Join us for learning, rest and opportunities to renew your body, mind, and soul
Our annual Leading Well Learning Retreat provides participants the opportunity to rest and reset the rhythms of our personal and professional lives in ways that are sacred, sustainable, and provide necessary space for creative reflection and re-imagination.
PRACTICAL LEARNING
COLLEGIAL SUPPORT
SABBATH REST
Renew your leadership . . . and spirit!
Franciscan Renewal Center - Scottsdale, AZ
Swimming Pool - Space for Rest & Renewal
Leading Well is an Annual Learning 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.
Worship Activities Throughout the Day
Afternoon Sabbath Activities
Space for Connection and Collegial Support
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 Larson Andrews
Liv Larson Andrews is the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington. She lives about two blocks from the Spokane River with her two sons. She serves on the board of directors at the Grunewald Guild and on the Advisory Council for the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University.
Liv Larson Andrews is the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington. She lives about two blocks from the Spokane River with her two sons. She serves on the board of directors at the Grunewald Guild and on the Advisory Council for the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University.
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
Pastor Michelle currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Cross Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. She is committed to the execution of the purpose and vision of the congregation grounded in the Holy Spirit and social justice for the greater community. Pastor Michelle received her Masters of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with an emphasis in Hispanic/Latino ministries. She also received her post-graduate training in Marriage & Family Therapy. She is an accredited Coach. She earned her Youth and Family Certification via the Bishop’s Initiative in coordination with Wartburg Seminary as well, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish/International Relations.
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.”
Pastor Michelle currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Cross Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. She is committed to the execution of the purpose and vision of the congregation grounded in the Holy Spirit and social justice for the greater community. Pastor Michelle received her Masters of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with an emphasis in Hispanic/Latino ministries. She also received her post-graduate training in Marriage & Family Therapy. She is an accredited Coach. She earned her Youth and Family Certification via the Bishop’s Initiative in coordination with Wartburg Seminary as well, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish/International Relations.
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.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR THE RETREAT
