October 19-21, 2026, Holiday Inn, Kearney, Nebraska
In estuaries, where fresh and salt waters meet and different currents surrender into one another, death is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of fertility. Nebraska Synod leaders know this terrain: communities releasing identities that once sustained them, congregations grieving what once was, and leaders called to hold faithful presence in the in-between. In this gathering, we will explore what it means to lead from the depths of baptismal identity, formed daily by dying and rising, rooted in the belovedness that cannot be drowned, and freed to midwife necessary endings and inspired new beginnings. During our time together we will ultimately be invited to wade into muddy waters and discover, again, that the Spirit has been making something new in the muddy, messy waters of our lives and ministries all along.
Come as you are: tired, hopeful, questioning, faithful. Come ready to be surprised by grace and sent out with a heart full of possibility.
Early Bird Registration Rate: $250.00 until September 1st
Regular Registration Rate: $280.00 - Registration closes on October 1st
Hotel Information:
Holiday Inn
110 2nd Ave, Kearney, NE
Group Rate: $140.00
Call 308-237-5971 to book your room.
Lunch on Your Own
1:00-2:00pm Welcoming Time and Gathering Worship
2:00pm Keynote: Framing Our Time Together- Pr. Leila Ortiz
3:00pm Bible Study #1- Pr. Ortiz
4:00pm Break
4:30pm Bishop Scott Johnson’s Presentation
6:00pm Dinner/Partners in Ministry Banquet
Late Evening Free on Your Own
9:00am Morning Worship and Going Deeper- Pr. Ortiz
10:30am Portico Time
11:00am Cluster Meetings- meet with your cluster colleagues for conversation, collaboration, and
sharing
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm Workshop Opportunity
2:30pm Affinity Groups Conversations
3:15pm Break (with coffee and snack provided)
3:30pm Bible Study #2- Pr. Ortiz
5:00pm Dinner on your own
Evening Free on Your Own
8:30am Case Study Question and Interaction- What would you do, if?
9:45am Panel Time with the Bishops
11:00am Sending Worship with Holy Communion
I believe in a God who dances within traditions and delights in breaking down walls. As a "Luthercostal" – a term I embrace my Pentecostal roots and Lutheran theology – I bring a unique perspective to spiritual leadership and community transformation.
My journey weaves together the vibrant spirituality of my Pentecostal upbringing with the grace-filled theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This intersection has shaped me into a leader who isn't afraid to wade into deep waters, whether I'm preaching from the pulpit, facilitating a workshop, or mentoring fellow leaders who hunger for authentic change.
I'm passionate about creating spaces where difficult conversations become pathways to healing, where institutional challenges meet Spirit-led innovation, and where ancient wisdom dances with contemporary need. My approach combines practical tools with prophetic vision, always grounded in the transformative power of Jesus's teachings.
What truly lights me up? Walking alongside communities and leaders who:
Dare to imagine a church that's both rooted and revolutionary
Aren't afraid to name hard truths while holding onto hope
Seek to bridge the gap between traditional faith and social justice
Long to create authentic, inclusive spaces for spiritual growth
Whether I'm leading a retreat, teaching in a lay school, or facilitating a workshop on racial equity, my goal remains the same: to help create brave spaces where real transformation can take root. I bring my whole self to this work – my theological training, my lived experience as a Latina woman in ministry, and my deep conviction that the Spirit is still moving, still speaking, still transforming our churches and communities.