Pastors mark ministry milestones at retreat

Another successful year of retreats is complete. From April 24–26, Grow in Grace, the institute for pastoral growth at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., hosted more than 200 people for the eighth annual Celebration of Ministry retreats.

Held at the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, four retreats ran simultaneously for pastors and their wives who were celebrating 3, 10, 25, and, new to this year, 35 years since graduating from the seminary.

These retreats build relationships with ministry peers and offer encouragement through worship, Bible studies, workshops, and presentations. Bible study topics covered Lessons at the Burning Bush, Philippians, 1 Peter, and Colossians. Separate and joint workshops were offered for pastors and wives and covered topics such as time management, caring for others and yourself, focusing on your own gifts, and financial challenges and opportunities.

Though these workshops and Bible studies are a key part of the retreats, fellowship with classmates, worship services, and a beautiful location also play a part in the experience.

Attendee Rev. Galen Riediger, who’s marking 25 years since graduating, shares, “The best parts were getting to spend time away, relax, getting to spend time in the Word, talk back and forth between husband and wife, and just think about things that busyness keeps you from thinking about.” Riediger’s wife, Susan, follows up with, “I like getting to spend time in the Word with my husband; he’s busy! We don’t get to do that together as much as we’d like. It’s been a blessing to take a step back and do that together.”

When Grow in Grace initially began the Celebration of Ministry retreats, only pastors and wives celebrating 10 years from graduation were in attendance. In more recent years, the event has extended invitations to pastors and wives celebrating 3 years, 25 years and 35 years since graduation. With continued success, Grow is Grace is excited to extend the invitation to pastors and wives who are celebrating one of these key ministry milestones next year. The 2020 retreats are set to take place in San Antonio from April 15–17, 2020.