7415 E. ELBOW BEND CAREFREE, AZ 85377

Spirit in the Desert
January 3 – 8, 2027
Partner Retreats, Retreats, Desert Sojourn Retreats

Executive Skills for Church Leaders

Name: Executive Skills for Church Leaders
Start: 2027-01-03
End: 2027-01-08
Location: Spirit in the Desert

A program of Thriving Leadership Formation Thriving Leadership Formation of ELCA Region 2

January 3-8, 2027

Executive Skills for Church Leaders is a transformative week-long continuing education event designed specifically for pastors, deacons, and church leaders. This program provides a dedicated space to delve into leadership and various aspects of congregational life or whatever your ministry context may be. Join us!

Hosted by the Thriving Leadership Formation of ELCA Region 2, Executive Skills for Church Leaders brings together expert faculty and church leaders. Throughout the week, the expertise of the faculty combined with the wisdom and experiences of the participants, will create space for valuable tools to emerge in navigating the complexities of congregational life and ministry.

In the complex environment of congregational management, we all can use new tools for ministry. Each day, we explore a different theme with a different facilitator.

This retreat is open to people from all faiths and traditions – rostered and non-rostered leaders alike are welcome! Leaders from outside the ELCA and outside of Region 2 are welcome and invited to attend!

Retreat includes: Programming, lodging and all meals. Pool and hut tub, hotel-style rooms, great healthy food, beautiful labyrinth, Enneagram Essentials, sound healing and walking distance to town for local live music, coffee shops and more.

Travel & Arrival

We recommend arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on Sunday evening, January 3, so you can settle in and be ready for the program to begin Monday morning, January 4.

The event concludes at noon on Friday, January 8. To allow plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed departure, we recommend scheduling your return flight for 2:00 p.m. or later.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is our primary airport and is approximately 30 miles from Spirit in the Desert.

Retreat Facilitators

Executive Skills for Church Leaders facilitators for January 2027 are The Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills, Terri Robertson, Felecia Boone, and Desta Goehner.