In ‘n’ Out

We invited two FES Heads of Ministry, Prarthini and Darryl, for a chat about their first sabbaticals. Prarthini shared about her experience of having space through her sabbatical (July 2024 to March 2025), while Darryl spoke on advancing his vocation through the sabbatical he will embark on in April.

Prarthi, tell us a little about what you did during your sabbatical.
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to decompress, step away, and gain perspective on how my journey in student ministry has been and where my next steps might lead. It also gave me the ease of mind to properly transition into becoming a PhD student, including attending matriculation and meeting my supervisor. Sabbatical also gifted me the opportunity to read more widely than I normally would and try different kinds of physical exercises, which I really quite enjoyed!

As you ease back into ministry, what was one thing from your sabbatical that benefits you the most now?
Perhaps it is a greater appreciation for what space means – how it feels, tastes, and smells. When I think about wanting my team to flourish in the work they are doing, it also includes that sense of space and roominess. There’s a lot of activity in ministry, and sometimes it may feel like what Bilbo Baggins describes as being “butter spread on too much bread”. My sabbatical allowed me time alone to reflect as well as engage in exercise and reading, all of which gave me a deeper appreciation of my mind and body. I am glad for this perspective of space – mentally, emotionally, even physically – and it has got me thinking about how I can cultivate that roominess for my team even amidst the demands of ministry.

Darryl, what are you looking forward to for your sabbatical?
I’m looking forward to the joy of being with my family 24/7, though it might probably be physically tiring looking after my toddler and infant daughter. I’m also looking forward to having a mental break. One new thing I will be doing during my sabbatical is distance learning. Even though I prefer onsite classes, this programme is only offered online, and I want to challenge myself with it.

Could you tell us what will you be studying and why?
I will be doing a Master of Theology (Education) in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. When I graduated from NTU, I considered going into teaching. I enjoy teaching, such as helping my friends understand difficult lessons, the interactions, and even the thought process behind teaching. There’s a sense of joy and fulfilment in helping others work through their questions, something I still enjoy today.

During one conversation with Victor (FES staff) about the way students learn, he brought up this programme in education. The programme curriculum covers topics like pedagogy, spiritual formation, and curriculum. Looking at it, I realised that such topics have been a recurring topic in my mind, and it resonates within me. Since FES is also looking at curriculum, I thought I should explore deeper into it and hopefully it can inform me on how to serve better in FES.

Hello Prarthi, see you Darryl!