Lead Pastor
Sabbatical

Post-Sabbatical Update Letter (8/2/26)

Church Family,

I’m one week back into work after a twelve-week sabbatical, and let me tell you: I feel refreshed, and my heart is full.

Sabbatical was such a gift as our family intentionally followed Jesus into the “unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28-30). We had four guiding values that we reviewed over sourdough pizza every Sabbath: presence, pace, whimsy, and wonder. We took a long road trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota, spending as much time as possible with each other and in God’s creation—exploring National Parks, hiking incredible trails, looking for wildlife, and even seeing Mt. Rushmore. At home, we worked on house projects, lingered at the table, read books, stayed up late, and played games. It’s a summer we’ll never forget.

When I left for sabbatical on May 4, I was praying that I would return to a church with even more momentum than when I left. I’ve only been back in the building for a week, and I’m already seeing the evidence of what God has been doing in three different areas I was praying for:

  1. Continued Generosity: We’re halfway through the year, and we’re over halfway to fully funding our 2026 budget, including the Every Square Inch Building Campaign. We’re on the way, and I’m looking forward to seeing how God continues to provide through you in the second half of the year. We have some fun project updates coming soon.

  2. New Guests: I am excited to meet some of the friends you’ve invited over the past few months and those of you who showed up at our church for the first-time this summer. Introduce yourselves to me over the next few weeks. I’d love to hear your story.

  3. Fresh Stories: I’ve already heard story after story of what God has been doing this summer—like our biggest Summer Blast Off ever, discipleship opportunities for men, women, and young adults, lots of new meetups in our neighborhoods led by people in our church, and more.

You’re an unbelievable church, and I’m so ready to join back into the mission of what God has been doing through you. As the end of sabbatical approached, I might not have been under house arrest like the Apostle Paul, but I could relate to what he said near the beginning of Philippians, “For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8). We had the opportunity to visit lots of other churches during sabbatical, and there are some amazing churches in this city. But, if we realized anything, it’s that we absolutely love our church and we’re happy to be back in it.

Next Sunday, I’ll get to close out our summer teaching series on the book of Philippians. It’s the longest I’ve gone without preaching in fourteen years of ministry and, as I’ve been preparing to get back into it again, I couldn’t help but think, I can’t believe I get the honor of teaching the Bible. And, I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this church in our next season together.

Austin Gohn
Lead Pastor

Pre-Sabbatical Update Letter (5/4/26)

Church Family,

If you haven’t heard it yet, I’m taking my first-ever sabbatical on May 4 - July 26, 2026. That means, for twelve weeks, you won’t be seeing me around the church. It’s an opportunity for me to rest from work, deepen my love for Jesus, invest in my relationships, and set up rhythms that will sustain me into the next season of ministry. It’s been in the works since I started in February 2020, but it’s hard to believe I’m now in my seventh year as Lead Pastor (and fourteenth year on staff) and our Leadership Council is blessing me and my family with a sabbatical.

When I was a few years into being Lead Pastor, a more experienced local pastor told me, “The first couple of years can be challenging, but you’re going to start seeing unbelievable fruit in years five, six, and seven.” That's what I’ve been seeing. People are living everyday life like Jesus, the church is growing, generosity is expanding, our building is being renovated, and so much more. 

I’m confident that momentum will continue while I’m away on sabbatical because a sabbatical is a reminder that the church doesn’t depend on its pastor, it depends on Jesus. When I return, I’m praying that I’ll come back to a church that has even more momentum than when I left. In particular, I’m praying that I’ll come back to:

  1. Continued Generosity: We increased our budget this year to fund the Every Square Inch Building Campaign, and I’m praying that we’re well on our way to fully funding it.

  2. New Guests: I hope that, not only do I see you when I return, but I see new faces of people that you’ve invited while I was on sabbatical.

  3. Fresh Stories: I want to hear stories of what God did in your lives this summer through things like Summer Blast Off, meetups, and more.

We have an exciting summer full of opportunities to take steps toward the lives you’re made for and invite others to do that with you. On Sundays, as part of a summer teaching series on Philippians,  you’ll get to hear from a range of people on staff, people within our church, and guest speakers.

Our Leadership Community, including our Leadership Council, staff team, and volunteer leaders, are ready to continue to guide our church while I’m away. You’ll also still see Julie around here and there as our Office Administrator. If you have any questions, reach out to hello@bellevuechristian.church and she’ll be happy to point you toward someone who can help.

While I’m away on sabbatical, would you commit to praying for me and my family? Pray that we make new memories together (especially on our road trip out West), make progress on some home projects, and make space for unhurried time with Jesus and each other. I want to rediscover the “unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28-30).

My goal from the beginning of my ministry has been to be a pastor that lasts in a church that outlasts me, and I’m thankful for a sabbatical to help me do that. Can’t wait to be back with you on the first Sunday in August.

Austin Gohn
Lead Pastor

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Austin will not be checking his inbox, and every email he gets will be deleted before he gets back so he can start with an empty inbox. He’ll also set an away message on his phone. This will allow him to completely unplug from pastoral ministry for this season, and we ask that you respect that.

    One of our council members will be checking in with Austin each month to see how he’s doing and how we can pray for him and his family.

    If you need something, reach out to hello@bellevuechristian.church‍ and you’ll be connected with someone who can help.

  • Members of our Leadership Council are equipped to meet with you and shepherd you through whatever you might be experiencing. If you’re wondering where to start, start with reaching out to the Care Team and they can connect you with the right person.

  • Austin has put together a teaching schedule for this summer full of guest speakers, staff members, and others from our church. They will be teaching through a series called Philippians: An Ancient Letter that Has Sparked Joy, Resilience, and Humility for (Almost) 2,000 Years.

  • Julie, our Office Administrator and Austin’s wife, will still be working at the church during Austin’s sabbatical. You might not see her around on Sundays as much as normal, though, and she will be away on vacation for the first three weeks of June.

Have a question?

No problem! Reach out to us by using the button below or sending an email to hello@bellevuechristian.church.

Contact Us