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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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Blog
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 and director of youth. Ben is great. He had just joined us when the riots occurred here in Milwaukee in 2016. The next morning he … 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 is a vibrant church and school a few blocks from the location of the 2016 riots in Milwaukee. Here’s part one of two offerings. Dan, … 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 important that honking from behind be seen as encouraging. Otherwise, it is just—well—honking.” Dr. Robert McNeish Here are three thoughts: Thought #1— Leadership got decidedly … Continue reading
Book Review: Maximizing Board Effectiveness
By: Todd Moritz
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 executive director or chief executive of large not-for-profits over 20 years, I have read many books – and annually would take my boards through continuing … 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 Leaders. Rachel Stathakis leads the children’s ministry at her church in Hales Corners, WI, and is wrapping up Leadership Essentials. They recently got engaged and … 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! There’s a deep longing to go back to what used to be, to put it all behind us and return to normal. We want to escape the anxiety and ambiguity and go back to what we used … Continue reading
What are you Called to Become?
By: Jock Ficken
Once we come face to face with the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it prompts us to respond…to take selfless steps of our own. When we remember that we possess something in the person of Jesus Christ that can change the world, it shatters consumer mentality and we start to say: I’ll do whatever it … 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 Markers of a Flourishing Church. We each served wonderful Chicagoland congregations an hour apart some years ago. Mike, church leaders are trying to gain some … 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 it relates to our current environment. Bob, let’s start with some perspective. What do you see happening in the world right now? What’s going on … 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 are mere pretenders. Crises eliminate experts. Here are 11 things church leaders like you are doing and getting right. They: Make decisions for today…not forever. … Continue reading
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