A Sabbatical for Gary McQuinn
We are excited to share some good news about an upcoming sabbatical for Gary McQuinn from May 10–August 10.
On this page, you can watch a conversation between Gary and Lay Leader David Hubbard, read the letter from the Elder Team, and read a few FAQs about both sabbaticals in general and Gary’s Sabbatical.
Elder Conversation Video
Elder Letter
Park Family,
Our elder team is excited to share some good news about an upcoming sabbatical for Gary McQuinn from May 10–August 10. This three-month sabbatical has been in our plans for several years, and following the intensity of the last year and Gary’s remarkable leadership effort through a pandemic, a new congregation, and other significant areas of growth and change in the life of our church, we’re all the more excited to honor Gary and the McQuinn family with this season of rest.
If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of a sabbatical, a sabbatical is simply an extended season of rest and rejuvenation for a pastor and his family, motivated by a positive vision for rest that we believe follows God’s wisdom for life. We anticipate this to be a time of refreshment for the McQuinns, and one from which Gary will emerge rested and energized for the good work that God has called him to at Park Church.
While Gary is away, our other pastors will be carrying the preaching load, and our Executive Pastor, Chris Gillespie, along with our staff and elders will continue to lead and care for the church
We’d invite you to be praying for Gary and his family—that they would rest well and enjoy the love of God together. If you have any questions, please reach out to any of our pastoral staff or elders or see the FAQs and short video conversation with Gary and David Hubbard on this webpage.
With love and gratitude,
The Elders of Park Church
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
Download a PDF version using the button below, or click a question below to learn more:
DOWNLOAD AS PDFA sabbatical is an extended period of rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection with God and with family. It’s considered a “best practice” in healthy churches to send pastors on sabbaticals periodically. Studies show that sabbaticals result in greater health and greater non-staff leadership involvement in churches that follow this practice.
There is no crisis in Gary’s life that is necessitating this sabbatical. Instead, we are making a long-term investment into the health and vitality of Gary and his family. We want the next season of Gary’s life and ministry here at Park Church to be the most fruitful time of his life. This sabbatical is meant to result in Gary’s thriving, the health of his family, and the health and vitality of our church as a whole.
From May 10 through August 10, 2021.
He will spend his time resting, recharging, and being with his family. Much of the sabbatical will be spent away from Denver to allow Gary to disconnect from the pressures of ministry.
Absolutely. Gary will not be seeking any other position or speaking at any other ministries throughout this sabbatical. He’s resting, that’s all.
Things will look mostly the same at Park Church. We have a gifted team of pastors and leaders who will continue to preach from God’s Word on Sundays. Church function will continue, and our church staff will continue to serve us in the day to day ministry and mission of our church.
We ask that you would respect this time of rest for Gary. Please don’t anticipate a response from his email or social media.
Spiritual leadership at Park Church has always been carried by all our leaders. Our Gospel Community leaders, staff, and elders are here to love and serve you in your spiritual growth. If there is any spiritual need you have, we hope you will begin by contacting your Gospel Community leader, but the staff and elders will also be happy to serve you.
Pray for Gary and his family: that this time would be refreshing for them and that Gary would experience rest in his soul and intimacy with our Heavenly Father. Lastly, continue to take steps in your own spiritual growth and discipleship and love Jesus more.