Bethany Theological Seminary Will Observe Sabbatical Day

Richmond, Indiana–Bethany Theological Seminary will observe a sabbatical day on Thursday, May 8. All employees will participate in the sabbatical day and the offices will be closed. The sabbatical day was approved by the Board of Trustees at their spring meeting.

“Bethany’s 2007/2008 academic year has been overly filled with institutional transitions, faculty searches, core testimonies discussions, the Inaugural Forum, plus all the regular tasks associated with an educational institution,” said Bethany President Ruthann Knechel Johansen. “In the spirit of biblical guidance offered on the sabbath and the sabbatical year described in Leviticus 25, this sabbatical day is intended to open space for rest, prayer or meditation, examination of conscience, and reflection on personal and institutional values and priorities.”

Typically sabbaticals include a focus and reporting or accountability structure. Bethany employees have been asked to respond to two questions following the sabbatical day, including reflections on their vocation that would be helpful to other Seminary faculty and staff.

President Johansen expressed gratitude for the contribution that each employee offers to the educational mission of Bethany. “My abiding hope is that, with God’s grace, our spiritual, psychological, intellectual, and physical health will be deepened and strengthened by this symbolic day of reflection and assessment,” she said. Bethany Board of Trustees chair Ted Flory added, “The Board is deeply grateful for the continuing dedication of Bethany's faculty and staff, and enthusiastically endorses President Johansen's idea of providing an occasional Sabbatical Day at Bethany.”