Dates: May 15-17, 2026
Where: Butte, Montana
Theme: Ready to Respond: Leading Congregations into God's Future
Registration: https://pci.jotform.com/iwestcofchrist/2026-leadership-retreat
Cost: Early Bird Discount until May 1 - $100
Cast: Early Bird DiscountAfter May 1 - $125
For More Information Contact: IWMC Communications communications@cofchrist-iwest.org
Schedule: View and Print Here
Join in a weekend of formation, skill-building, and shared imagination designed to help congregational leaders strengthen their confidence and capacity as leaders with the vision and skills to respond to a changing world.
At this retreat, attendees will:
- Gain practical tools they can take home and use immediately
- Reimagine congregational life for a younger, more digital, more diverse world
- Lead change in ways that are faithful to Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles and Mission Initiatives
This is about equipping leaders to respond faithfully to what is already happening. This retreat is honest about the challenges congregational leaders are facing and grounded in the real, everyday life of our communities. It is practical rather than abstract, offering tools and ideas leaders can actually use, while remaining hopeful without being naïve about the work ahead. Participants are invited to try new things, share both wisdom and failure, imagine boldly together, and trust that God is still at work in and through our congregations.
Guest Minister: Christie Skoorsmith
Christie Skoorsmith works full-time for Community of Christ as the International Services Lead. She has a BA in International Peace Studies from Graceland, an MA in Peace and Development Studies, and is working on her PhD in Business Management. She has spent most of her career working for social ventures in the medical device industry. She also teaches part-time for the University of Washington in their Global Business Program.
Christie has lived and worked in countries all over the world and speaks Spanish and Dutch. She has a passion for peace, justice, and international business with a desire to make businesses more sustainable and just. She lives in Seattle along with her husband, three kids, and three cats. She loves to read, go on long walks, and host gatherings with friends.
The retreat will be held at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham in Butte, Montana. There is a room block for this retreat. The room price is $124.00 plus taxes per night, paid directly to the hotel.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
1 Holiday Park Dr
Butte, MT 59701
Reservations can be made by:
- Phone: (833) 312-9456
- Online: https://www.guestreservations.com/la-quinta-inn-suites-butte/booking
Group code: CHLR
Across the Inland West Mission Center, many of our congregations are small but deeply committed to Christ’s mission. Smaller communities have unique strengths: strong relationships, shared leadership, and meaningful discipleship. This retreat is an opportunity to celebrate those strengths, learn practical tools, and imagine together how God is calling our congregations to serve with hope, creativity, and courage in this moment.
The Spirit is still moving among us. This retreat is an opportunity to listen, learn, and step forward with hope into the next chapter of our shared ministry.
Location and Directions
cOSTS
Guest Minister: Zilphia Martin
Zilphia Martin IV (she/her) is a second-generation member of Community of Christ living in Michigan with her husband. She has been part of the Troy Oaks congregation for more than 20 years and currently serves as one of the congregation’s pastors. Zilphia has served as an elder for nearly three years, following earlier ministry as a teacher. She brings a deep commitment to thoughtful, intentional progress that strengthens organizations and supports meaningful, sustainable ministry.
Zilphia has a longstanding passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the church and beyond. She has served on several teams and initiatives focused on supporting marginalized communities, including the African American Ministry Team, Harmony (as Congregational Support Coordinator from 2022–2024), the Michigan Mission Center’s Naming, Claiming, and Acting the Change team, and the World Church Diversity and Inclusion team. Her work centers on helping individuals and communities access the resources and strategies needed to build safe, inclusive spaces where ministry can flourish.
Professionally, Zilphia works in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) with more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity strategy and transformation. She has worked with organizations across multiple industries and seeks to humanize the relationships between people, processes, and technology.
Guest Minister: Christian Skoorsmith
Christian Skoorsmith is an Elder in the church and enthusiastic about music in congregational life. He worked for the church in the Greater Pacific Northwest Mission Center and as President of the Europe Mission Center. He now works in mental health in Seattle, Washington, where he lives with Christie and their three high-school-age children.
Christian earned his Master's in the Community of Christ Seminary and is now in his final year of doctoral studies in psychology. His passion for congregational life includes meaningful music, responsible scripture study, dynamic preaching, and offering a free pancake breakfast at his congregation on Sunday mornings.
Early Bird Registration Discount
If you register by May 1st is $100
Registration after May 1st will be $125
Registration fees can also be paid at the retreat check-in table on Friday evening by card, cash, or check payable to Community of Christ.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Michelle Phillips at mphillips@cofchrist-iwest.org or Sandy Decker at sdecker@cofchrist-iwest.org
Camperships Available: We want everyone to feel welcome. While all are asked to pay the registration fee, we know that sometimes finances can be a challenge. If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to request a campership. We’re happy to help make it possible for you to attend. Once you apply, Mission Center Leadership will be in touch to work with you.
Camperships do not include travel or accommodations.