Though you may be just hearing of this now, Mike and the Board have been planning this for more than a year. There are no negative reasons attached to this sabbatical and Mike is expected to resume regular ministry and continue to lead Atlanta YFC when he returns.