Spring Semester & Sabbatical
Semester two at Duke Divinity has come to an end.
Finals taken, research papers written, grades submitted.
An end to a year of spiritual practice, conversation, and bonding over the highs and lows of ministry in a Spiritual Formation Cohort. An end to a year studying the Old Testament under Dr. Portier-Young. An end to what some third-years name “the most difficult semester,” though with nine terms to go, I’m a little skeptical of their assessment. I hope they’re right.
It was indeed rigorous.
Rigorous because having to go back into the office after the boys go down night after night so I don’t fall behind isn’t easy. Rigorous because writing approximately 12,000 words in the two weeks leading up to Good Friday and Easter—while preparing for Good Friday and Easter—is testing.
But the semester was also very rewarding. I feel accomplished in the work that has been done. I feel connected to and supported by peers who are walking a similar path. I feel like I’ve been given an upgraded biblical studies “utility belt”—like Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 2 (you may need a toddler to appreciate the reference).
The tools and experiences from this term will serve me in sermon preparation, research, writing, personal study and spiritual formation for decades to come. If this term you prayed, gave, or simply asked me how I was doing and offered a high-five, thank you.
We are thrilled to finally share Sabbatical plans!
About two years ago we began dreaming and discussing. We became eligible and originally planned to take sabbatical Summer 2023. We wanted to break from the regular rhythms and relationships of ministry at Refuge—as good as they are—to find rest and refreshment as a family, and so I could further develop as a pastor and leader.
I longed to be saturated in another healthy and thriving church environment, to learn the ins and outs of organizational leadership, and to sit under and develop relationships with pastors and leaders who I admire and respect. We hoped for just one open door.
As Summer 2023 approached, no real opportunities lined up. We were discouraged. And them, because of the transition happening at Refuge, we—along with those discerning with us—decided to defer the sabbatical. It was one hundred percent the right call, but it did not help our sense of discouragement.
But God.
Plans are now solidifying for a Summer 2024 sabbatical. I have been accepted to two month-long summer residencies—at Wellspring Church in Englewood, CO and Hope Lutheran Church in Atascadero, CA. Let me tell you more.
Wellspring is a growing church in the Denver Metro Area. They value organizational excellence but also prioritize staff wellbeing, sustainability, and discipleship. My friend and mentor, David Norris, is a Pastor at the church. Our families will get to spend time together and we have friends in the area who it will be a joy to see!
Hope Lutheran is where my undergrad mentor, Rev. Dr. Aaron Smith, is pastor. Here, I will have opportunities to process what I’m learning in seminary, preach and grow in pastoral care. The church is located in a slowed-down town 30 minutes from the California coast—a perfect location to retreat as a family.
We couldn’t be more excited for Sabbatical! We believe this will be a meaningful and memorable time of rest, fun, learning, healing, and gearing up for another season of ministry. While we are away, the Refuge Staff along with the Board will step up to support and fill as needed. We are so grateful to them and our church for making this possible.
Sabbatical + Duke Field Ed
On top of the 8-week sabbatical, I will be tacking on some extra vacation time. This extra time will allow me to meet the 10-week requirement for Field Ed. at Duke.
With this time I hope to attend a preaching workshop put on by The Art of Teaching. Led by pastors John Mark Comer and Jon Tyson, this small 30-person workshop will allow for me to get close, personal, hands-on development in the area of preaching.
Over the course of the whole summer, my close friend, mentor, and previous ministry partner, Ryan, will operate as my field ed. supervisor-mentor. We will engage in weekly pastoral and theological conversation so I can reflect on, digest and implement what I learn.
This is a unique, near once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to get away from Refuge while being further equipped for my role.
First time getting to baptize this Easter Sunday! Halle (above), Hien (first service), and I were both nervous and excited.
Leif is turning one!
A sabbath moment jamming with Charlie. He had just been standing in his tower drumming along to, “Charlie had a ravioli.”
Prayer Request
Sabbatical Arrangements
Thank you for praying over the last several months for our sabbatical. We sense that God has heard your prayers and answered in abundant kindness. Please pray for our continued preparation and for the staff team and community at Refuge as they take on extra to make room for this.
Financial Update
Seminary
I am currently looking to expand the Financial Support Team by $120/mo to assist with the three required trips per year to Duke. Learn more at davidtanner.co/give or reply to this email to begin a conversation.
Sabbatical
Being away from home and on the road for two months is financially demanding. Refuge Church has a sabbatical restricted fund to help defray expenses for eligible pastors on sabbatical, including ours. These funds support housing, travel, and other related sabbatical expenses. If you would like to contribute to the fund, you can donate here.
Current Reads
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
If you primarily do “knowledge work” or have quite a bit of say in how you spend your work time, this book is immensely helpful. “Do fewer things. Work at a natural pace. Obsess over quality.” If you don’t have the bandwidth for the book, this podcast gets you pretty far.
Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now by Walter Brueggemann
Refuge is currently in a series, Sabbath: An Invitation to Rest through the Practice of Sabbath. Written nearly like a commentary, this book surveys many of the Old Testament texts surrounding sabbath practice. Brueggemann ties the narrative to the practice to it’s social and economic implications and potential for justice. Here’s a taste:
“The Sabbath rest of God is the acknowledgment that God and God’s people in the world are not commodities to be dispatched for endless production...”
—Walter Brueggemann, Sabbath as Resistance
