Every doctor, pilot, and teacher knows that continuing education is not only important but also necessary to serve at the highest level. The same is true for pastors.

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., trains pastors for the ministry but also continues to support them after graduation. Through the Grow in Grace office, the seminary partners with pastors in their pursuit of spiritual and professional growth by coordinating a formal continuing education program, providing informal resources and opportunities for growth, overseeing a mentoring program, and hosting ministry retreats.

Nathan Nass, pastor at Christ the King, Tulsa, Okla., received a master’s degree when he graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2013. But his education didn’t stop there.

Through continuing education classes offered by Grow in Grace, Nass received a second master’s degree in 2025 and continues to participate in more courses. Part of the reason he can do this is because the congregations he has served recognize the importance of professional and spiritual growth.

“It’s important for our pastor to engage in continuing education,” says Joe Duin, president at Christ the King. “The older one gets, the further from the seminary education one gets. Also, God’s Word doesn’t change, but the culture does. Being able to learn and adjust to those changes and yet remain rooted in God’s Word can be beneficial when serving a community and congregation. Lastly, it’s encouraging to the pastor to have these opportunities.”

Christ the King includes money in its budget for Nass’ continuing education, besides giving him the time to take classes both online and in person. It also provides extra funding for Nass to travel to regular circuit meetings and pastor conferences in the far-flung South Central District.

“As he grows stronger in the Lord, we also grow through him,” says Sam Reed, head elder at Christ the King. “Also, we never know what our efforts are going to do for others in the future. Though a given class may not seem like something we see an immediate need for, a future call could put Pastor in a position to use that knowledge, and the kingdom of heaven will grow for it.”

Learn more about Grow in Grace online and in this month’s WELS Connection.