Nearly 50 Pastor Partners mentors gathered at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in September for the annual Mentor Training event, with mentors participating both on campus and online. They came to grow in their ability to support the newest pastors in our church body, but the time together offered something more. 

One mentor arrived wondering how much “training” he really needed. By the end, he was grateful he had made the trip. Each year brings different topics, devotions, and conversations designed not only to help mentors become better mentors, but also to encourage them as pastors and brothers in Christ. One MLT member reflected, “Every year the devotional and educational aspects are a blessing to me. I grow as a pastor, as a mentor, and as a person every time I come.” 

This year, mentors spent time considering time management with Pastor Caleb Kurbis and marriage with Pastor Randy Hunter. Mentors aren’t simply being trained to conduct better mentoring meetings. They are being encouraged and equipped in their own ministries so they can walk alongside a new pastor during his first years of ministry.