Grow in Grace is excited to invite you to the Celebration of Ministry in 2027!
March31–April 2, 2027
- Begun in Grace for pastors & spouses from the WLS graduating class of 2024
- Renewed in Grace for pastors & spouses from the WLS graduating class of 2017
- Excelling in Grace for pastors & spouses from the WLS graduating class of 2002
- Remaining in Grace for pastors & spouses from the WLS graduating class of 1992
Pastors who were originally part of the anniversary classes but who graduated a year or two later because of a year spent elsewhere in school or emergency calls are also welcome to attend with their original class.
“It was absolutely wonderful to be with all the pastors and their wives. It is so encouraging!”
Registration Information
Retreat Registration opens October 9, 2026.
Early bird registration is only $399 per couple or $199 for single pastors. Early bird registration closes on January 22, 2027. After that date, the price of registration is $449 per couple or $249 for single pastors. The final date for registration is on February 19, 2027.
View an example agenda for your retreat!
Retreat agendas are subject to change as the retreat dates draw closer.
Agendas
Once registration opens, more information regarding your retreat agendas will be available. It is our hope that if you attend you will:
- have the opportunity to take advantage of presentations aimed at your specific season in the called ministry (as couples and individually);
- have the opportunity to consider challenges and opportunities you may face in the future; and,
- celebrate God’s grace on your ministry and the ministry of your classmates.
The retreat begins at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, and concludes by 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 2. Retreat highlights include joint worship services, workshop sessions for couples and individuals, multi-part Bible studies, free time for fellowship and more.
Worship
Two joint worship services are held—one opening communion service and one closing service that includes an affirmation of ordination vows.
Bible Study and Workshops
Each retreat has three Bible study sessions and different presenters speaking on about various topics. For those attending 10, 25, and 35 year retreats, there are multiple workshops from which to choose. The Bible studies, workshops, and plenary presentations for each group are geared toward their specific stages in ministry and life.
Location Information
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Retreat attendees are responsible for making and paying for their own lodging arrangements at the historic Drury Plaza Hotel. Hotel reservations should be made directly with the hotel online or over the phone at 1-800-325-0720.
Please use group number 10150083 when making reservations to receive our reduced group room rate.
The reduced rates are also available before and after the retreat should you choose to enjoy beautiful San Antonio on your own time.
Parking
Hotel parking is available for overnight guests at a cost of $34.00 plus tax per car, per night. Parking expenses are considered as eligible transportation assistance expenses only for those who drive to San Antonio. Rental cars used in San Antonio, including transportation between the airport and hotel, are not eligible for transportation assistance. Please refer to the transportation assistance explanation sheet for additional details.
Meals
The Riverwalk is home to a variety of restaurants of many tastes. The Drury provides daily breakfast as well as a Kickback event starting at 5:30 p.m. The Kickback event provides a generous amount of appetizers as well as adult beverages that are included in your room rate.
Children
On-site Childcare
Grow in Grace has received consistent feedback on what a blessing this retreat has been for husband and wife to attend together alone. Since the retreat remains focused on strengthening pastors and their wives, we strongly encourage making arrangements for childcare during the duration of the retreat. However, we do welcome infants under the age of one year to attend with parents if necessary, as we will be making onsite childcare available for those who can find no other option.
Please indicate on the registration form if you plan to bring your infant with you to the retreat and plan to make use of the free onsite childcare.
Transportation and Travel Costs
Arrival time and transportation to/from airport
In the past we have had attendees miss the opening session and even the entire first day due to weather and flight delays. Please allow yourself enough time for travel and possible delays to make the most out of this celebration opportunity.
For those flying into San Antonio, the easiest transportation to the Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk is by taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Travelers arriving at the same time may wish to coordinate and share a ride to the hotel, lowering the per-person cost. Those wishing to include the cost of a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or bus in their travel reimbursement request are encouraged to request a receipt.
Estimated cost of ride: approximately $35 each way with some variation depending on traffic.
Please note: There is another Drury on the Riverwalk within two blocks of our hotel. Be sure to tell the taxi driver that you are staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk.
Reimbursement
Explanation Sheet
Transportation costs will vary depending on distance from San Antonio. Transportation costs in excess of $700 per couple ($350 if traveling alone) may qualify for up to 50% assistance from the seminary.
We have provided an explanation sheet with additional details about eligible expenses and how the transportation reimbursement process works. This transportation assistance is intended to help offset higher travel costs and is not designed to cover all travel expenses.
Congregational Support
Grow in Grace encourages congregations to celebrate these ministry anniversaries by supporting and blessing their pastor and his wife through participation in the retreat. In early June, an email will be sent requesting contact information for where this encouragement and retreat information should be shared. If at any time you would like the letter resent, please contact the Grow in Grace office, and we would be happy to send the information again to your congregation.