We invite you to view the video to better understand coaching and how it can help.
Have you considered coaching to navigate change in the church?
Change is happening all around. Old models of ministry are being set aside, and some are experimenting with new ways of engaging in Christ’s mission in their context. How can we work through the swirl of information and emotion so that we can better lead and guide God’s people in mission and ministry that makes a difference? ELCA certified coaches can help pastors, lay leaders and congregations navigate, grow and even thrive in times of change and transition.
Coaching is an intentional relationship focused on facilitating change and growth in your personal or professional life or in the life of your congregation. Our Synod and the ELCA has invested some resources to train and develop well-trained lay leaders and pastors to be our credentialed coaches.
These coaches have been trained for the purpose of equipping you and your ministry, as well as helping you cultivate fruitful congregational ministries in the specific areas of discipleship and stewardship.
There are many times in the life of a congregation or in the course of a ministry where coaching may be helpful. Here just a few of the situations where coaching may help you change and grow:
• Personal or professional discernment and transition
• Congregational change or transitions
• Starting new mission outreach or ministry initiative
• Looking for opportunities in apparent crisis.
Pacifica Coaching Referrals (Please click here for Document)
Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
First THURSDAY of Each Month,
11:00 a.m. to noon (PDT)/9:00 to 10:00 a.m. (HST)
We invite you to join us via Zoom for our next session on
THURSDAY, December 7, 2023
Click Here to Register
Brought to you by your Pacifica Synod Coaching Team to support Synod leaders during challenging times. Each monthly offering brings a presentation on a current topic and an opportunity to discuss it in a small group facilitated by an ELCA coach.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. A coach’s role is to support leaders in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them.
If you would like more information about coaching, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at pacificacoachinggroup@gmail.com.
Pacifica Coaches
As of November 2022
Pastor Darryl W. Kozak has been a Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA since 2006; he presently serves as the Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Corona. Since 2012, he has also had a private practice as a coach. In 2018, he earned his Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He is also a Level 2 Coach and a Care for Creation LabCoach/trainer with the ELCA. He recently completed a 9-month training to be certified as an End of Life and Grief Coach through the ELCA’s newest specialty coach training. At the end of 2021, he is applying for his next ICF credential as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Finally, Pastor Darryl is pursuing his Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago.
Pastor Darryl specializes in 1) coaching clients to live their authentic selves; 2) coaching over-worked and burned-out pastors, deacons, and other faith leaders seeking to revitalize their ministry; and 3) coaching people who want to quit their jobs and pursue their passions. His standard fee for a coaching session is $150. However, since Pastor Darryl is passionate in helping all those who want coaching, he has a sliding scale so he can work with any client. If you’d like to schedule a free “Coaching Exploration” session to see how coaching may help you, please visit www.meetwithdarryl.com.
Pastor Darryl can be reached at darryl@darrylkozak.com and (949) 441-9745. To find out more about Pastor Darryl’s coaching and training, please visit www.DarrylKozak.com.
Sarah Tees is a Level 2 Synod Coach, a Stephen Leader and Lay Leader at her home congregation at St Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton, CA. She has trained as a Level 1 Synod Coach, a Level 2 Stewardship Coach, a Team Coach, and she is currently training to become a Level 2 Grief and Loss, End of Life Coach. Additionally Sarah is a stay-at home wife and mother of two teens. Sarah has dedicated her time to caring for others. Always grateful to walk alongside people as they transition; whether that transition takes them from one chapter of life to another, or from here to God’s Kingdom. She is currently open to new clients. Her current rate is $50/session. If interested please call 562-665-9214 or email her at sarahtees@hotmail.com.
Joanne Larson, ACC, is certified by the International Coach Federation, known as the “gold standard” in the coaching profession. A lifelong Lutheran, Joanne came to coaching through the ELCA’s coaching program with an emphasis on stewardship. She currently serves the ELCA as a coach, a trainer, and evaluator of coaches completing their training. Joanne’s passion for coaching allows her to use her skills to help others discover their own gifts and develop a unique pathway for professional and personal growth. In her coaching practice, Joanne combines her extensive experience as a management consultant with her desire to help others meet the challenges and opportunities of their world. Joanne enjoys coaching with nonprofit professionals, faith community leaders, young professionals in the early years of their careers and mature leaders seeking to grow their organizations. She is particularly interested in the energy and potential of teams as they form, storm, norm and perform. Joanne holds an M.S. in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.
Carol Schultz, J.D., Leadership Coach. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter observed that great leaders take people where they don’t want to go but ought to be. Sometimes, though, leaders need support to become great leaders. Through coaching, leaders who are on the cusp of something new can make that transition with an experienced confidante. Coaches create dynamic relationships with leaders so they can go where they ought to be!
In February 2018, my life changed. I was looking for my next chapter after law practice, dispute mediation, and nonprofit leadership when I took the intensive, Level 1 coach training offered by the ELCA. Successfully completing that course convinced me coaching was where I ought to be. Since then, I’ve become credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, added ELCA Level 2 coach training, and earned Enhanced Practitioner status in Narrative Coaching. Now I have the privilege of coaching church and nonprofit leaders who want to go beyond where they are, even if they’re unsure where that is.
Over the years, I’ve encountered leadership from a variety of perspectives as an executive, staff person, and board member, and the experience always fascinates. If you’d like to explore what coaching might look like for you or your team, please email me at cjschultz257@gmail.com to request a complimentary session.
Resources from Previous Coaching for All Seasons Gatherings
November 2, 2023 Gathering
Fresh Expressions – Cultivating Organic Faith Communities
Coaching for all Seasons met with Reverend Erik Samuelson & Reverend Emma Donohew to learn more about cultivating ministry in your communities.
Video Recording of the November 2 Gathering
October 5, 2023 Gathering
Former ELCA Churchwide Staff Member Jonathan Reitz led this interactive session diving into how ChatGPT and other AI tools might shape church life and leadership. From what is generative AI to enhancing worship experiences to potentially supporting pastoral care, we explored the impact AI might have on your ministry.
Video Recording of the October 5 Gathering
September 7, 2023 Gathering
Assistant to the Bishop for Anti-Racism Coordination Antoine Cummins was with us at our gathering in September and shared some insights into what his position entails, why anti-racism work is important and what we can do as church leaders to take the first step towards becoming an anti-racist church.
Video Recording of the September 7 Gathering
August 3, 2023 Gathering
On August 3, we were joined by Pastor Jaz Waring (They/Them). From life as a former evangelical Children’s pastor, to a queer Lutheran rabble-rouser, Pastor Jaz has spent their adult life pursuing the call of God and creating spaces where people feel they belong. Jaz is an ordained minister in the ELCA, and has a Master’s of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary. Currently they are serving as Pastor and Mission Developer at The Table OC in Fullerton, CA.
Video Recording of the August 3 Gathering
Resource Guide – 08.03.23
July 6, 2023 Gathering
On July 6, Pacifica Synod Coaches provided a powerful demonstration of what coaching looks like and a beautiful example of a leader confronting their fear. Witness to someone else’s journey and see what insight you might gain from their story.
Video Recording of the July 6 Gathering
June 1, 2023 Gathering
On June 1, we viewed “The Power of Polarities: Shoshana Boyd Gelfand at TEDxJerusalem.”
All of us confront seemingly unsolvable problems in our lives and in our communities. And all of us want to be part of the solution instead of contributing to the problem, right? In less than 20 minutes, Rabbi Gelfand describes a fundamental concept for addressing problems that arise from opposing views.
Video Recording of the June 1 Gathering
April 6, 2023 Gathering
On April 6, Bishop Dave Nagler join us for ‘What does Coaching mean for Pacifica Synod? The Bishop’s Perspective.’ Bishop Dave and our Synod Coaching Team untangled the common misconceptions around coaching and shared not only how to utilize this ministry resource, but maximize it.
Video Recording of the April 6 Gathering
Pacifica Coaching Referrals (Please click here for Document)
ELCA Coaching video with Nathan Swenson-Reinhold
March 2, 2023 Gathering
Pastor Tim Brown shares his experiences as the blogger for Reluctant Xtian and the Lead Curator for the online worshipping platform Anam Cara (Soul Friend) Community.
Video Recording of the March 2 Gathering
February 2, 2023 Gathering
ICF Coaches Barbara Belon and Deenna Eley led this gathering as they demystified coaching by comparing it to other similar roles, explain the coaching process and unique skills that coaches bring to ministry within the church.
Video Recording of the February 2 Gathering
January 5, 2023 Gathering
We began the New Year with an invitation to pause, listen and prayerfully enter into story. A time for us to reflect on how our story and God’s story are woven together. We were led through two practices by Deacon Tammy Devine, who facilitates the ELCA Coaching Ministry’s Segment 2 Discipleship Coaching curriculum
Video Recording of the January 5 Gathering
December 1, 2022 Gathering
Synod Council VP, Nicolette Rohr shared some of her own journey with contemplative practices and Thriving Leadership Formation, a grant-funded program of Cal Lutheran and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, then led a practice to encourage us to slow down and connect with God, others, and ourselves this Advent season.
Video Recording of the December 1 Gathering
November 3, 2022 Gathering
“Flight School & Plane Design: A Crash Course”
Pacifica Synod Bishop Dave Nagler shared his experience with us, as well as his vision for the future of our Synod.
Video Recording of the November 3 Gathering
October 6, 2022 Gathering
“Improv Allows Us to Fail Forward”
Pastor Mike Weaver knows the internal and external struggles of ministry—and he uses a surprising and effective approach for getting unstuck: improv. “Improv allows us to fail forward.”
Video Recording of the October 6 Gathering
September 1, 2022 Gathering
“Sharing Our Faith Stories”
Pastor Jennifer Garcia, Associate Pastor of First Lutheran in Fullerton and a member of the Pacifica Synod Evangelism Team, shared about a Bible study curriculum she created for Pacifica Synod congregations to use in their setting about sharing our faith stories in a more relational way.
Video Recording of the September 1 Gathering
Link to Curriculum on the Pacifica Synod Website
August 4, 2022 Gathering
“We Need to Talk About It”
Pacifica Synod Coaches shared a skill-set for creating positive outcomes in heated discussions and teach how to turn our fights over the most contentious topics into a win-win by brainstorming solutions and creating buy-in from both sides.
Video Recording of the August 4 Gathering
Resource Guide from August 4 Gathering
July 7, 2022 Gathering
“They Do Not Teach This at Seminary”
Pastor Jeremiah Smith is a first call pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY. Curious and willing to experiment, Pastor Jeremiah shared with us a fresh perspective on first call ministry – its opportunities and its challenges.
Video Recording of the July 7 Gathering
June 2, 2022 Gathering
“Swimming in a Sea of Loss and Grief: Recovery is Possible”
Grief Recovery Method Specialist Margie Neugebauer, CGRM®, MA, LPC, introduced us to the Grief Recovery Method, which offers options for moving forward from the very real pain associated with loss.
Video Recording of the June 2 Gathering
May 5, 2022 Gathering
“What Does it Mean to be an Anti-Racist Church?”
In May, Pastor Darin Johnson, co-leader of the Synod’s Anti-Racism Team, led the discussion. As church we are called to confess the sin of racism, condemn the ideology of white supremacy, and strive for racial justice and peace. Beyond statements and prayers, we are called to also act and respond to injustices.
Video Recording of the May 5 Gathering
“Anti-Racism & Coaches” Handout (PDF)
April 7, 2022 Gathering
“Self-compassion in a Traumatized Time”
In April, author Beth Slevcove discussed the importance of self-compassion as an act of receiving God’s compassion in and through ourselves.
Video Recording of the April 7 Gathering
March 3, 2022 Gathering
“Self-Care”
In March, Pacifica Synod Coach Carol Schultz facilitated a discussion on the need for self-care.
Video Recording of the March 3 Gathering
February 3, 2022 Gathering
“What Does a Bishop Do?
In February, Bishop Erik Gronberg, of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, shared his thoughts on the responsibilities of a bishop as Pacifica Synod looks to the election of a new bishop in May 2022.
Video Recording of the February 3 Gathering
Book Recommendation – Embracing God’s Future without Forgetting the Past: A Conversation about Loss, Grief, and Nostalgia in Congregational Life by Michael K. Girlinghouse
January 6, 2022 Gathering
Author Adam Grant’s Ted Talk: “How to stop languishing and start finding flow”
Have you found yourself staying up late, joylessly bingeing TV shows and doom scrolling through the news, or simply navigating your day uninspired and aimless? Chances are you’re languishing, says organizational psychologist Adam Grant — a psychic malaise that has become all too common after many months of the pandemic. He breaks down the key indicators of languishing and presents three ways to escape that “meh” feeling and start finding your flow.
Video Recording of the January 6 Gathering (YouTube)
December 7, 2021 Gathering
“The Calm Before the Storm – A Place for Advent Refuge”
As a way to set some time aside for prayer, meditation, and silence, in December, Pastor Darryl W. Kozak, one of our Pacifica coaches and pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Corona, led this session with a guided meditation to center ourselves followed by a time of prayer, silence and conversation.
Video Recording of the December 7 Gathering (YouTube)
November 2, 2021 Gathering
“Designing Hybrid Faith Formation for the Post-Pandemic World”
In November, John Roberto (Lifelong Faith Associates) joined us to share how hybrid models expand faith formation opportunities for everyone, allowing leaders to become much more strategic about when, where, how and for what we gather people because we can now integrate online with in-person faith forming. He presented a variety of models for developing a hybrid future for lifelong faith formation in 2021 and beyond. More information may be found at lifelongfaith.com.
Video Recording of the November 2 Gathering (YouTube)
October 5, 2021 Gathering
“Team Coaching for the Church in a Turbulent COVID World”
In October, we welcomed the Rev. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold, Coach and Trainer. Though not a cure all, Team Coaching is an incredibly powerful tool for producing strategic awareness, missional clarity, and kingdom agency, especially in moments of crucial change and challenge. We explored this tool and what it might do to help leaders not just survive, but thrive through this historic moment on planet earth.
Video Recording of the October 5 Gathering (YouTube)
September 7, 2021 Gathering
“What’s Up, Pacifica?”
In September, we were joined by Pastor Tom Goellrich, Pacifica Synod’s Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop. Pastor Tom updated us on emerging issues in Pacifica Synod congregations, the resources and support available and being Church in a pandemic: How the Pacifica Synod and congregations are coping and adapting.
Video Recording of the September 7 Gathering (YouTube)
August 3, 2021 Gathering
Thriving Beyond COVID
Retired Pastor Jeff Linman led this gathering highlighting the free, downloadable resource he developed for congregations entitled “Thriving Beyond COVID” which focuses on how leaders can help their congregations look forward to what can be rather than clinging to how things used to be. More information and the resources to download may be found at https://www.thrivingbeyondcovid.org/.
Video Recording of the August 3 Gathering (YouTube)
Presentation Slides from the Gathering (PDF)
July 6, 2021 Gathering
Celebrating a Year of Coaching for All Seasons
Jill Beverlin, ELCA National Coaching Coordinator led this gathering to share how coaching can bring vitality and energy into your leadership and ministry. What new and creative ways can coaching engage your congregations to explore possibilities and opportunities? Find out how coaching can lead your congregation into a new normal.
Video Recording of the July 6 Gathering (YouTube)
June 1, 2021 Gathering
“The Eisenhower Matrix” with the Rev. J. Dana Peterson
The Eisenhower Matrix, also referred to as Urgent-Important Matrix, helps you decide on and prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, sorting out less urgent and important tasks which you should either delegate or not do at all. The Rev. J. Dana Peterson, DEM for the Rocky Mountain Synod and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation, will be present with us to teach us about this concept and how to use it effectively.
Video Recording of the June 1 Gathering (YouTube)
May 4, 2021 Gathering
A Ritual of Reflection for the Anniversary of the Beginning of the Pandemic with the Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin
How do we make space to honor not only our grief over the suffering and losses, big and small, but also the gifts, the learnings and the wisdom that have emerged from this painful year? In this ritual of reflection, you are invited to recognize what you have learned, what wisdom you have gained, and how you want to live differently.
Video Recording of the May 4 Gathering (YouTube)
March 2, 2021 Gathering
Storytellers: Ministering to Divided Congregations
In March, we were joined by the Rev. Bridget Jones. She is currently the pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin where she has served for the past two years. After attending and serving congregations in suburban, rural, and urban contexts in the South, Northeast, and Midwest, Rev. Jones draws on her experiences serving in varied places with a variety of people.
Video Recording of the March 2 Gathering (You Tube)
February 2, 2021 Gathering
Storytellers: Learning Through Perspective
In February, we were joined by Tyra Dennis and high school youth from #CaliSTRONG, a new initiative which brings students together from 3 synods (SWCA, Pacifica and Sierra Pacific) to discuss Jesus, justice, race, oppression and change. We were provided with the opportunity to hear what these young leaders have to share and witness firsthand their amazing gifts and talents.
Coming Soon – Video Recording of the February 2 Gathering (You Tube)
January 5, 2021 Gathering
Gratitude and Awareness in the New Year
Join us for two video meditations that take us on a journey into the mystery, science and “flavors” of gratitude in our daily lives and invite us to “Look Around You. Look Inside Yourself.” During our time together, we reflected on how gratitude and awareness can shape our experiences in the new year.
Video Recording of the January 5 Gathering (You Tube)
December 1 2020 Gathering
Pastor Manuel Retamoza on Life & Ministry
Pr. Manuel Retamoza grew up in Northern California, received his BA from Seattle Pacific University in 1994, taught preschool for Head Start in San Joaquin Valley for three years, and graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in the spring of 2004. On graduation, he moved his family to San Diego and served as Associate Pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church until he was called to become their Senior Pastor in 2017. Through these experiences, Pr. Manuel has gained a unique perspective, and he shared his story with us.
Video Recording of the December 1 Gathering (You Tube)
October 6, 2020 Gathering
How to Talk About Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Your Congregation
During this gathering, Heidi Kleine and Emilee O’Brien were the presenters. They recently partnered to lead a series of conversations on racism for an affinity group of white women. They shared their story of why they feel called to this work, the importance of partners, and what you might expect if you form an affinity group.
Video Recording of the October 6 Gathering (You Tube)
Affinity Group Resources-Emilee O’Brien (PDF)
Your Place in the Movement-Emilee O’Brian (PDF)
Social Justice Journey – Heidi Kleine (PDF)
September 1, 2020 Gathering
Pacifica Synod Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group Conversation – Historical Origins of Racial Inequality
During this gathering, in addition to learning about the work of the Synod’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, participants viewed a portion of a presentation by Jacqueline Battalora, author of “Birth of a White Nation: The Invention of White People and its Relevance Today”. Small groups participated in coach-led conversations to process this information and connect it to their own circumstances.
Video Recording of September 1 Gathering (YouTube)
Video of Jacqueline Battalora’s “Birth of a White Nation” 2014 Presentation (YouTube)
Introduction by James Tyler, Jr. (PDF)
White Nation Reading List (PDF)
August 4, 2020 Gathering
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – “What Does This Mean?” with Bishop Andy Taylor
During this gathering, Bishop Andy Taylor addressed that great Lutheran question, “What does this mean?” in terms of our Synod’s focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Small groups participated in coach-led conversations relating this information to their circumstances.
Video Recording of August 4 Gathering (YouTube)
July 7, 2020 Gathering
Leading Like Moses: Understanding Change and Transition in the Journey to a New Beginning
During this gathering, participants viewed a presentation based on William Bridges’ groundbreaking work on navigating external changes and the often-unsettling, internal transitions they cause. Below you will find a recording of this gathering along with other resources shared during the time together.
Video Recording of July 7 Gathering (YouTube)
Gathering Outline for July 7 (PDF)
Transition Readiness Assessment (William Bridges Associates)
