Josh Monteiro's return from sabbatical 

On 1st September Josh Monteiro returned to work as the staff elder for Emmanuel Church Northstowe. Here he tells us a bit about his Sabbatical.

“A sabbatical is a period resting from normal work. It is an idea found in the Old Testament. Emmanuel Church Northstowe kindly gave me 3 month sabbatical as we reached 7 years since I began working on the church plant project.

One of the goals was simple physical rest and relaxation- slower days, time to enjoy nature, and read fun books. I also had more time for family, including time with each of my four children, and being able to host extended family for a wedding.

I also wanted to use the time to refresh myself spiritually. Those who teach and pastor others can find that they are giving without being refilled. This break enabled me to have more time to pray, and to read books aiming at helping my own spiritual life. I also relearned Hebrew, over a decade since I last studied it. I don’t expect my basic Hebrew to mean I argue with Old Testament Bible translators, but slowing down to read the Bible in the original language does help me to notice things God is saying, which I might rush over in the familiar English translations. 

Finally, I read and thought about some neuroscience related books. If you’d like to know more, I hope to share some thoughts on a blog over the next few months where I'll jot down thoughts, and scribble ideas for my own pleasure, and for anyone's interest: Jots and Scribbles

I’m very grateful to Emmanuel Church for the Sabbatical. I’m especially grateful to those who took on extra leadership responsibilities during that period, especially my fellow elders Alan White and David Runciman. I hope I come back with renewed energy, a close walk with Jesus, and greater wisdom as to how to use my time in a growing church."