First Baptist Church

653 “A” Street

Galt, CA 95632

(209) 745-4665

www.fbcgalt.com

fbcgalt@sbcglobal.net

Friday, March 25, 2005

Dear  FBC Members:

   As Pastor Rob Patterson approaches his ninth anniversary of ministry at
First Baptist Church, it seems appropriate to provide him a respite from his
day-to-day responsibilities.  The sabbatical leave, common in academia and
in many churches, provides time to withdraw from the continuous demands
of ministry for advanced study, professional development and spiritual
refreshment. Pastoral “burn-out” is an unpleasant reality, and the provision

of a timely sabbatical leave is a proven effective hedge against it.   

   Having acquired his Master of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Theological

Seminary, Pastor Rob has long desired to complete his doctoral studies. 

However, his active role as a Senior Pastor and community leader has made

achieving this goal difficult or impossible.  This leave affords Pastor Rob the

opportunity to focus, and hopefully bring his studies to a successful conclusion.

   We believe his desire to complete the requirements necessary in order to

become Dr. Robert G. Patterson is a worthwhile goal and one deserving of our

full support.  It is not only a reflection on Pastor Rob; it is similarly a reflection

on First Baptist Church.

   On March 20, 2005, the Personnel Committee and the Deacons met with

Pastor Rob to establish what was necessary for him to complete his program

and to assess the feasibility of providing him a sabbatical leave.  Pastor Rob

gave a passionate overview of his planned thesis with a timeline for its completion. 

Everyone present was given an opportunity to interact with Pastor Rob. 

After this presentation and discussion the Personnel Committee voted by a

decided majority to extend Pastor Rob a 120-day sabbatical leave

commencing April 1, 2005.

   Upon learning of the decision of the committee, Pastor Rob was overwhelmed

with gratitude and offered his heartfelt appreciation.  He said that the release

of potential anxieties that come with the high stress job of being a pastor, will

allow him to focus and complete his thesis which he believes will greatly benefit

both the church and the community.

   The church was able to offer the sabbatical leave to Pastor Rob, in part,

because the Lord has blessed us with a number of choice men, fully capable

of filling the pulpit during this period.  Utilizing this rich pool of talent means

there will be no financial burden.  The church will be hearing the unchanging

gospel message filtered and preached through the SHAPE of our other ministers.

 Similarly, the deacons are able to meet the urgent needs such as illness and

death, hospital visitation, and family assistance that may arise during the

pastor’s absence.

   In a show of mutual respect, it was agreed that during his absence, Pastor Rob

would not use the time off to seek “greener pastures,” nor would the church use

the time to “critique and criticize” the pastor behind his back.  This pledge was

made on behalf of the entire church. 

   Please join us in releasing Pastor Rob for the next four months with a promise

of continued prayer and support for the betterment of him, his family, and the church. 

Sincerely, 

Your Personnel Committee and Deacons

If you have any comments or suggestions on how to make

this special time in our church history more profitable