This past April, Grow in Grace hosted another successful year of Celebration of Ministry retreats. We praise God for the approximately 175 pastors and spouses in attendance for the tenth annual retreat! Held at our favorite location, the Drury Plaza Hotel on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, four retreats ran simultaneously for pastors and their wives who were celebrating 3, 10, 25, and 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 Psalms, Philippians, Nehemiah, 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.

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, in 2018, 35 years since graduation. This year was the first year where Grow in Grace hosted “repeat attenders” for the class of 2013. This WLS class was our first class to attend when they were celebrating three years from graduation and were now invited back to celebrate at year 10! As one pastor shares, “San Antonio is a great location, and my wife and I were happy to return there a second time. The hotel is great, and it’s location is fantastic.” With continued success, Grow in Grace is excited to extend the invitation to pastors and wives who are celebrating one of these key ministry milestones next year. The 2024 retreat plans are already underway and are set to take place in San Antonio from April 3 to April 5.

To the graduating classes of 1989, 1999, 2014, and 2021, make sure to check your mailboxes this month for your save the date to your Celebration of Ministry retreat. Hope to see you there!