Sunday Summer Sabbatical

At The Passion Center, we believe in disrupting the hustle-and-grind model of church life in favor of rhythms that restore the soul. That’s why we practice Summer Sabbaticals not just for our pastors but for our entire community.

This practice was inspired when our founder, Rev. Dr. Liz Rios, received a prestigious Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Grant. During her sabbatical, she experienced firsthand what it means to pause, reflect, and be renewed not just for ministry, but for life. That experience deeply affirmed what Scripture teaches and what so many have forgotten: rest is sacred. And rest is for everyone.

Dr. Liz came back convicted: we couldn’t model rest for our leaders and not extend that same grace to our people. So, in a bold act of spiritual leadership, she led The Passion Center to implement a summer sabbatical for the whole church.

Yes, we knew there could be consequences. Fewer gatherings. Fewer offerings. Fewer opportunities to “stay visible.” And yes, we knew some folks might not come back. But we believed, and still believe, that renewal is more important than routine.

This is not a break from God. It’s a break from the machine.

We invite our community to use this time however they choose:

• Rest without guilt

• Travel without pressure

• Read that book they’ve been meaning to

• Take a walk, pray slowly, or simply breathe deeply

We are resisting the idea that constant motion equals faithfulness. Jesus rested. Creation rests. So should we.

At The Passion Center, we don’t exist to keep the status quo. We exist to model an alternative way of being faithful—one rooted in justice, joy, and jubilee. And that includes knowing when to pause.

We will have Thursday Formation Nights beginning in August.  You are welcome to join in!