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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By: Jock Ficken
Change for the sake of change is never good. It’s a waste of time, or worse, an abuse of people. It’s the issue that’s in front of every pastor and every leader and every congregation in one form or fashion…it’s not just you! And that’s why I want to offer a few reminders about leading … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
No leader, woman or man, drifts toward a preferred destination! Congregations today desperately need leaders who can point them enthusiastically toward a future vision that embodies the Mission of God while also taking on the challenge of leading themselves well. Here are 10 leader drifts: Retreating to small, safe vision when big visions and bold … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
It’s fun to be a leader again! Have you been there? After a season of congregational leadership not being fun, you step out of the forest and into the bright sunshine of leadership and find that it’s fun? It’s a great thing! I loved hearing one of the leaders in the PLI family simply declare: … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Leaders need to be dispassionate — at times! I’m a champion for leaders leading with passion. Hearts fully engaged. Leaning forward. Willing to take on the “uphillness” of holding out the Mission of God. Helping the people of God align their hearts and activity around God’s vision and not condoning the simple drift to lowest … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Gail and I have opportunity to be in conversations with PLI family across all age groups, from those entering PLI in their 20s and all the way to those in their 70s and 80s eager to invest in the leaders several decades their junior. We frequently hear the 50s/early 60’s crowd say… I love these … Continue reading
By: Sarah Greiner
As leaders how often are we honest? I mean, really step back and take stock of what’s actually going on in our ministry culture? If we do, are we afraid of what we’ll find? Will we be paralyzed by fear? Here are 3 questions we ask in PLI’s Discipleship to Missional Community to help leaders … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
What is the real measure of your leadership? What if the real measure of your leadership was not all that was accomplished within your span of influence (count: worship attendance, offerings, buildings and programs built, etc.) but the “successes/successors”…the congregational “heroes”… you mentored? Successors who might shine as bright or brighter than you and might … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
A few years ago I had an early morning flight from Buffalo. Eight inches of snow on the way. “Good thing I’m getting out early,” I told the shuttle driver. His reply? “Ah, this is Buffalo. No big deal.” It’s just the Buffalo environment. Right? Lots of snow? I suppose my driver and everyone else … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
I’m an enthusiastic plodder. (Find that in Strength Finders!) I distribute leadership energy…strategically. Or, occasionally simply because I don’t know what else to do. Let me commend 3 from time to time energy OUTputs and 3 energy OUTputs that might return 30-, 60- or 100-fold, if you’re not already doing them. …and I know you already do 27 … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
I have less energy than I used to have. #sadfact I seek to maximize it daily! Deploy it effectively! The ministry that you lead needs you to lead with strategic allocations of energy. How are you doing? Most leaders are not doing so good! Some leaders actually lose credibility and trust with the people they … Continue reading
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