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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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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.
Resources
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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Blog
Discipleship in Uncertain Times: An Interview with Sarah and Micah Greiner
By: Jock Ficken
Several years ago, as Gail and I would give updates at PLI learning communities, we would challenge leaders that the church in America needs pioneers. Leaders who are willing to dare and try and risk with no confidence that the outcome will be preferred. Leaders who are willing to experiment for the sake of the … Continue reading
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
Stating the Obvious about Discipleship Today
By: Jock Ficken
Nehemiah stated the obvious: The walls are broken down. Jerusalem is at risk.Noah stated the obvious: Repent; it’s going to rain.Nebuchadnezzar stated the obvious: I’ve got the world by the tail. (But it was a short-sighted assessment that led to his demise.) Here’s my attempt at stating the obvious about discipleship in today’s churches. Most … Continue reading
4 Lepers Find New Places
By: Jock Ficken
Here are 3 different leadership postures: Our church is fine. We just need to get back to normal. We’ll be fine. Culture has permanently changed. We need to get members to volunteer to be disciples sent into the mission field. Culture has permanently changed. Recruiting volunteers to be disciples is a failed plan! I need … 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
Book Review: Gasping for Breath
By: Jock Ficken
John Busacker started blessing PLI even before PLI began. Thanks to his insight and input, PLI’s unique investment in leaders was shaped. John has taught “Leadership from Within” to thousands of leaders in the U.S., and he’s also partnered with Dr. Scott Rische, our international director, to train leaders in South Korea, Hong Kong, Latvia, … Continue reading
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