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
4 Memories of Leading at Christmas Eve
By: Jock Ficken
A blessed Christmas Eve 2020! 2020 is its own unique adjective for Christmas this year. It’s an understatement to say that no matter where you are, celebrating the birth of … Continue reading
Proximity, Racial Injustice, Mission, and the Incarnation
By: Jock Ficken
Last month I read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It’s a compelling read. If you want your notions of racial injustice, poverty, and the criminal justice system challenged, Stevenson will … Continue reading
An Unreached Mission Field
By: Jock Ficken
In 2034, for the first time in U.S. history, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than children under the age of 18. (My friend, Dr. Mike … Continue reading
Tap Into Some New Ideas
By: Jock Ficken
Can I offer a word of encouragement and an idea going into Thanksgiving and Christmas? Because… Let me suggest “Idea Parties” at your church. Keep it light and fun! The … Continue reading
Gathered and Scattered
By: Jock Ficken
Remember when we all shut down and scattered back in March…for two weeks? Remember when whatever it is that you lead adjusted…adapted…zoomed…went online…got creative? And remember when you started talking … Continue reading
Letting Go of the Single Voice to Reach the Many
By: Jock Ficken
Many of you know that I grew up in suburban Washington, D.C. Our neighbors changed based on who was ushered in by the most recent presidential election. To say that … Continue reading
3 Fundamental Problems Facing the Christian Church in the U.S.
By: Jock Ficken
Last year, pre-pandemic, we proposed that the 2030 church landscape in the U.S. will look dramatically different—mostly gone as we’ve known it! You can download the epub or a PDF. There are … Continue reading
A Picture of Urban Ministry
By: Jock Ficken
Dan Czaplewski continues the conversation from last week about urban ministry, systemic racism, activity in the city, etc. Tell me about bringing Ben Piering on your staff as community minister … Continue reading
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