David Bahn – Reflections

John 18:5

[Jesus says,]  “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Many readers of this blog already know that I begin a three month pastoral sabbatical today – May 20, 2013. My goals for this ministry sabbatical are:

• Personal: I want to renew my relationship with God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and position myself to finish the last five years of active full-time leadership/ministry in a spirit of physical strength, emotional energy, and spiritual faithfulness.
• Congregational: I want to give the St. John Staff, lay leaders, and members an opportunity for increased ministry effectiveness and responsibility in my absence.
• Interpersonal: I want to connect with family, friends, and neighbors to enrich our relationships.

Part of the sabbatical process includes a commitment on my part. Specifically, I have made the following commitments:

• I will keep the stated goals in the forefront as I engage in this sabbatical.
• I will submit a report of the sabbatical time and share with congregational members reactions, learnings, insights, etc.
• I fully intend and expect to remain in my current role as Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church following this sabbatical.

Diane and I are deeply committed to the mission of God at St. John and greatly desire for God’s blessings on our continued ministry together in the future. While we will be gone for three (3) months, we look forward to returning with an even greater energy, zeal, and renewed joy in ministry together there.

I sincerely ask for your prayers during this exciting and new experience. We have significant travel planned (thanks to Aaron who will be staying in our home while we’re gone!). We also have little or no specific dates and activities planned. I may or may not write about my experiences in this blog while away. I will, however, turn off my St. John email account and will have limited cell communications or email opportunities. Many opportunities await us to talk, pray, explore, reflect, read, and recharge during this time away. These verses sum up my hopes and intentions regarding this kingdom investment.

John 15:1-11

[Jesus says,]  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are cleanbecause of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

A letter regarding this sabbatical was shared with the congregation I serve as senior pastor. If you wish to see the full text of that letter you may do so by following this link.