OUR STORY
From kitchen table conversations to a global network
In the fall of 1996, a small group of pastors and ministry leaders gathered around a shared passion and a bold dream: to help pastors lead thriving congregations that would reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The early vision gained momentum around kitchen tables where donors and early contributors, with a heart for kingdom-minded, Christ-like, mission-focused leaders, offered wisdom and financial support.
Over the next year, they prayed, planned, and formed what would become a new kind of leadership training. From those early conversations emerged the Pastoral Leadership Institute—PLI—a place where pastors could grow as leaders and their spouses could be equipped as full partners in ministry.
PLI began training in 1999, and in those formative years many helped shape its growth. From mentor congregations and trainers to speakers and donors who gave generously and believed in the mission, PLI was blessed by so many who caught the vision.
“With my limited vision I had no expectations beyond the singular mission presented. But as is so often the case when we submit willingly, God had a much larger and more profound plan.”
—an early contributor
That small but determined group quickly grew beyond anyone’s expectations. The founders dreamed of equipping a few hundred pastors and spouses to lead healthy, mission-focused churches. Yet God had something far greater in mind.
Through God’s leading—and the prayers, generosity, and partnership of many—PLI has grown from a small beginning into a trusted source of leadership training, strengthening the church around the world beyond what was first imagined.
Today, regional and local leaders are equipped and trusted to train pastors, spouses, and ministry leaders in their own networks—extending the reach of the Gospel so that many more people are connected to Jesus.
As donors, trainers, and partners join together in this kingdom work, the story of PLI continues to be written—raising up leaders who carry the Gospel into every corner of the world.
The story of PLI is, at its heart, a story of God’s faithfulness—through the Spirit,
the partnerships of God’s people, and the kingdom-minded global church.
As a couple serving in ministry, we were equipped with practical skills and knowledge that have profoundly impacted our lives, marriage, and ministry. The training not only deepened our understanding of church leadership and discipleship but also transformed our attitudes and interpersonal relationships. We are now confident in our ability to train other church leaders and couples, empowering them to build stronger, more resilient relationships and ministries. The PLI training has been a catalyst for growth, and we are excited to see how God will use us to impact our community for His glory.
Our leadership was working through aspects of the vision process on our own, but PLI helped bring clarity, forced us to rework things and think deeper, and allowed me (as the senior pastor) to actively participate with my team rather than have to lead the process. It was helpful to have others speaking in from an outside perspective. The deliverables are already driving our staff and board as we step forward together. It’s been years since I have felt this energized and possessed this much clarity in how I’m leading our church into the future God has for us.
The vision and mission of PLI—training couples in ministry and focusing on transformation, not just theology—was exactly what we needed. I already had enough theology in my head, having earned a PhD. It wasn’t about more information but transformation. So my wife and I said, ‘This is something we want to give our lives to—and invite others to join.’
This is God’s story.
This is our story.
And we invite you to be part of it.
Connect with us to learn more about how PLI is training leaders around the world.
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