SABBATICAL SEND-OFF

A Celebration of Rest and Renewal

MAY 4, 2025 | FOLLOWING BOTH WORSHIP SERVICES

On May 12, Pastor Kevin and Sister Tanya will begin a well-deserved sabbatical—a time set apart for spiritual renewal, rest, and restoration. A pastoral sabbatical is not only critical for the health and vitality of our senior pastor and his wife, but also for the long-term strength of our church. As they step away from daily ministry responsibilities to be refreshed by God, we, too, are invited to trust, grow, and remain faithful as a congregation.


As they prepare to enter this sacred season, we invite you to join us for a special reception in their honor. This is a moment for us as a church family to celebrate their faithful leadership, surround them with love, and send them off with prayer and encouragement.


“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3


Let’s gather in unity to affirm God’s promise of peace and renewal—for them and for us all.

Join us on Sunday, May 4th, immediately following each worship service.

WHY A SABBATICAL MATTERS

A sabbatical is more than time off—it’s a time set apart. In Mark 6:31, Jesus said to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Even Jesus, the Son of God, practiced regular rhythms of rest, retreat, and prayer. He knew that spiritual strength is renewed in stillness, and that rest is often where revelation is born.


This sabbatical gives our senior pastor a focused season to hear from God, reflect deeply, and be refreshed in mind, body, and spirit. It also gives our church an opportunity to grow—stretching our faith, stepping up in leadership, and supporting the ministry together.


Scripture encourages us in Galatians 6:6 to “share all good things with the one who teaches.” What better gift can we offer than time—time to breathe, time to listen, and time to return stronger than ever.


This is a holy pause, a faithful practice, and a powerful investment in the future of our church. As we walk through this season, let’s embrace God’s rhythm of rest—trusting that He is working even as we slow down—and believe that the best is still ahead.

SAbbATICAL FAQs

Our senior pastor leads with strength, passion, and faithfulness—carrying the weight of spiritual responsibility while continually pouring into others.  A pastoral sabbatical is about making space to refuel—it’s about stepping into God’s rhythm of rest, trusting that renewal is part of His design for sustainable, long-term leadership.


From the very beginning, God modeled a pattern of work and rest. “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy…” (Genesis 2:2-3). That rhythm wasn’t just for creation—it was established for His people. In Exodus 20:8-10, God calls His people to “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy... On it you shall not do any work.” God knew that rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s how we stay aligned with Him, sustained by Him, and ready for what’s ahead.


We know you may have questions about what this sabbatical means—for our pastor, for our church, and for the journey ahead. This webpage is here to help you find clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how this sacred time will be used to honor both our pastor and the Savior he follows.

  • A pastoral sabbatical is a carefully planned period of time during which a pastor steps away from the day-to-day ministerial responsibilities. This time allows the pastor to rest, reflect, and renew, focusing on spiritual growth and personal restoration.

  • Yes, the concept of taking time for rest and renewal is deeply biblical. The word “sabbatical” is derived from the Sabbath, which God instituted as a day of rest (Exodus 20:8-10). In Scripture, many leaders, such as Paul (Galatians 1:15-18) and Jesus (Matthew 4:1-2), took time away from their ministries for renewal and prayer, setting an example for spiritual leaders today.

  • While not mandatory, it is highly recommended by many church oversight groups that pastors take a sabbatical every 7 years. This time of rest allows pastors to recharge and return to their ministries with renewed vision and energy. Pastor James’ last sabbatical was in 2012.

  • Since Pastor Kevin’s last sabbatical in 2012, he has experienced a spiritual and emotional weariness. This sabbatical offers him the opportunity to rest, reflect, and seek renewal so he can return with renewed vision and energy for the next phase of ministry.

  • The Executive Pastor will lead the Executive Team who are collectively committed to the mission of changing lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Pastor James has full confidence in this team, as well as the broader leadership of officers, staff, and volunteers. New Community remains strong and well-equipped to continue its ministry with excellence during the sabbatical season.

  • We are blessed with an incredible team of preachers at NCBF, including Pastor Marshal, Pastor Judah, Pastor Webb, Pastor Howard, and our Elders and Deacons. Additionally, Pastor Kevin has arranged for guest speakers to fill the pulpit, including some familiar voices you’ve heard before.

  • Pastor Kevin and Sister Tanya will be away for four months in 2025 and two weeks in 2026. This planned absence allows for deep rest and reflection.

  • Pastor James and Sister Tanya will be fully stepping away from the ministry during this time. They will not be attending services or meetings.

  • Pastor James, the Executive Leadership Team and Elders have assigned key areas of the ministry to our executive and director level staff.  They are talented, hardworking, and dedicated to carrying out the vision of NCBF.  The church also has a great overall staff, officers and servant leaders (volunteers).  


    Pastor James believes the church is especially healthy and will be in very capable leadership hands, which will enable him to take this sabbatical time away with complete confidence.  He is hopeful that there will be no crisis or extraordinary events to occur during his absence, but in case something does occur, Pastor James has asked Pastor Marshal Ausberry to serve as Senior Elder in Charge of the Ministry.

  • NCBF is blessed to have talented preachers and ministers on staff.  Our usual in-house Pastors will help provide Sunday preaching. Additionally, Pastor James has invited some extraordinary speakers for the Sunday pulpit ministry, including many whom you have already heard.  

  • Pastor James loves NCBF and believes in its leaders, staff and the congregation.  All areas of the church will be in capable hands and it will continue to grow and thrive in all of the duties God have given to our church.


    Pastor James expects the members to stay faithful in attendance, service and giving during his sabbatical.  He expects all the ministries to continue operating and that people will be saved and many will join NCBF.  Pastor James has said, “New Community is successful because Jesus Christ is working in and through our church.”  This should not change during the sabbatical.

  • For additional questions, please contact Pastor Marshal Ausberry (216-397-7992, ext 2013)

    or his assistant Sister Barbara Shelton (216-397-7992, ext 2040)