About
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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Interested in how PLI can impact your ministry? We'd love to get to know you and learn how we can empower your ministry.
Blog
Leading in an Urban Community
By: Jock Ficken
I recently interviewed Rev. Dr. Dan Czaplewski about leading in the urban community of Milwaukee. Over the last 30-40 years 55 Lutheran churches have closed in Milwaukee. Today, Mt. Calvary … Continue reading
Lessons for the Church…from the Geese
By: Jock Ficken
Did you ever think you’d be getting leadership lessons from geese? “Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to up their speed. It is … Continue reading
Book Review: Maximizing Board Effectiveness
By: Jock Ficken
Maximizing Board EffectivenessBy James C. Galvin This is a masterful piece of work by Dr. Galvin. This is by far the best book I have ever read on board governance. As the … Continue reading
Meet Young Leaders Alex and Rachel
By: Jock Ficken
Gail recently sat down to record an interview with two gifted young leaders to share with our advisory board. Alex Stoll works in corporate finance and is completing 1,000 Young … Continue reading
The Muddled Mess of Leadership
By: Jock Ficken
I have three simple thoughts today for our COVID-19 world and the muddled mess of leading a congregation! So, for you, dear leader in the PLI family! This is no … Continue reading
Mike Newman: The 1918 Flu Pandemic, Today’s COVID-19 and the Future of the Church
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Michael Newman. Mike currently serves as president of the LCMS Texas District. He’s the author of the excellent book Gospel DNA: Five … Continue reading
God will Equip Us – An Interview with Bob Newton
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Dr. Robert Newton. Missionary. Seminary Professor. Pastor. Bible scholar. Denominational executive. We laughed and lamented. Bob shared wisdom and biblical insight as … Continue reading
11 Things Church Leaders are Getting Right in COVID-19
By: Jock Ficken
COVID-19 is no longer an interruption. It’s a disruption of everything. Church. Education. Economy. Government. Disruption. No bump in the road. Church experts are gone. Those that claim to be … Continue reading
Review: The Emotionally Healthy Leader
By: Jock Ficken
by Rev. Dr. Michael A.L. Eckelkamp In order to review Peter Scazzero’s The Emotionally Healthy Leader, please allow me to share the illustration of a single-person sailboat. I present two … Continue reading
It’s All About Discipleship: An Interview with Kenton Birtell
By: Jock Ficken
I recently sat down with Pastor Kenton Birtell in Holdrege, NE, to talk about life, ministry, COVID-19 and reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus. Kenton and his wife Linda … Continue reading