The impact of sabbaticals on burnout precursors and tenure among Nazarene clergy in the United States

The Church confronts a dilemma. Parish ministers leave pastorates (and ministry) due to burnout and other factors. High pastoral turnover rates are counterproductive to church effectiveness. This qualitative study used a researcher-designed, semi-structured interview to gather data from thirty United States Nazarene pastors on a presumed positive impact by sabbaticals on burnout precursors and tenure.; The study finds that Nazarene sabbaticals have a positive reactive and preventative impact on tenure and minimize burnout precursors. Sabbaticals lengthen local parish tenure but occasionally help pastors prepare for new pastorates. Findings include the six components of an effective sabbatical.