With the approval of the elder body, Pastor Ron will be on sabbatical August 7 to September 30, 2023. Lord willing, he returns to the pulpit on Sunday, October 1, 2023, to begin his ninth year as Lead Pastor of Atlantic Shores Baptist Church. 

What is a pastoral sabbatical?

In her book Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in the Rhythms of Rest, Lynne Baab says, "Sabbath is God's gracious 'five-o-clock whistle' that gives me permission to stop and lay down my tools, ready or not."

A pastoral sabbatical is a time for a spiritual leader to come away with God for rest, refreshment, and the recalibrating of one's ministry calling, after which the pastor returns with a commitment to stay in his present ministry with renewed vigor. Sabbatical is kind of like the 50,000-mile maintenance on your car that replaces worn parts, installs new filters, and drains and replaces fluids.

Thus, for a short season, Pastor Ron will step away from his public ministry responsibilities to focus on his inner person and relationship with God. He will travel, spend time with family, rest, quietly reflect, listen to God, and enjoy personal study.

How can I pray for Pastor Ron during his sabbatical?

Please pray daily for Pastor Ron according to the following 7-day schedule, Sunday through Saturday, repeating the schedule until he returns.

Sunday: Pray that God will give Pastor Ron physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual rest.

Monday: Pray for Pastor Ron's spiritual protection from the world, the flesh, and the devil. 

Tuesday: Pray that Pastor Ron will deeply enjoy the time he spends with his family and for safety as they travel together. Pray individually for Ron's wife, Cathryn, and their two adult children, Reagan and Caroline.

Wednesday: Pray that during times of quiet reflection and personal study, Pastor Ron will hear God clearly.

Thursday: Pray that God will recalibrate Pastor Ron's sacred rhythms in a way that yields increased fruitfulness in his life, marriage, family life, and ministry.

Friday: Pray that when Pastor Ron returns, he is filled with a renewed vigor to fulfill his ministry calling at Atlantic Shores Baptist Church.

Saturday: Pray that the best and most fruitful days of Pastor Ron's ministry and the ministry of Atlantic Shores Baptist Church are ahead of him and us. 

What is Pastor Ron reading during his sabbatical?

Here's a list of some of the books Pastor Ron is reading during his sabbatical:

Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul by Lance Witt

An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan

Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ by Dallas Willard

Where is Pastor Ron during his sabbatical?

Pastor Ron is not Waldo. But if you are wondering "Where's Pastor Ron?" follow him on social media (@drronjones on Instagram and Facebook) to learn more about his sabbatical journeys.

Can I still listen to Pastor Ron's preaching on the radio?

If you miss hearing Pastor Ron's Bible teaching while he is away from the pulpit during his sabbatical, listen to his daily radio program called Something Good with Dr. Ron Jones.

Who is preaching while Pastor Ron is on sabbatical?

During Pastor Ron's sabbatical, guest speakers will fill the pulpit each week at our 9:15am and 11am worship gatherings, chosen for their integrity of heart and skillfullness in preaching God's word. You won't want to miss a single week at Atlantic Shores!

Aug 13
Dr. Tate Cockrell
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Aug 20
Vernon Brewer
Founder, World Help

Aug 27
Brandon Pickett
Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia

Sep 3
Dr. Billy Hardison
Navy Chaplain, Norfolk

Sep 10
Daniel Ritchie
Speaker and Author

Sep 17
Dr. Troy Temple
Liberty University

Sep 24
Professor David Sedaca
Chosen People Ministries

When will Pastor Ron return to the pulpit at Atlantic Shores Baptist Church?

Pastor Ron returns to the pulpit on Sunday, October 1, 2023, to begin his ninth year of ministry at Atlantic Shores Baptist Church, having arrived in October 2015. Check back soon for the announcement of his new series, which begins the first Sunday in October.