Dr. Brad Bradford will take Study Leave for Six Weeks
Over the next six weeks, Dr. Brad Bradford will be on study leave from July 5-August 11. He is entitled to this leave and has been planning a productive project for many months. Brad has received all the needed church approval. The specific purpose of this time is for renewal and to focus on a project of study. This study leave is new to our church. Let me share a little more background so that you will have more information.
The United Methodist Book of Discipline encourages and permits pastors to renew themselves when they have been in the same appointment for six years. Brad has been at Shalimar for nine years and in ministry full-time for thirty-nine years. At this point, Brad plans to continue in ministry for many more years. Taking a study leave gives him a chance to renew and recharge for the continued marathon of ministry ahead.
Brad takes this leave with all the proper approval of the church in hand. He followed the Book of Discipline and received the approval of the District Superintendent, the Staff Parish Committee, and the Church Council. In addition, he has prepared to make sure all of his duties are covered through volunteers and staff. Brad has been very thorough and has written plans anticipating the church's needs over the next six weeks. We, as a staff, are also ready to step up and in with anything that needs our attention.
This leave will offer Brad a chance to change his weekly rhythms. Dr. Bradford has outlined a project to complete in his time away. His main focus will be on posttraumatic issues brought on by Covid-19. He plans to explore posttraumatic growth with an eye toward psychological development and how it relates to discipleship. He will draw from Christian psychologists, leaders in disciple development, contextual intelligence, and most of all, the Bible.
When Brad returns in mid-August, he plans to share his findings through studies he will offer at Shalimar UMC. He will be sharing more of these plans when he returns. As we continue to move out of the "crazy" Covid-19 year, we might all benefit from Brad's research and his reflections as a pastor.
Brad is doing a great job at Shalimar! Last Sunday, leading our patriotic services, was the most recent example of his excellent leadership for our congregation. Would you please join me in praying that this study leave will be a most beneficial time for him? It could really be a spiritual boost for his future years and Shalimar UMC! Brad taking this time to renew as a longtime pastor is a very good thing!
Shalom,
Philip
The United Methodist Book of Discipline encourages and permits pastors to renew themselves when they have been in the same appointment for six years. Brad has been at Shalimar for nine years and in ministry full-time for thirty-nine years. At this point, Brad plans to continue in ministry for many more years. Taking a study leave gives him a chance to renew and recharge for the continued marathon of ministry ahead.
Brad takes this leave with all the proper approval of the church in hand. He followed the Book of Discipline and received the approval of the District Superintendent, the Staff Parish Committee, and the Church Council. In addition, he has prepared to make sure all of his duties are covered through volunteers and staff. Brad has been very thorough and has written plans anticipating the church's needs over the next six weeks. We, as a staff, are also ready to step up and in with anything that needs our attention.
This leave will offer Brad a chance to change his weekly rhythms. Dr. Bradford has outlined a project to complete in his time away. His main focus will be on posttraumatic issues brought on by Covid-19. He plans to explore posttraumatic growth with an eye toward psychological development and how it relates to discipleship. He will draw from Christian psychologists, leaders in disciple development, contextual intelligence, and most of all, the Bible.
When Brad returns in mid-August, he plans to share his findings through studies he will offer at Shalimar UMC. He will be sharing more of these plans when he returns. As we continue to move out of the "crazy" Covid-19 year, we might all benefit from Brad's research and his reflections as a pastor.
Brad is doing a great job at Shalimar! Last Sunday, leading our patriotic services, was the most recent example of his excellent leadership for our congregation. Would you please join me in praying that this study leave will be a most beneficial time for him? It could really be a spiritual boost for his future years and Shalimar UMC! Brad taking this time to renew as a longtime pastor is a very good thing!
Shalom,
Philip
Recent
Categories
Archive
2023
2022
January
February
Bread House Week 93Most Welcoming RugGuidebook 20222023 is calling already! Will you answer?What we Know Even When We Do Not KnowBread House Week 94FOLLOW ME Begins, Ash Wednesday, March 2Members are to Become and Make DisciplesBread House Week 95Ash Wednesday is a Big Day and Some of the Reasons WhyBread House Week 96
March
August
2021
January
February
State of Shalimar United Methodist Church 2021Week 42 Bread House40-Day Lent DevotionsCheck It Out! Feb 7, 2021Using the New Church AppIn Praise of our Ministry TeamsWeek 43 Bread HouseA Word from Our Librarian - Feb 14, 2021Bread House Week 44Announcing a New Children's Ministry DirectorBread House Week 45How You Can Help Refer Families to Blessings for ChildrenLibrary NewsLearning from History and Including All as Jesus
March
Time to Nominate this Year’s Hospitality Award WinnerBread House Week 46Bread House Week 47Around the SUMC LibraryTime Change is This SundaySave the Dates…A Month of Special SundaysBread House Week 48Updated Shalimar UMC Covid Protocol for Holy WeekBread House Week 49Giving DandelionsEaster Lily Project
April
Bread House Week 50God Has the Final Word!Some Clues for the Unforgettable Message After EasterWeek 51 at the Bread HouseWhat have we missed? What will be the same? Different?Make Us One...Week 52 at the Bread HouseEighteen Lives and Eternal LifeThank You from REBOOT Class MemberWeek 54 at the Bread HouseNUMBERS and NAMESThe “SHIPS” of the ChurchVBSSenior Recognition
No Comments