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.
Life is better connected. Connect with others to experience life-giving community and build authentic relationships. We have several learning communities. Find the best fit for you.
We provide a number of resources and materials to educate both our participants and the general public on effective leadership principles.
Interested in how PLI can impact your ministry? We'd love to get to know you and learn how we can empower your ministry.
By: Jock Ficken
Can I offer a word of encouragement and an idea going into Thanksgiving and Christmas? Because… It’s tough to be a leader now. You’re tired! Are you discouraged, too? Let me suggest “Idea Parties” at your church. Keep it light and fun! The next great idea for the future of your congregation almost certainly won’t … Continue reading
By: Todd Moritz
What you should do NOW! The world faces unprecedented times right now. While some of us may remember the 2008 financial crisis, 9/11, the oil crisis of the 1970’s–no one has lived through a health and financial crisis like this in their lifetime. The book on how to respond and what to do has not been written. … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Leaders cast visions of everyone being everyday missionaries. Truth be told? Most leaders struggle to do it. Most people don’t have a clue how to do it. Here’s a great model to turn unlived aspiration into action…for everyone. Easy to remember. Easy to start practicing. Teach it. Practice it. Ask people to regularly tell stories … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Over the last several decades, churches that experienced steady or rapid growth and people coming to faith in Jesus had congregational members who joyfully invited their friends, family, and neighbors to come to church. Several things were essential: People had relationships with people who didn’t attend a church. They were motivated by the love of … Continue reading
By: Sarah Greiner
The devastating results of #Harvey #Irma and the wildfires in Oregon have us in the PLI team thinking about the best ways to love and help neighbors, friends and strangers in times of crisis. We worked with Diane Bahn, resident in a Harvey affected area and Leadership Essentials leader/coach, to compile a list of helpful … Continue reading
By: Sarah Greiner
We at PLI are grieved by the tragedies in Texas, Florida and the wildfires in the Northwest. To the many in the PLI family that were affected, you are in our prayers. For those of you who are mobilizing to help, thank you. When we encounter someone in crisis it can be hard to know … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Stewardship…Giving…Fund Raising…the churches that are navigating through the rough waters of adaptive challenge are also figuring out sustainable funding models. They are building future financial muscle today through a comprehensive (they’ve stopped dabbling!) gift planning initiative. Teri can share this affordable and highly effective PLI/LCMS Foundation model. They are building healthy current stewards by annually inviting … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Congregational leaders need to be bold masters at graciously navigating change! It’s essential to faithfully living out the vision that God has for your congregation…or people will never be touched with the love of Jesus! Members prefer to cast their vote for “no change” and champion the elusive status quo…until they realize the enormous short-sightedness … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Most churches measure average worship attendance each year. Offerings, too. Easter Sunday…for most the largest Sunday attendance of the year…gives a decided boost to the average. And the Sunday after Easter? For most it’s one of the lowest. An average attendance blow and a discouragement to the leaders who count. Most of us, no matter … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Getting outside the church walls to serve and represent the love of Jesus to people around you is a difficult step for many churches and many of us as individuals. I used to see it as an unnecessary drain of volunteer hours desperately needed to man the programs inside our church. And today’s emerging adults … Continue reading
PLI enews is a weekly publication containing our leadership and ministry blog as well as free content and important news.