Executive Skills for Church Leaders Comes to Carefree January 3–8

Pastors, deacons, and lay leaders are invited to Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona. Hosted by Thriving Leadership Formation of ELCA Region 2, this continuing education retreat combines practical ministry tools with time for rest and connection. Check-in is Sunday, January 3; programming begins Monday morning, January 4, and concludes at noon Friday, January 8.

For Grand Canyon Synod leaders, this is an opportunity close to home to strengthen congregational leadership, reconnect with seminary friends, or learn alongside ministry colleagues. Rostered and non-rostered leaders from all faith traditions are welcome, including those outside the ELCA and Region 2.

Four sessions address the everyday responsibilities of ministry:

  • Leading Through a Grace Driven Lens — The Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills: Explore how grace builds trust and helps move a congregation’s mission forward.

  • Financial Foundations for Faithful Leadership — Terri Robertson: Learn to develop budgets and communicate financial information in ways that earn trust.

  • Human Resource Essentials — Felecia Boone: Build skills for hiring, reviewing, and supporting staff with clarity and care.

  • Enneagram Essentials for Leadership — Desta Goehner: Explore patterns that shape leadership, relationships, and responses under pressure, with attention to serving from a grounded, sustainable place.

For Lutherans, caring for people, stewarding resources, and building trust are expressions of our vocation to serve our neighbors. Grounded in God’s grace, this work also makes room for rest and renewal. The retreat offers space for both, with a labyrinth, pool and hot tub, and nearby shops and restaurants.

Cost per person: $1,350 for single occupancy; $1,100 double; $950 triple; $850 quad; or $750 for commuters. Residential registration includes programming, lodging, and meals.

Location: Spirit in the Desert, 7415 E. Elbow Bend, Carefree, AZ 85377. Participants flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor should plan to arrive Sunday, January 3. Organizers recommend return flights at 2 p.m. or later on Friday, January 8.

Register for Executive Skills for Church Leaders or call 480-488-5218. Explore the event details and invite a colleague to join you.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesGrand Canyon SynodThriving Leadership Formation Program, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment