Pastoral Renewal Leave
The concept of a pastoral renewal leave is well-established in The United Methodist Church, but for many at ASSURANCE, this may be new. Pastor Daniel will be taking a scheduled renewal leave, so we would like to provide clarity and go ahead and answer some questions you may have.
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What is Pastoral Renewal Leave?
It is NOT a time of transition, departure from the church or a vacation. Instead, renewal leave IS planned time away from the regular demands of pastoral leadership to allow space for spiritual, emotional, physical, and vocational renewal. Another way to look at it is an intentional season to reconnect with God’s call, restore energy, and return to ministry with renewed clarity.
Renewal leave is encouraged by The United Methodist Church as part of long-term, sustainable ministry. The Book of Discipline affirms the importance of this season. Paragraph 350.3 states “a clergy member may request a formational and spiritual growth leave of up to six months while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church. Such leaves are available to clergy members who have held full-time appointments for at least six years. Such a leave shall be with the approval of the committee on pastor-parish relations, the church council, and the district superintendent.”
This time away from ASSURANCE is a healthy and encouraged rhythm within United Methodist ministry. Pastor Daniel has faithfully served the local church for 20 years and while he has been eligible many times over, he has never taken a renewal leave.
This renewal leave is supported and approved by our District Superintendent, Rev. Dan Pezet, along with the SPRC and Church Council of ASSURANCE.
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What will happen at ASSURANCE while Pastor Daniel is away?
Thankfully, we are blessed with two amazingly stellar co-pastors as well as deeply committed ministry leaders, staff, and lay leadership teams who will faithfully guide the ongoing ministry of ASSURANCE during Pastor Daniel’s renewal leave.
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When is Pastor Daniel taking renewal leave and can we contact him during that time?
Pastor Daniel’s renewal leave will take place from July 27, 2026 - October 31, 2026.
In order for renewal to be effective, Pastor Daniel will step away from regular pastoral responsibilities and communication. We ask you to honor this boundary so he can fully receive the gift of renewal. However, you are invited to follow along with Pastor Daniel’s renewal journey through his social media posts, updates and adventures.
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What will Pastor Daniel be doing during his renewal leave?
Pastor Daniel looks forward to a season of intentional time to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the heart of his calling. He has begun working with a certified spiritual director and ministry coach and will continue that work during his renewal leave and in the months to follow.
He will get to spend quality time with family while embracing the kind of rest that restores mind, body, and spirit…things that the typical pace of pastoral life doesn’t quite allow.
As many of you know, Pastor Daniel also finds clarity and connection with God in wide open spaces and on the open road. Part of this renewal season will include a solo motorcycle journey. This cross-county adventure is not simply a trip, but a meaningful rhythm of solitude, reflection, perspective, and spiritual reset.
Pastor Daniel’s hope for this renewal leave is not simply time away, but a strengthened return that is renewed in energy, grounded in calling, and carrying fresh vision for the ministry of ASSURANCE.
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If you have additional questions, please reach out to Pastor Daniel, Pastor Josh or the SPRC co-chairs below: