Branches Family,

We are excited to share some wonderful news for both our church and for Pastor Shane and Kate. After nearly 13 years of faithfully serving, leading, and dreaming for our church and community, we are so grateful to bless them with a well-deserved sabbatical!

From the beginning, Branches has valued the health and well-being of our leaders. Our staff handbook outlines sabbatical time for full-time pastors, recognizing that seasons of rest and renewal are vital for long-term ministry health. Over the past few years, our elders have thoughtfully discussed this opportunity with Shane, and they have led the way in making this sabbatical possible.

We are incredibly thankful for all that Pastor Shane and Kate have poured into this church. Shane’s leadership, teaching, and care have shaped our community in powerful ways, and Kate has faithfully served in many capacities — generously giving her time, her home, and her gifts to love and support others.

To help ensure this is a healthy step for both their family and our church, Shane and Kate have decided to take their sabbatical in two parts:

• Part 1: Four weeks this spring. This time will include a pastoral retreat and travel to focus on rest, renewal, and time together.

• Part 2: Four weeks this fall, dedicated to reconnecting with family, friends, and their children.

This sabbatical isn’t just about rest — it’s about preparing for the future. Shane and Kate deeply love this church, and this time away will allow them to return refreshed, energized, and ready to continue leading us into the next exciting season at Branches.

Statistics show that 42% of pastors have considered leaving ministry in the past year due to stress and burnout, and over 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month. By investing in Shane and Kate’s well-being, we are prioritizing their health and ensuring they can serve with renewed strength for years to come.

During their time away, we have full confidence in our incredible pastoral staff, who are fully prepared to lead, care for, and serve our church family in Shane’s absence. This sabbatical is also a valuable opportunity for our staff to step into new areas of leadership, develop their gifts, and grow as they take on greater responsibility. We believe this will not only strengthen our staff team but also position Branches for greater impact in the future.

We are incredibly grateful to be part of a church that values caring for its leaders. Please join us in praying for Shane and Kate — that God would fill their time away with rest, peace, and renewed vision for what’s ahead.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. This is a beautiful investment in both their lives and the future of Branches.

Branches, let’s celebrate this together — because healthy pastors lead healthy churches! Join us in prayer this Sunday in both services!