Q&A with Pastor John on Upcoming Sabbatical, Part 2

June 28th, 2025

I have just begun my sabbatical (June 20-July 31) but wanted to close out with this newsletter update and give a final picture of my time away. This is a follow up to my last newsletter where I began to answer various questions about this time away for me and Angela. As a reminder, every three years I am given a sabbatical in order to take time away from the daily responsibilities of ministry and spend it in engaging in life-giving activities. So for instance, I spend time doing things that will help me grow personally toward the Lord and in helping me to further lead the church in the days ahead.

Q: What spiritual practices do I want to focus on? And will I do anything fun?
A: Yes, I will want to continue my daily reading in God’s Word and growth in prayer – it taking unrushed time to spend with Jesus. I will also listen to a pile of podcasts (I currently have over 25 hours of podcast time awaiting me). I am looking forward to time in coffee shops to read as well as time for walks on paths. For other fun activities I am looking forward to a few baseball games, spending time with family as well as friends.

Q: What books do I want to read?
A: First of all, I know I have too many, but I will give it a good go anyway. Here’s my list:
“You Were Never Meant To Do It All” – Kelly Kapic
“Defending Sin: A Response To The Evolution And The Natural Sciences” – Hans Madueme
“Transforming Grace” – Jerry Bridges
“Awe: Why It Matters For Everything We Think, Say, & Do” – Paul Tripp
“Do You Believe?” – Paul Tripp
“Wiser With Jesus” – Zack Eswine
“Scrolling Ourselves To Death” – Brett McCraken
“The Art Of Disagreeing” – Ortlund
“Daily Doctrine” – Kevin DeYoung
“Everyday Gospel” – Paul Tripp

Q: What am I hoping to return with, both personally and professionally?
A: It is my prayer that I will return with clarity for the church for the days ahead. I hope to return with a fresh breath after having run hard for a while now. And I hope to have refreshed rhythms to my daily life that help to bring sustaining ministry. The timing of this sabbatical is good for us, we can feel our finitude.

It is always an act of trusting the Lord for me to go. It is always a reminder for me that the church doesn’t rise or fall on me, Summit Ridge is not about John Caprine. The church has what they need – Jesus, first and foremost. We are also an elder-led church – and we have fantastic elders who are actively caring and shepherding the flock. I am grateful to entrust the church to the Lord. This is an active way for me to do that in practice and not just in my words.

This past week I listened to a timely podcast from CCEF about navigating the chaos in a culture of busyness… it was just what I needed to hear. Perhaps you too would be blessed by it? Here’s the link if you’d like to give it a listen: https://www.ccef.org/podcast/navigating-the-chaos-in-a-culture-of-busyness

Would you please pray for me and Angela? Would you put it on your prayer list to daily pray for us while we are away? Please pray that God would continue to grow us toward Him. Pray that we will hear the leading of the Spirit in our lives and that it will flow into our church family. Pray that we are poured into during this season.

I am eager to walk with Jesus. I am eager to see how He will guide us. He has always done so much in us every time we have gone away on our sabbaticals – so it makes me excited about the time away this time too. Thank you for this gift. Thank you for your prayers for me and my family. I am thankful to know you will be cared well for as I am away. I love you, church. I am eager to return and walk this journey with you.

I will see you in August. Mega blessings.

Nothing on my own,