Thriving Leadership Formation Enters a New Regional Chapter in 2026

Dear Colleagues,

Since 2018, Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) has been a collaborative ministry between California Lutheran University (CLU) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), made possible through a grant from the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry initiative. Through cohorts, retreats, spiritual direction, coaching, spiritual practices, and continuing education, TLF has supported hundreds of pastors, deacons, and church leaders across Regions 1 and 2 of the ELCA in deepening spiritual and leadership formation so that leaders may thrive in ministry and enrich our congregations and communities.

We give thanks for the vision that sparked this work — a shared project between CLU and PLTS initiated by then CLU President Chris Kimball, then PLTS Rector Ray Pickett, and Desta Goehner, then Director of Congregational Relations. Their leadership helped forge meaningful relationships between our seminaries, the university, and the wider church.

After years of fruitful partnership, CLU and PLTS have chosen not to continue as hosts for the next phase of the grant. In discernment with the Lilly Endowment, the Region 2 Bishops have applied for and received approval for a new five-year sustainability grant that will allow this ministry to continue — now fully embedded within the life of the church.

Beginning January 2026,  Thriving Leadership Formation will be a project of all five synods of Region 2 with Pacifica taking on fiscal agent responsibilities. Desta Goehner will continue to serve as part time Director, and Terri Robertson (Pacifica Synod) will oversee financial administration.  

This next chapter allows TLF to grow as a truly regional ministry, connected with Region 2’s First Call Accompaniment and Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM) programs, while continuing to nurture the spiritual and leadership formation that has been at the heart of this work from the beginning.

We are grateful for the past, hopeful for what’s to come, and committed to keeping our leaders informed. Updates about this five-year grant will be shared with synod staff and councils three times a year for transparency and connection.

If you have questions about the transition or future programs, please contact Desta Goehner, Director of Thriving Leadership Formation, at Desta@PLTS.edu.

Sent on behalf of the ELCA Region 2 Bishops