Church leadership can be exhausting. Leading Well is intentionally different.
Step away from the demands of ministry for four days of practical learning, Sabbath rest, meaningful conversation,
and spiritual renewal—all designed to help you return home more rested, grounded, connected, and ready to lead.
and spiritual renewal—all designed to help you return home more rested, grounded, connected, and ready to lead.
REST
LEARN
CONNECT
This Isn't Another Church Conference
Most conferences fill your schedule. This retreat creates space in it. Leading Well is intentionally designed around three experiences:
1 | REST
Enjoy extended Sabbath time for walking, swimming, prayer, reflection, exploring Scottsdale—or simply doing nothing.
2 | LEARN
Discover practical ideas you can immediately apply to your life and ministry.
2 | CONNECT
Build meaningful relationships with other ministry leaders who understand the joys and challenges of your calling.
1 | REST
Enjoy extended Sabbath time for walking, swimming, prayer, reflection, exploring Scottsdale—or simply doing nothing.
2 | LEARN
Discover practical ideas you can immediately apply to your life and ministry.
2 | CONNECT
Build meaningful relationships with other ministry leaders who understand the joys and challenges of your calling.
Our goal is simple: We want you to return home more renewed than when you arrived.
Join us as we build meaningful FRIENDSHIPS & lasting MEMORIES
Join us as we enjoy SABBATH SETTINGS and GREAT FACILITIES
RETREAT FAQs
RETREAT HISTORY
The Leading Well Retreat began in the late 1990s as a church-wide ELCA event designed to equip church pastors and leaders. Retreats were originally held at the Duncan Retreat Center in Del Ray Beach, Florida and then eventually moved to Arizona.
For the past two decades, the Leading Well Retreat has focused on three things:
- Practical Learning
- Sabbath Rest, and
- Collegial Support
Annual themes arise from topics that past retreat participant have suggested. Our goal is to help church leaders return home more rested than when they came to the retreat, to use Sabbath time to rethink and reimagine their lives and ministries, and to return home having had several meaningful conversations with their colleagues.
Although this event began an an ELCA-only retreat, our desire is to make it an ecumenical experience that speaks to other faith traditions, and to also includes Deacons, Council Presidents, Camp Directors and other ministry leaders.
We encourage you to invite your paid staff, lay leaders, and other leaders beyond your congregation. We look forward to seeing you in Arizona!
For the past two decades, the Leading Well Retreat has focused on three things:
- Practical Learning
- Sabbath Rest, and
- Collegial Support
Annual themes arise from topics that past retreat participant have suggested. Our goal is to help church leaders return home more rested than when they came to the retreat, to use Sabbath time to rethink and reimagine their lives and ministries, and to return home having had several meaningful conversations with their colleagues.
Although this event began an an ELCA-only retreat, our desire is to make it an ecumenical experience that speaks to other faith traditions, and to also includes Deacons, Council Presidents, Camp Directors and other ministry leaders.
We encourage you to invite your paid staff, lay leaders, and other leaders beyond your congregation. We look forward to seeing you in Arizona!
RETREAT FACILITIES
The Franciscan Renewal Center has wonderful, well-maintained facilities for your enjoyment. They have a large cafeteria where all meals will be served, comfortable meeting and training spaces, a pool and hot tub, a labyrinth. In addition, there are several hiking paths, lots of benches, tables, chairs outside for rest, reflection, and conversation with others.
There a coffee/tea room that is available to all participants and is open 24/7.
There a coffee/tea room that is available to all participants and is open 24/7.
EVENING HOSPITALITY TIME
A room has been set aside for participants to mix and mingle, play board games, and cards, enjoy snacks and beverages, and deepen friendship.
We invite you to bring your favorite card and board games to play and share with others,
Complimentary food and refreshments are provided the first evening. Participants are welcome to share beverages and snacks the following two nights.
We invite you to bring your favorite card and board games to play and share with others,
Complimentary food and refreshments are provided the first evening. Participants are welcome to share beverages and snacks the following two nights.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Please click on the registration link found on this page and complete the registration page. An invoice will be sent to you within 48 hours based on the payment options you choose. Beginning September 17th, you'll begin receiving a series of emails to help you prepare for the retreat experience. In addition, you'll receive periodic text messages to about retreat plans and logistics.
TRAVEL DETAILS
The retreat begins at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 5, 2027 with lunch. Worship follows at 1:30pm. The retreat ends at 11:30am, on Friday, January 8th. We encourage you to book a flight mid-afternoon. Please try to arrive before noon if possible.
We recommend that you fly into the Phoenix (PHX) airport.
If you are flying, please email your flight details to jimladoux@surfacetosoul.org. This helps the Leading Well Planning Team coordinate arrivals, departures, and the overall hospitality experience.
Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Franciscan Renewal Center. Some participants rent a car while others take Uber, Waymo, or the bus to the retreat center. Surface to Soul will assist with coordinating transportation plans via the Leading Well Facebook Group.
Many participants choose to arrive a day or two early or stay after the retreat ends to rest, explore the Scottsdale area, hike National Parks, visit Sedona, or extend their personal Sabbath time.
The Franciscan Renewal Center has space available BEFORE the retreat if you’d like to enjoy a few extra days of rest. They do not have space available following the retreat. Cost is $165/night for a single room and $220 for a double room. Lodging includes 3 meals per day. To make reservations, you can do so directly through the Franciscan Renewal Center by contacting:
Indra Tilgass-Rodney
480.355.5632 | indra@thecasa.org
We encourage you to make those arrangements soon, as availability can fill quickly that time of year. If you have general questions about the retreat, please contact:
Jim LaDoux
612.865.0628 | jimladoux@surfacetosoul.org.
We recommend that you fly into the Phoenix (PHX) airport.
If you are flying, please email your flight details to jimladoux@surfacetosoul.org. This helps the Leading Well Planning Team coordinate arrivals, departures, and the overall hospitality experience.
Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Franciscan Renewal Center. Some participants rent a car while others take Uber, Waymo, or the bus to the retreat center. Surface to Soul will assist with coordinating transportation plans via the Leading Well Facebook Group.
Many participants choose to arrive a day or two early or stay after the retreat ends to rest, explore the Scottsdale area, hike National Parks, visit Sedona, or extend their personal Sabbath time.
The Franciscan Renewal Center has space available BEFORE the retreat if you’d like to enjoy a few extra days of rest. They do not have space available following the retreat. Cost is $165/night for a single room and $220 for a double room. Lodging includes 3 meals per day. To make reservations, you can do so directly through the Franciscan Renewal Center by contacting:
Indra Tilgass-Rodney
480.355.5632 | indra@thecasa.org
We encourage you to make those arrangements soon, as availability can fill quickly that time of year. If you have general questions about the retreat, please contact:
Jim LaDoux
612.865.0628 | jimladoux@surfacetosoul.org.
DIETARY NEEDS & RESTRICTIONS
There are a variety of gluten-free items at every meal and options for you if you are lactose-intolerant. Please indicate dietary needs/restrictions on your registration form so that the food staff can accommodate your needs.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Scottsdale offers a range of beautiful, relaxing, and culturally rich options. Listed below are places retreat participants have recommended.
Desert Botanical Garden - Just a short drive away, this stunning garden features more than 50,000 desert plants across five thematic trails, towering cacti, succulents, wildflowers, and desert-adapted greenery. A peaceful, grounding way to connect with the desert landscape.Visit their site for hours, events, and ticket info: dbg.org
Old Town Scottsdale - Walkable, charming, and full of art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants — perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening stroll.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve - If you’d like a desert hike or gentle walk to stretch your legs and enjoy nature, the Preserve offers miles of trails through Sonoran desert landscape.
OdySea Aquarium & entertainment at the Arizona Boardwalk complex - A fun option if you’re interested in marine life, and immersive exhibits.
Taliesin West was the winter home, studio, and architectural “laboratory” of legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, built starting in 1937 using local desert materials and designed to blend deeply with the surrounding landscape of the McDowell Mountains. Today, Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark
The Heard Museum - It's a top-tier museum for Native American art, history, and culture — widely recognized in the Phoenix/Scottsdale region for its collections and exhibitions.
Musical Instrument Museum - Located in Phoenix (a short drive from Scottsdale), the Musical Instrument Museum boasts an expansive collection of instruments from around the world — from traditional/ethnic instruments to modern electric ones — offering a global musical journey under one roof. The exhibits are organized geographically/ by culture, making it easy to experience music traditions from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Whether you spend an afternoon wandering among cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden, journaling by the pool, or enjoying the evening air in Old Town Scottsdale, allow yourself the gift of presence.
We look forward to walking this journey together in January — relaxed but intentional, rested but attentive, open to what comes.
Desert Botanical Garden - Just a short drive away, this stunning garden features more than 50,000 desert plants across five thematic trails, towering cacti, succulents, wildflowers, and desert-adapted greenery. A peaceful, grounding way to connect with the desert landscape.Visit their site for hours, events, and ticket info: dbg.org
Old Town Scottsdale - Walkable, charming, and full of art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants — perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening stroll.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve - If you’d like a desert hike or gentle walk to stretch your legs and enjoy nature, the Preserve offers miles of trails through Sonoran desert landscape.
OdySea Aquarium & entertainment at the Arizona Boardwalk complex - A fun option if you’re interested in marine life, and immersive exhibits.
Taliesin West was the winter home, studio, and architectural “laboratory” of legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, built starting in 1937 using local desert materials and designed to blend deeply with the surrounding landscape of the McDowell Mountains. Today, Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark
The Heard Museum - It's a top-tier museum for Native American art, history, and culture — widely recognized in the Phoenix/Scottsdale region for its collections and exhibitions.
Musical Instrument Museum - Located in Phoenix (a short drive from Scottsdale), the Musical Instrument Museum boasts an expansive collection of instruments from around the world — from traditional/ethnic instruments to modern electric ones — offering a global musical journey under one roof. The exhibits are organized geographically/ by culture, making it easy to experience music traditions from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Whether you spend an afternoon wandering among cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden, journaling by the pool, or enjoying the evening air in Old Town Scottsdale, allow yourself the gift of presence.
We look forward to walking this journey together in January — relaxed but intentional, rested but attentive, open to what comes.
PREPARING FOR THE RETREAT
This is where the description goes.
WHAT TO BRING
Items to bring include a Bible, pen, notebook, sunscreen, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, games to play with others during Sabbath and hospitality time, and anything that helps you experience Sabbath and moments of renewal.
Dress is casual. Weather may vary. Bring clothes for both warm and cool weather.
Dress is casual. Weather may vary. Bring clothes for both warm and cool weather.
MEET 2027 PLANNING TEAM
Rev. Tim Brown
Tim Brown is a pastor in the ELCA serving parishes in Chicago, IL and Raleigh, NC. He currently serves in the Office of the Presiding Bishop as Director for Congregational Stewardship Support where he creates and curates relationships and resources to help Synods and Congregations fuel their ministries. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife and two sons, and you can usually find him at a coffee shop or brewery reading or writing something he thinks is interesting.
Tim Brown is a pastor in the ELCA serving parishes in Chicago, IL and Raleigh, NC. He currently serves in the Office of the Presiding Bishop as Director for Congregational Stewardship Support where he creates and curates relationships and resources to help Synods and Congregations fuel their ministries. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife and two sons, and you can usually find him at a coffee shop or brewery reading or writing something he thinks is interesting.
Rev. Matt Short
Matthew Short is a husband, father, and Lutheran pastor who has richly benefited from this event as a participant, and now wants to ensure the event blesses other leaders as it did him. He studied sociology of race and gender in his undergraduate degree before attending seminary, and has served in multiple ministry settings, including serving for 7 years as a Director for Evangelical Mission in the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA. He is now a congregational pastor at Resurrection Lutheran Church in New Berlin, WI and a mission coach for church renewal. Matt is passionate about church leader well-being, healthy evangelism, stewardship, and accompanying church leaders as together we reimagine mission in times of great change.
Matthew Short is a husband, father, and Lutheran pastor who has richly benefited from this event as a participant, and now wants to ensure the event blesses other leaders as it did him. He studied sociology of race and gender in his undergraduate degree before attending seminary, and has served in multiple ministry settings, including serving for 7 years as a Director for Evangelical Mission in the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA. He is now a congregational pastor at Resurrection Lutheran Church in New Berlin, WI and a mission coach for church renewal. Matt is passionate about church leader well-being, healthy evangelism, stewardship, and accompanying church leaders as together we reimagine mission in times of great change.
Rev. Liv Brodwyn Larson
Liv Brodwyn Larson is a Lutheran pastor serving as the Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) for the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA. Liv is a pastor, writer and artist who lives in Spokane, Washington with her two children. Her work in parish ministry, community building, and worship renewal connects liturgical spirituality with social justice. She loves sharing meals with others and remembering her baptism by being near the Spokane river.
Liv Brodwyn Larson is a Lutheran pastor serving as the Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) for the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA. Liv is a pastor, writer and artist who lives in Spokane, Washington with her two children. Her work in parish ministry, community building, and worship renewal connects liturgical spirituality with social justice. She loves sharing meals with others and remembering her baptism by being near the Spokane river.
Heather Hayward
Pastor Heather began her ministry at St. Matthew’s New Life in January of 2020 and remains so excited to journey with this great community! She most recently served St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Middleton for 12 years, and, prior to that, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse for 6 years. She really enjoys creativity in worship, interactive sermons, family-friendly events and interactions, and walking alongside of those in need of God’s Spirit. She has been so blessed by the people of this faith community and looks forward to where God will lead us together!
Heather’s family consists of her daughter, Emma, whom she adopted from Ethiopia in 2010, and then in 2014 she married her husband, David, who also adopted Emma in 2016. They also love their pets – cat Mia and dog Ray. David’s son, Daniel, recently finished his college studies at Michigan State. Heather’s extended family also live in the area and will be at New Life on occasion. Heather’s bachelors degree was in Vocal Performance and so she loves music of all kinds. Pastor Heather loves their home in Cottage Grove – her neighbors, garden, and ability to walk the dog in such a great neighborhood.
Pastor Heather began her ministry at St. Matthew’s New Life in January of 2020 and remains so excited to journey with this great community! She most recently served St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Middleton for 12 years, and, prior to that, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse for 6 years. She really enjoys creativity in worship, interactive sermons, family-friendly events and interactions, and walking alongside of those in need of God’s Spirit. She has been so blessed by the people of this faith community and looks forward to where God will lead us together!
Heather’s family consists of her daughter, Emma, whom she adopted from Ethiopia in 2010, and then in 2014 she married her husband, David, who also adopted Emma in 2016. They also love their pets – cat Mia and dog Ray. David’s son, Daniel, recently finished his college studies at Michigan State. Heather’s extended family also live in the area and will be at New Life on occasion. Heather’s bachelors degree was in Vocal Performance and so she loves music of all kinds. Pastor Heather loves their home in Cottage Grove – her neighbors, garden, and ability to walk the dog in such a great neighborhood.
Rev. Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta
Pastor Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. In 1985 he immigrated to Salinas, CA, where he was introduced to the Lutheran Church (LCA). He lived in various places including Guam and the Bay Area before returning to Salinas where he graduated from high school.
He graduated from Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle in 1999 with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He then received his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary (NW Campus) in 2006. For his Lutheran Year he attended Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest in Austin, TX in 2008. He moved to the Grand Canyon Synod when he was called to serve as a mission developer in 2006 for Mision Luterana de San Pedro in Mesa, AZ. In 2010 San Pedro moved to First Evangelical and changed its name to La Primera Mision Evangelica Luterana. In 2013, he became the Senior Pastor of First Evangelical and both ministries merged under one call. In 2016 he was called to be the Director for Evangelical Mission for the Grand Canyon Synod. In 2023, he was called to serve as the Senior Director for New Ministry Development & Evangelism at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He is married to Rachel and has two children, Mariana (20) and Bradly (17). Currently he is a member of Holy Trinity in Chandler.
Pastor Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. In 1985 he immigrated to Salinas, CA, where he was introduced to the Lutheran Church (LCA). He lived in various places including Guam and the Bay Area before returning to Salinas where he graduated from high school.
He graduated from Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle in 1999 with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He then received his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary (NW Campus) in 2006. For his Lutheran Year he attended Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest in Austin, TX in 2008. He moved to the Grand Canyon Synod when he was called to serve as a mission developer in 2006 for Mision Luterana de San Pedro in Mesa, AZ. In 2010 San Pedro moved to First Evangelical and changed its name to La Primera Mision Evangelica Luterana. In 2013, he became the Senior Pastor of First Evangelical and both ministries merged under one call. In 2016 he was called to be the Director for Evangelical Mission for the Grand Canyon Synod. In 2023, he was called to serve as the Senior Director for New Ministry Development & Evangelism at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He is married to Rachel and has two children, Mariana (20) and Bradly (17). Currently he is a member of Holy Trinity in Chandler.
Rev. Michelle Townsend de Lopez
Michelle is a highly skilled bilingual Lutheran Pastor and Marriage & Family Therapist adept at navigating diverse cultural and faith-based environments and communicating fluidly in customs and culture. She has a strong educational background and extensive experience in both domestic and international settings. Michelle demonstrates exceptional adaptability, has a keen understanding of navigating the realities in urban, suburban and rural contexts, and a strong commitment to empower individuals to deconstruct the biases and negative narratives and gain tools to reconstruct your lived reality with grace and strength. She believes that our lives are about learning to flourish in difficult circumstances and still show up and appreciate the becoming of your best self.
Pastor Michelle serves on a number of boards for Jobs, Environmental Advocacy, Education, Faith Based Organizing & Outdoor Ministry. She is responsible for various areas of ministry such as administration, communication, worship & prayer, sacramental ministry, pastoral care, elders/caregivers, community outreach, ministry partners and evangelism for all ministries. Additionally, provides supervision and guidance in the daily activities of the church. Her favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing”, Esther 4:14 “…And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.”
Michelle is a highly skilled bilingual Lutheran Pastor and Marriage & Family Therapist adept at navigating diverse cultural and faith-based environments and communicating fluidly in customs and culture. She has a strong educational background and extensive experience in both domestic and international settings. Michelle demonstrates exceptional adaptability, has a keen understanding of navigating the realities in urban, suburban and rural contexts, and a strong commitment to empower individuals to deconstruct the biases and negative narratives and gain tools to reconstruct your lived reality with grace and strength. She believes that our lives are about learning to flourish in difficult circumstances and still show up and appreciate the becoming of your best self.
Pastor Michelle serves on a number of boards for Jobs, Environmental Advocacy, Education, Faith Based Organizing & Outdoor Ministry. She is responsible for various areas of ministry such as administration, communication, worship & prayer, sacramental ministry, pastoral care, elders/caregivers, community outreach, ministry partners and evangelism for all ministries. Additionally, provides supervision and guidance in the daily activities of the church. Her favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing”, Esther 4:14 “…And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.”
Jim LaDoux
Jim is the founder of Surface to Soul, a training and coaching organization focused on helping church leaders live, lead, and coach well. He oversees Surface to Soul's ICF-certified Coaching School in partnership with Rev. Dr. Felix Villanueva. Jim is the project coordinator for Vibrant Faith's Pastoral Leadership Development (PLD) program funded by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation. Jim values adventure, authenticity, connection, and contribution and helps people redesign their lives based on The 5 Types of Wealth. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Gina, and enjoys biking, hiking, and kayaking, and believes that every coach should have a coach.
Jim is the founder of Surface to Soul, a training and coaching organization focused on helping church leaders live, lead, and coach well. He oversees Surface to Soul's ICF-certified Coaching School in partnership with Rev. Dr. Felix Villanueva. Jim is the project coordinator for Vibrant Faith's Pastoral Leadership Development (PLD) program funded by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation. Jim values adventure, authenticity, connection, and contribution and helps people redesign their lives based on The 5 Types of Wealth. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Gina, and enjoys biking, hiking, and kayaking, and believes that every coach should have a coach.
Kerrie Pucket
Kerrie serves at Vibrant Faith's administrator. She has spent her career supporting leaders and teams in various administrative roles. She has experience in a variety of organizations including Christian publishing and serving on a church staff. Kerrie manages the logistics of the Leading Well retreat along with reimbursement related to Siebert Grant recipients for their travel expenses. She enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, Scott and their adult daughter, Katie. Scott and Kerrie love traveling in their camper and exploring new places around the country with their two doodles, Max and Maisy.
Kerrie serves at Vibrant Faith's administrator. She has spent her career supporting leaders and teams in various administrative roles. She has experience in a variety of organizations including Christian publishing and serving on a church staff. Kerrie manages the logistics of the Leading Well retreat along with reimbursement related to Siebert Grant recipients for their travel expenses. She enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, Scott and their adult daughter, Katie. Scott and Kerrie love traveling in their camper and exploring new places around the country with their two doodles, Max and Maisy.
About the Leading Well Planning Team
The leading well planning team meets throughout the year to plan the annual Leading Well Learning Retreat and to facilitate ongoing conversations via the leading well Facebook group and monthly newsletter. Based on feedback from retreat participants and other church leaders, they select an overarching theme for the annual retreat, lineup presenters for the event, and plan activities that take place throughout the retreat experience. They are always open to hearing your insights and suggestions for making the annual retreat and our online community, a source of ongoing renewal in your life in ministries.
The leading well planning team meets throughout the year to plan the annual Leading Well Learning Retreat and to facilitate ongoing conversations via the leading well Facebook group and monthly newsletter. Based on feedback from retreat participants and other church leaders, they select an overarching theme for the annual retreat, lineup presenters for the event, and plan activities that take place throughout the retreat experience. They are always open to hearing your insights and suggestions for making the annual retreat and our online community, a source of ongoing renewal in your life in ministries.
Renew your leadership . . . and spirit!
Most conferences fill your schedule. This retreat creates space in it. Leading Well is intentionally designed around three experiences:
LEARN
Discover practical ideas you can immediately apply to your life and ministry.
REST
Enjoy extended Sabbath time for walking, swimming, prayer, reflection, exploring Scottsdale—or simply doing nothing.
CONNECT
Build meaningful relationships with other ministry leaders who understand the joys and challenges of your calling.
Our goal is simple: We want you to return home more renewed than when you arrived.
That could become one of the signature statements for the retreat.
LEARN
Discover practical ideas you can immediately apply to your life and ministry.
REST
Enjoy extended Sabbath time for walking, swimming, prayer, reflection, exploring Scottsdale—or simply doing nothing.
CONNECT
Build meaningful relationships with other ministry leaders who understand the joys and challenges of your calling.
Our goal is simple: We want you to return home more renewed than when you arrived.
That could become one of the signature statements for the retreat.
We know most conferences for church leaders feel like a rush of information, and can sometimes be more tiring than they are renewing. Our goal for these annual “learning retreats” is that they blend sabbath rest, collegial support and practical learning into a cohesive time that will renew your leadership and your spirit!
This year’s event will be held January 5-8, 2027, in Scottsdale, AZ at the Franciscan Renewal Center. This event is designed for ALL leaders who work in faith-based ministry settings (not just pastors!).
Come if you are new in ministry or if you have some experience and want to sharpen your skills! Come if you are a pastor, discipleship coordinator, deacon, youth director, children’s ministry leader, worship coordinator, judicatory leader, program director for a camp or non-profit, or any other type of church leader! Come if you want to experience rest, renewal, and connection with a community of curious leaders.
This community and annual learning event began as an initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and has grown into an ecumenical gathering that embraces leaders from all Christian traditions. Our learning retreats are a unique blend of practical learning and sabbath rest, with a focus on the leader as a whole person. Presentations cover everything from technological tools for ministry to leveraging conflict as an opportunity for growth.
Our facilitators understand they are more than presenters; they are the stewards of the event. The wisdom shared at the event will come from their prepared materials and from YOU – the leaders who attend, each bringing your own gifts and diverse experiences. Many of our past participants have commented that their greatest “takeaways” came from synthesizing the content with fellow colleagues who also attended! Participants leave the event with an emerging Leadership Formation Plan tailored to their context, gifts, and present needs.
This year’s event will be held January 5-8, 2027, in Scottsdale, AZ at the Franciscan Renewal Center. This event is designed for ALL leaders who work in faith-based ministry settings (not just pastors!).
Come if you are new in ministry or if you have some experience and want to sharpen your skills! Come if you are a pastor, discipleship coordinator, deacon, youth director, children’s ministry leader, worship coordinator, judicatory leader, program director for a camp or non-profit, or any other type of church leader! Come if you want to experience rest, renewal, and connection with a community of curious leaders.
This community and annual learning event began as an initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and has grown into an ecumenical gathering that embraces leaders from all Christian traditions. Our learning retreats are a unique blend of practical learning and sabbath rest, with a focus on the leader as a whole person. Presentations cover everything from technological tools for ministry to leveraging conflict as an opportunity for growth.
Our facilitators understand they are more than presenters; they are the stewards of the event. The wisdom shared at the event will come from their prepared materials and from YOU – the leaders who attend, each bringing your own gifts and diverse experiences. Many of our past participants have commented that their greatest “takeaways” came from synthesizing the content with fellow colleagues who also attended! Participants leave the event with an emerging Leadership Formation Plan tailored to their context, gifts, and present needs.
Leading Well is ALSO an Online Community
Leading Well helps leaders support each other as we all seek to live and lead well in a time of constant disruption. This community is for pastors, deacons, and all church leaders who wish to learn and grow together, to support and resource each other, and to find new ways of being church together. Leading Well hosts two online communities – a Leading Well Facebook Group that includes daily posts and opportunities to share resources with each other, and a Surface to Soul app where videos, trainings, and resources can be readily accessed along with the ability to message other participants.
