Theoasis – Professional Leaders’ Conference

A Joint Church Leaders’ Event
(a theological oasis)

Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders… all are welcome to join us.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 13 to Thursday, October 15, 2026
WHERE: Embassy Suites in La Quinta, California
WHAT: This year's theme is "Time to Breathe."


Online registration is now closed. If you wish to register, please contact Terri Robertson ASAP at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org or by phone at 714-692-2791, ext. 732.   

Event costs

Includes all programming and two meals (excluding hotel): 
$425 (rostered leader, lay leaders*, ministry partner)
$325 (retired rostered, interns, candidates & non-rostered spouses)
$95 Optional Golf Tournament 

*Pacifica Synod laypersons
are eligible to apply for a Catherine Wright Fund Grant to help with event costs. Learn more about the grant HERE. 
Rostered ministers
– if you need financial assistance to make this event possible for you, please contact your synod bishop directly to inquire about the availability of funds:
Pacifica Synod – Bishop Dave Nagler – davenagler@pacificasynod.org
Southwest California Synod – Bishop Brenda Bos – bbos@socalsynod.org 

hotel information

To make hotel reservations, please contact the Embassy Suites, LaQuinta directly. Rooms are still available but the discounted rate no longer applies.

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 You may reserve a room online HERE or by calling 760.777.1711.

Event schedule

Theoasis begins on Tuesday, October 13. 
Registration will open at 12:00 p.m.
The program will begin at 2:00p.m.  

Theoasis ends on Thursday, October 15 by noon, following closing worship. 

Event speakers

Molly Knutson-Keller  

Molly Knutson-Keller, MDiv
 is an ELCA pastor, Life Coach, Certified Enneagram Coach, and Somatic Practitioner. After more than 25 years in campus and parish ministry, Molly now coaches individuals and couples. Her work integrates practical coaching, body-based practices, and the wisdom of the Enneagram to help people come home to themselves, strengthen their relationships, and navigate meaningful change. Learn more at www.mollykkcoaching.com. She has a special place in her heart for those who serve the church and understands the complexities of balancing ministry, relationships, health, spirituality, and everyday life. It can be a lot. Molly is delighted to be back with the Pacifica Synod, where her ministry first began.
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Henry Rojas  

‍Henry Rojas is a popular speaker and gifted spiritual director, currently serving as spiritual director at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona. His unique brand of humor and insight has helped individuals and groups make transformational change for more than 20 years. Henry was the creator behind the most recognized of all NBA mascots, The OG 'Original' Gorilla of the Phoenix Suns. His engaging parody, dancing rhythm and visual comedy are still unrivaled in sports and won him a place in the Mascot Hall of Fame. He is equally known for walking away at the peak of his popularity to explore his true identity and intrinsic worth. Today, unmasked, Henry has become a powerful voice and resource for recovering performers, addicts, and leaders who have been called to a journey of inner freedom. Learn more at henrypaulrojas.com.

Optional coaching or spiritual direction sessions

Both speakers are offering 30-minute, 1:1 coaching (Molly) or spiritual direction (Henry) sessions during the event. These will be available at NO cost. Those interested will be able to sign up for these sessions when they check-in for the event. If you indicated your interest when you registered, you will be contacted prior to the event. Descriptions of these sessions are listed below:

Coaching with Molly Knutson-Keller
A confidential 1:1 session is a chance to step out of your role as pastor or deacon for awhile and come simply as yourself. Bring whatever is stirring in you: questions, transitions, hopes, challenges, or a sense that something new may be brewing. We’ll slow down together, listen deeply, and explore what you’re discovering about yourself, your life and relationships, and your sense of meaning and purpose.

Spiritual Direction with Henry Rojas
A spiritual direction session is your time. A moment to let go of title and role and simply rest as the beloved. It is your time to be still with all that has led you to this moment of wonder, question, and sometimes unease. Your time to pause and give attention to what is arising within you without judgment; a welcoming nudge from Spirit, a moment of rest or a new beginning. It is my joy to have been a companion to the work of Spirit birthing something new or unlocking the deepest desire in the heart for more than thirty years. To me, a spiritual director is like a midwife. You are the one giving birth to a new idea, acknowledging your unease or discerning direction in your life and I am privileged to be a soul friend as we breathe the spirit of life together.

golf tournament

An optional golf tournament will take place the afternoon of Wednesday, October 14 at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. The cost is $95 per person. To register for the golf tournament, select the Golf Tournament option found on the Theoasis registration form.

share your gifts during theoasis

Ever wanted to jump in and help lead music at Theoasis? Let us know! We’re looking for instrumentalists and singers who will gather and lead Wednesday morning worship together. The more, the merrier. Indicate your interest when you complete your registration or by emailing Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org. We will be in contact with you soon to share more information.

additional information & event updates

Additional information about Theoasis will be shared on this page as it becomes available. Please check back often!