Retreat Resources

    1. Candidacy & Discernment Retreat Overview

    2. Retreat Schedule / Agenda

    3. Venue: Abbey of the Hills, Marvin SD

    4. Leadership Formation

    5. Competencies for Rostered Ministers

    1. Resource Introduction

    2. Discussion Question

    3. Pre-Reading: Formation Happens

    4. Discussion Question

    5. SKIM: Six Factors

    6. Discussion Question

    1. Reach Out!

About this course

  • Free
  • 12 lessons
  • Pre-Readings
  • Schedule and Agenda

Retreat Resource

The Shape of Our Lives: A Field Guide for Congregational Formation

Desire. Conviction. Character. Story. Practice. Institution. These six factors—often operating beneath our consciousness—profoundly affect our spiritual formation, both as individuals and congregations. As Christians across America grapple with the value and purpose of church, we need a roadmap for exploring what motivates and forms us. The Shape of Our Lives equips readers to look beneath the surface, understanding the forces impacting our formation. The book lays a theological and practical foundation for congregations and communities to be transformed more into the image of Christ.

Retreat Facilitators

Rev. Renee Splichal-Larson

Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy, Congregation, and Rostered Minister Accompaniment

Pastor Splichal Larson is a 2010 graduate of Wartburg Seminary and currently serves as the Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy, Congregation, and Rostered Minister Accompaniment in the South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Prior to being called to the South Dakota Synod in 2019, Pastor Splichal Larson served as pastor of Heart River Lutheran Church in Mandan, North Dakota. While at Heart River, Pastor Splichal Larson served as a mission developer, creating a re-entry ministry and support network for youth at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center called Heart River Bridges of Hope.

Rev. Kari Webb

Director of Digital Community and Learning

Former educator and lifelong learner, Kari bears witness to the persistence of God's call to church ministry. Kari took the "long path" toward ordination. But God doesn't pay much attention to age, career or timelines. Kari is drawn to the story of Nicodemus in John's gospel. He asks Jesus "How can anyone be born after having grown old?" and Jesus spins a tale about wind and water and Spirit. Pastor Webb is beyond joyful that the wind of God's Spirit has brought her into service in the South Dakota Synod where, like Nicodemus, she continues to ask with wonder, "How can these things be?"