The Pastor Partners Mentoring Program marks its 15th anniversary this year. The purpose of the program is to encourage and help new pastors navigate the challenges of their first years in the ministry.
The mentors themselves are the key to the success of the program. Their experience in the ministry gives them the ability to offer insights into being a pastor to those who are serving in the pastoral office for the first time. The Pastors Partners team provides mentors with resources and training to help them with their important work. Every September mentors have the opportunity to attend a training seminar following the annual Symposium at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. This year 46 men attended the seminar in person and an additional 6 participated via Zoom.
In honor of the 15th anniversary of the program, the guest presenters this year were Pastor Daron Lindemann and President Richard Gurgel (MLC), the two men who were instrumental in the program’s creation. The two reviewed the origin and history of Pastor Partners, examined what is currently being done, and looked to the future. Participants were able to consider the expectations for the program, discuss the relationship between mentors and mentees, be informed of program finances and assistance available, and consider suggestions for improving what we do. Small group discussions allowed interaction between new mentors and veterans in the program to share insights, discuss issues they are currently facing, and make plans for their continuing development as mentors.
We pray that God will use these annual seminars to improve the program for the benefit of mentees and mentors alike. We also pray that God will continue to use Pastor Partners to bless our synod, its congregations, members, and ministerium.