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Soul Care Essentials Series: Pastoral Sabbaticals Made Doable: Rest, Renewal, and a Plan for Small-Church Pastors (w/ Michael Hidalgo) – Episode 337
Soul Care Essentials Series: Pastoral Sabbaticals Made Doable: Rest, Renewal, and a Plan for Small-Church Pastors (w/ Michael Hidalgo) – Episode 337
Dale Sellers and Joseph Bennett sit down with former lead pastor Michael Hidalgo to talk about why pastoral rest has become a crisis-level need and how small churches can create practical, sustainable sabbatical plans. Michael shares how his ministry, Menuah, helps pastors move past the systems that make rest feel impossible, addressing real concerns like pulpit supply and congregational care.
The conversation reframes sabbaticals as more than time off—they require intention, structure, and accountability. Ultimately, this episode challenges pastors to start small, set healthy boundaries, and embrace shared responsibility so both they and their churches can grow stronger through rhythms of rest.
About Michael Hidalgo: Michael has over 25 years experience in local church ministry as a teaching pastor and lead pastor. He is a speaker, author, and coaches pastors. His passion has always been to support spiritual and emotional health for faith leaders. When he’s not working he loves skiing, cycling, and spending time in the mountains of Colorado. Michael, his wife and children live in Denver, Colorado.
Links to Resources Mentioned or Related
- Website: Michael Hidalgo.com
- Website: Menuah.com
- Email Michael
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Online: 3-Session Video Series
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Cohort: 6 Weeks of Guided Conversations for Post-Conference Groups
- 95Network – Soul Care Essentials
- 95Network – Healthy Church Assessment
- Read Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There By Now
- Watch Podcast on YouTube
Key Takeaways
- Healthy transitions don’t happen accidentally. Succession works best when it’s intentional, slow enough to grieve and celebrate, and supported by objective outside help.
- Most pastors aren’t refusing rest—they’re trapped by systems. Without a plan (and a bench), even a short break can feel impossible.
- A sabbatical is not “time off”—it’s working differently. Renewal requires a plan, structure, and accountability so rest doesn’t become guilt or drift.
- Start small and build. A pastor who hasn’t had a Sunday off in years may need to begin with a couple of consecutive Sundays and grow from there.
- Congregations can grow through the process. When members are engaged (not just informed), the church learns shared responsibility and healthier rhythms.
- Boundaries reveal identity. Learning to say “no” and not be needed is often spiritual formation, not just leadership technique.
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