Q: What is a sabbatical?
A: A sabbatical is, "...a guided process where we deliberately trust God for the unfinished as we disengage from normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow for serious evaluation of life and ministry." (reference)
A sabbatical has an intended purpose and plan at the outset. This plan may include reading books, attending seminars, studying, writing and prayer. At the conclusion of the sabbatical, individuals will be expected to give an account of their sabbatical time to both their local ministry leadership and to Reliant.
A: Resources helpful in planning a sabbatical include:
Q: What will Alex be doing during the sabbatical?
A: From February 10 - August 10, 2026, a seven-member advisory board will walk alongside Naudia and Alex as he pursues three goals:
- Study Spanish: A collegiate Spanish class completing an honors option at Lansing Community College and immersing in language and cultural contexts. A Cuban pastor has agreed to help.
- Learn to Sail: Jesus' disciples sailed and chapter 1 of All Together Now is set in a sailing community. Winter clinics, shore talks, water safety workshops and open water trainings are available at the Lansing Sailing Club.
- Write: Finishing the next book is a sabbatical goal.
Q: How can I pray during a sabbatical?
A: Please pray that:
- Naudia and Alex will grow in their faith and Christian practice;
- Alex will speak and hear truth;
- the support group be transparent and expect transparency;
- the support group tarry for and expect Alex's vulnerability;
- the support group will maintain the monthly meeting schedule.
(Transparent = open and honest about yourself. Vulnerable = invite others to speak into your life.) reference
Q: What happens to my giving during a sabbatical?
A: Your giving will:
- underwrite a 3-day ministry assessment at Midwest Ministry Development. Alex was assessed as an ordination requirement (2006), a Doctor of Ministry requirement (2014) and voluntarily before being commissioned as a Reliant missionary (2018). Your giving will underwrite a 2026 voluntary / elective assessment for self-care and awareness.
- sponsor a 15-week Spanish class (books, tuition, transportation, fees) at Lansing Community College. Alex has also applied for an honors option that will require primary research in Puerto Rico. Your giving will cover the costs of the honors option.
- cover "Adult Learn To Sail" classes at the Lansing Sailing Club. Your giving will facilitate Lectio Divina readings of John 3, Mark 4 and Acts 21-22 through the lens of sailing. Because of your generosity, theology will include 'prayer walks' on the waves.
- address the costs of a writing retreat, final edits and publication of a book on practical lessons from Genesis 29-31. Readers of the chaplaincy blog are exposed to the same family dynamics Jacob (son of Isaac) experienced in the Old Testament. Weaving the three cords of biblical narrative, realities common to readers and stories from the road chaplaincy will be facilitated by your generosity.
Reliant partners with missional churches and Gospel-centered nonprofits to mobilize support-based field staff for the Great Commission. Reliant encourages a sabbatical every 7 years as an important part of the life and career of a healthy pastor or ministry worker. Having a suitable sabbatical plan can help contribute to field staff being refreshed and refocused. It can also help field staff remain in the field long-term, giving them time for refreshment and reflection regarding their ministry path.
Q: What is the sabbatical fundraising goal?
A: God is being trusted to provide $24,686 for expenses from February 10 - August 10, 2026.
Q: May I give anonymously?
A: Yes. To give anonymously, please contact Reliant Mission and reference FD7782.
Q: How can I start, stop or change my giving?
A: To control your giving, visit www.reliant.org/alex.pickens or contact Reliant Gift Services:
Email: gift.services@reliant.orgPhone: 877-614-4600Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, EDTMailing Address: 11002 Lake Hart Dr. Ste 100, Orlando, FL 32832-7106
Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions?
A: Alex will be available until February 9, 2026 at alex.pickens@reliant.org or 313.475.3452 . From February 10 - August 10, 2026, questions may be answered by:
- Lansing Police Chaplaincy: Ryan Kellom, ryan.kellom@lansingmi.gov / Matthew Meaton, matthew.meaton@lansingmi.gov
- Adopt-A-Cop Mid-Michigan: Kim Hiltunen, kim_hiltunen@comcast.net
- Reliant Supervision: Damon Milton, vopdm@yahoo.com / Becca Isaac, becca.isaak@reliant.org
- International Conference of Police Chaplains: Chris Holland, Chris.holland@icpcchaplains.org
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