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PLI is devoted to empowering leaders for wider influence for the sake of the gospel in their communities and effective leadership in their ministries. Learn more about our vision and process here.
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We provide a number of resources and materials to educate both our participants and the general public on effective leadership principles.
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Archive for the ‘Leadership’ Category
Community in Uncertain Times: An Interview with Sarah & Micah Greiner
By: Jock Ficken
Last week we started a conversation with Sarah and Pastor Micah Greiner. We explored how each of them has led in the uncertain times of a pandemic that shuttered their church and school. Today I’d like to pull the lens out a bit beyond COVID and look at the challenges almost all of our churches … Continue reading
Leading in Uncertain Times: An Interview with Sarah and Micah Greiner
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Sarah and Pastor Micah Greiner to discuss leading in uncertain times. Sarah and Micah have served at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for a decade or so. They’ve been in Leadership Essentials, Senior Leader and D2MC. Now they teach and coach others. You’ll appreciate … Continue reading
How is Your Relational and Emotional Health?
By: Jock Ficken
This is an exciting blog to write. You already know that the PLI family is an incredibly encouraging and supportive family. Especially while you lead in these uncertain times. Two members of the PLI family have independently raised their hand and offered to provide a place of respite and retreat for ministry leaders as a … Continue reading
A Closer Look at Your Leadership in Uncertain Times: The 4 Fundamentals
By: Jock Ficken
Last week we introduced 4 fundamentals for leadership in uncertain times. COUNSEL from those you trust CLARITY of your mission FLEXIBILITY with programs or plans TRANSPARENCY even when it’s not pleasant to say or there’s not much to say I recently met with some folks who lead a prominent national ministry. We had a lot … Continue reading
4 Keys to Leading in Times of Uncertainty
By: Jock Ficken
We all thought that a few weeks in March 2020 spelled uncertainty. Over a year later, most of us, and most of our congregations, continue to experience the turbulence of leading in times of uncertainty. Last week I offered 4 major challenges that hide behind most of the uncertainties that we experience in our churches. … Continue reading
Leading with Integrity
By: Jock Ficken
An Interview with Diane Bahn Diane Bahn wraps up an incredible run leading with integrity on the PLI team as she retires this month. I recently sat down with her and asked her to reflect upon her journey and life in PLI. If Diane has touched your life, would you send her a note of … Continue reading
Unlikely and Overlooked Leadership for Challenging Times
By: Gail Ficken
Gail Ficken shares some thoughts on leadership for these challenging times. It’s a crazy, unprecedented time. For some reason, God has pushed pause on everything we know as “normal” in the church. These days can crush HOPE. They can squeeze out COURAGE. So it’s a season for pioneers, for people willing to assume the challenge … Continue reading
Hope & Courage Drive Transformational Leadership
By: Jock Ficken
Hope and Courage! They’re the fundamental octane for leading through disruptive change and adversity. New Hope leads to New Courage! They drive transformational leadership. You need it as a leader! You need to deliver on it as a leader in your congregation. For Gail and me, this is so deeply embedded in us. It’s how … Continue reading
6 Simple Ways to Inspire Hope and Courage
By: Jock Ficken
The pandemic has accelerated change in every one of our congregations. And, it’s opening new doors. Simple Truth: If you want to see a transformed ministry, it starts with a transformed leader who builds on the blocks of Leadership Essentials. It starts with you as the leader being infused with fresh hope and courage. It … Continue reading
5 Solutions to Pandemic Inadequacy and Insecurity
By: Jock Ficken
Is pandemic conflict and uncertainty making you feel inadequate? Insecure? Let’s be honest. Pandemic conflict and uncertainty is taking a toll on the best of congregational leaders. Hope is maybe on the way but it’s still a ways away…if you’re thinking vaccines. You’ve probably identified with Elijah’s “I’m the only one left.” OR Abraham’s “Sovereign … Continue reading
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