CONNAN ON SABBATICAL
On May 1st, 2022, our senior pastor Connan Kublik will begin his six-month sabbatical. Here he is to tell us more about his plans, hopes, and expectations!
Brenda and I are grateful for our elder team and their desire to give me a sabbatical at this time. I’ve never had a sabbatical before and have read about and asked many questions of those who have done them. I believe that my biggest need during this time is soul rest. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28–29 to “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” We are deeply looking forward to slowing down and coming to Jesus in a more concentrated way over the coming months. Sometimes we don’t realize how in need of rest we are until the pace slows a bit.
I’ve seen several ways of breaking up this time to make the most effective use of it. We are meeting with a Spiritual Director soon to iron out some details, but here is what I currently envision: Reflection, Rest & Revisioning. The first period will be used to really reflect on the time since we’ve come to Hamilton to plant New City Church, and especially the last few years. I envision long times reflecting and debriefing with God, Brenda, and others about some of what has happened over the last 15 years and how it has impacted me and my family. I envision doing projects and taking long walks where my body is busy, but my mind is available to hear from God. There will be an extended spiritual retreat as well. During the second part, we plan to head back to Western Canada to take spend time to rest and be with our family and friends there. We hope to reconnect with friends in person that we haven’t seen in person for years now. The final part will be dedicated to praying and planning as I gain fresh vision for what God has called us to be together as a church. It will be a time of study and preparation for reintegrating back into our church community and Spirit-led leadership.
I am always an avid reader and have a stack of books to tackle throughout the sabbatical, including some that I hope to not just burn through for information, but to approach slowly, thoughtfully, and prayerfully, for God to do his work of transformation. One of the things I need is to be reminded of who I am in Christ, not as a pastor, leader, preacher, or anything else, but simply as one whom God loves. I look forward to attending a church service where I am there simply to worship with other believers and where I am not responsible for what is going on (whether I am on the stage or not). I need to be reminded that I am not just messenger of the gospel, but that I am a child of the gospel. That what I read and study is as much for my soul as others who I am responsible before God for. I believe that this will be rejuvenating not only for me, but for my family. I also hope they are reminded of their personal relationship to God is not there just because they are part of the pastor’s family.
While we are excited about the coming six months, we also approach them with some trepidation. Because of physical distance, New City, you, in every sense of the word, are our closest family and our dearest community. Our lives have, for the last 15 years, been daily intertwined with yours and we don’t exactly know how to (or even if we can) “take a break” from that. We are trusting God to lead us into figuring that out, but we ask for your prayer for that transition especially.
I just want to take a moment to express our deep love and appreciation for you. When we came here, we could not have imagined the kind of community God would build in New City. We can’t even tell you what a joy it is to serve among you. The way you love God and our family, the graciousness with which you bear with our weaknesses and burdens, and the tenacity with which you serve your Saviour, your community and this city is a beautiful thing to behold. It is also incredible that we feel at such peace in taking this time knowing that God has provided amazing elders, staff, leaders, and fellow members of New City Church to continue to grow you up into maturity in the faith. We are fully aware of the kindness God has shown us in letting us serve at New City, and we look forward to coming back with more gas in the tank for as many more years as God sees fit to let me lead you.
With much love and appreciation,
Connan, Brenda and family