Embarking on a year-long sabbatical dedicated to spiritual growth and personal reflection has been a journey of profound transformation. From January 5, 2024, to January 5, 2025, I stepped away from the demands of everyday life, including my work with Mighty Men and its chapters, to focus on my relationship with God, friends, and family. This time was marked by deep study, overcoming fears, and embracing the essence of discipleship.
The sabbatical provided a sacred pause, allowing me to experience God in ways that my busy schedule often overshadowed. Each day was an invitation to connect with the divine, whether through nature walks, quiet meditation, or heartfelt prayer. I found God’s presence in the simplest moments and learned to listen to His guidance with an open heart. The sabbatical was not just a time of rest but a journey of spiritual renewal.
Studying the Character of a Follower of Jesus
Central to my sabbatical was a deep dive into understanding the character of a Jesus follower. Through scripture, I explored qualities like love, humility, and service that define a true disciple. Jesus’ teachings became a mirror, reflecting the areas in my life that needed growth and alignment with His values. This study was a call to action, urging me to embody these principles in my interactions with others and my daily decisions.
Lessons from “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat”
John Ortberg’s book served as a guide, encouraging me to step out in faith and trust in God’s plan. The metaphor of walking on water challenged me to confront my fears and embrace the unknown. It taught me that actual growth happens outside of my comfort zone, where faith must be active and trust in God unwavering. This lesson became a cornerstone of my sabbatical, pushing me to pursue my God-given dreams with courage.
Studying “Discipleship with Monday in Mind”
My journey also included a study of “Discipleship with Monday in Mind,” which emphasized living out my faith in everyday life. This study reinforced the idea that discipleship is not confined to Sundays but is a continuous journey that involves integrating faith into all aspects of life. I learned to see each day as an opportunity to live out my commitment to Christ, influencing my work, relationships, and personal growth.
Conquering My 12 Fears
A significant focus of my sabbatical was confronting and overcoming 12 fears that had been holding me back. Each month, I dedicated time to understanding and dismantling one fear, whether it was fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty. This process of facing fears head-on was both challenging and liberating, leading to a newfound sense of freedom and confidence in God’s strength.
Refocusing on Relationships
Stepping back from my involvement with Mighty Men allowed me to realign my priorities, focusing on my relationship with God, friends, and family. I cherished the time spent nurturing these connections, deepening bonds, and creating memories. This intentional focus on relationships reminded me of the importance of community and the support and love that come from those closest to us.
My sabbatical journey from January 2024 to January 2025 was a transformative experience marked by spiritual growth, personal reflection, and a renewed commitment to living out my faith. Through experiencing God, studying Jesus’ teachings, confronting fears, and refocusing on relationships, I emerged with a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
As I move forward and return to church and the Mighty Men and the Mighty Warriors MInistry, I carry these lessons with me, eager to continue walking in faith, embracing challenges, and nurturing the relationships that enrich my life.
Allen Gibson -Founder
The Mighty Warriors Ministry
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