This week, PLI Team member Beth Schult shares about her experience in our Senior Leader Learning Community. She and her husband Paul live in California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are alumni of Senior Leader and both serve on our team as Africa Development Leaders.
I have a vivid memory as we began serving in pastoral ministry. Paul and I were attending a ministry conference and the speaker was addressing this eager group of pastors and courageous missional leaders to serve Jesus. And he said something I will never forget: “Being a leader can be lonely.”
It echoed in my mind and I remember thinking, “Surely, this will not be our story.”
But it wasn’t long before we found ourselves overwhelmed with a fast growing ministry and feeling the weight of loneliness. This was becoming our story.
And we didn’t quite know where to turn, until a friend invited us to PLI Senior Leader.
I waited patiently for the Lord;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand… (Psalm 40:1-2)
Senior Leader was that firm place we needed to stand in as we…
- sought to rebuild our broken spirit and reclaim our identity in Jesus and His mission,
- sought to understand what tools were needed to equip and empower a senior leader,
- sought to flourish again in our calling to “pick up our nets and follow Jesus.”
Our God is a God of rescue and relationship! He redeems us as we seek Him and stand in His presence with others. It is true that Senior Leader’s teaching and learning is life-changing and powerful as you gain depth of insight and knowledge. However, the true transformation takes root because of relationships. PLI cohorts provide a space to apply the teachings through shared stories and experiences. These trusted relationships and reflective conversations cultivate a godly perspective with a renewed strength. And as your cohort stays connected for months and years to come, encouragement and accountability are gifts that keep on giving.
Above all, PLI reminds you of the reality that you are never alone. As you learn to embrace the role of senior leader, and learn to navigate the many challenges and successes it can create, you are given the true gift to know that you are indeed rich in relationships. Living restored and awakened to the purpose of which you were created, this firm foundation equips you to serve with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, gathering people together all for the sake of God’s Kingdom mission.
Here are some “nuts and bolts” of how Senior Leader works:
WHAT? Senior and executive level ministry leaders require a more robust skillset to lead with impact and influence for the sake of the Gospel. We help you build upon your existing skills, develop in areas that are not a strength, and also grow in areas you may not have considered. Senior Leader’s training covers strategic thinking, resourcing needs, adaptive leadership, cultivating governance, creating vision, and building teams.
WHO? Senior pastors, executive leaders, principals, faith-based non-profit leaders, as well as those preparing for a senior role.
HOW? The Senior Leader Learning Community is an 18-month experience with four immersions where you’ll gather together once every 6 months. Included in Senior Leader are executive-level group coaching sessions in between immersions.
WHEN & WHERE? Join us in Chicago, Illinois, this April 29-May 2, 2025, for the Powerful Teams immersion, or in Denver, Colorado, this coming October 20-23, 2025, for the Vibrant Organizations immersion.
COST? $200 to register and $1750 per immersion. Travel and lodging costs are on your own.WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY? Call Raechel at 630-795-9747!
by Beth Schult, Africa Development Leader
