Thriving Leadership Formation

Equipping ELCA leaders for a changing world.

Thriving Leadership Formation is entering a new chapter

Beginning January 2026, Thriving Leadership Formation will be a shared ministry of the five synods of ELCA Region 2, with Pacifica Synod serving as fiscal agent. This continues the work that began in partnership with California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and roots it more deeply in the life of the church.

A new Chapter in
Region 2

Since 2018, Thriving Leadership Formation has been a collaborative ministry between California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, made possible through a Thriving in Ministry grant from the Lilly Endowment, in partnership with ELCA synods in Regions 1 and 2. Through cohort groups, retreats, spiritual direction, coaching, leadership and spiritual formation, TLF has supported hundreds of pastors, deacons, and lay leaders in deepening spiritual and leadership formation so that leaders may thrive in ministry and enrich congregations and communities.

We give thanks for the vision that sparked this work and for the leadership of CLU, PLTS, and the synods and leaders who helped launch TLF.

After years of fruitful partnership, CLU and PLTS chose not to continue as hosts for the next phase of the grant. In discernment with the Lilly Endowment, the bishops of ELCA Region 2 applied for and received a new five year sustainability grant so that this ministry can continue, now fully embedded within the life of the church.

Beginning in January 2026, Thriving Leadership Formation will be a shared ministry of the five synods of ELCA Region 2, with Pacifica Synod serving as fiscal agent. Desta Goehner will continue as part time Director.

In this next chapter, TLF will

Continue to offer spiritual and leadership formation that supports leaders who are reconnecting with their vocation, tending to their spiritual lives, and leading with resilience.
Connect more intentionally with Region 2 First Call Accompaniment, Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM) training, and regional leadership development, so that new and emerging leaders receive the support they need in the early years of ministry.
Prioritize equity and access by centering leaders who are often underrepresented, including Black, Indigenous, people of color and culture, and disabled leaders, with dedicated funds to reduce barriers to participation.
Build a sustainable model in which Region 2 synods gradually assume full financial responsibility for TLF over time.

Updates about this five year grant will be shared with synod staff and councils several times each year for transparency and connection.

For questions about the transition or future programs, please contact
Desta Goehner, Director of Thriving Leadership Formation

About Us

Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) equips pastoral and lay leaders with spiritual grounding, practical tools, and supportive relationships for ministry in a changing church and world. Through cohorts, retreats, leadership training, and spiritual practices, TLF strengthens resilience, addresses burnout and isolation, and nurtures leaders who can serve with courage and clarity.

TLF began in 2018 as a collaborative project of California Lutheran University, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and eleven ELCA synods in Regions 1 and 2, funded by a Thriving in Ministry grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Beginning in January 2026, TLF becomes a shared ministry of the five synods of ELCA Region 2, with Pacifica Synod serving as fiscal agent. This next chapter embeds TLF more fully in the life of the church and connects it with Region 2 First Call Accompaniment, Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM) programs, and other leadership and spiritual formation efforts for Region 2 leaders.

Goals of the Grant

ELCA Leaders experience spiritual renewal
Embody new spiritual practices (Sabbath, prayer, discernment, spiritual direction)
Learn new leadership skills (including but not limited to conflict management, social entrepreneurship, community organizing techniques, emotional intelligence assessments,
cultural competency, financial management skills, fundraising techniques, marketing skills, strategic planning, organizational development, social media systems)
Form new friendships, new spiritual community
Form strong relationships with ministers/coaches who will guide them in developing ministry skills/approaches that are relevant and effective for the current age
Develop relevant, innovative, responsive forms of outreach to the wider (and more diverse) community
Heal loneliness and burnout
Revive local congregations and stem the tide of decline

Meet Our Staff

Desta Goehner

Director

Desta (she, her) is a spiritual director and accredited Enneagram professional rooted in spiritual depth, trauma awareness, and inclusive practice. She serves as the Director of Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF), a ministry of the five synods of ELCA Region 2, with Pacifica Synod serving as fiscal agent, that supports the spiritual and professional growth of ELCA leaders through cohorts, retreats, and leadership formation offerings.

Desta has been a lay leader in the ELCA for more than two decades, serving in congregational youth ministry, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, synod staff roles, a Lutheran university, and an ELCA seminary. She centers belonging, collective healing, and sustainable transformation across faith communities and leadership spaces.