Genesis 3, Romans 1:25, 1 John 1:8-10

Even while in perfect harmony with God and His creation. And ever since the fall into sin, humans, in our sinfulness, have been wanting to go outside God’s design for life. Sin separates us from God and each other and distorts God’s design for life and relationships and purpose.

Romans 5:8, 1 John 5:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57

Which is what makes the gift of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross that much more amazing. God sent His Son for you, to forgive you and reconnect you with the Father. “For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) His victory in His death and resurrection gives new life and the power to lead IN the world, while not being OF the world. And that is why God invites you to be set apart for His purpose – His mission.

2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 5:2

That even while we are still sinners, the Lord restores that perfect relationship between God and humanity, and invites us into His mission to bring that restoration to the world.

There’s a common theme in the Bible where God seems to choose the powerless and unlikely to lead and multiply His kingdom in the world.

• Abraham and Sarah – childless and full of doubt turned parents of a nation.
• Joseph – disowned, forgotten brother and slave turned wise governor of Egypt.
• Jacob – second-born, schemer, liar, thief turned father of Israel.
• Moses – the Hebrew/Egyptian, murderer, outcast lacking eloquent words turned leader of the Exodus.
• Esther – young and unlikely turned queen.
• Ruth – a foreigner dealing with loss/grief turned ancestor of Jesus.
• Peter – the abrupt and emotionally reactive turned rock and fearless proclaimer.
• Tabitha – seamstress who was raised to life turned leader of charities for the poor.
• Saul > Paul – murderer, chief of all sinners turned church planter and writer of New Testament letters.

God has a heart to bring His kingdom to the world through unlikely leaders even today, to lead His mission right where they are.

Ephesians 2:8-10, Colossians 1:15-20

God has not made a mistake in placing leaders where they are right now. He is at work, shaping leaders through experiences like PLI and sharing His beautiful grace through them. The Holy Spirit walks with them as they lead, and gives them everything they need. Their leadership resides under the grace of Jesus, the head of the Church.

• Leaders discover what it means to center their whole life and ministry in God’s mission—growing into Christ-shaped leaders people trust and want to follow. 
• They gain the vision and courage to lead meaningful change so their ministries become places where the Gospel moves outward into the community. 
• Leaders learn to bring God’s people together around His mission, cultivating ministries where disciples grow and new disciples are made. 
• They are empowered to raise up new leaders, ensuring that God’s mission continues to grow and extending Gospel impact far beyond what any one leader could do alone.