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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Blog
10 Tips for Young Leaders
By: Jock Ficken
If God chooses to usher in a next great season of mission and vibrancy across U.S. churches, he likely will use the young leaders…the filled-with-the-Spirit Joshuas (Deut 34:9) of today. Here are 10 tips for young leaders: So… Pick out a couple of young leaders that you respect. Share this. Offer a word of encouragement. … Continue reading
Why not sneak FUN in the backdoor
By: Jock Ficken
Every high performing team that I’ve ever lead or experienced learned how to: Have FUN together, or Build COMMUNITY together, or CELEBRATE together or Do ALL THREE together, well. Here’s the reality: 80% of American churches are declining. Some are rapidly declining 16% of American churches are growing. 4% of American churches are reproducing… planting churches, adding … Continue reading
Nebo…Mount Nebo
By: Jock Ficken
The invincible walled city of Jericho was across the Jordan. Entry point to the Land Promised. Moses had lead the Israelites on the journey of a lifetime but he would not be leading there. This was it for Moses. Moses could see it. He just wouldn’t get to lead it. “Because you did not trust me … Continue reading
The 500 Faces of PLI
By: Gail Ficken
Meet some of the 500 leaders in PLI this year. Several weeks ago, you met some of the babies of PLI! A few more showed up in Chicago last week! This week I’d like to give you a snapshot of the women and men who gathered in our Learning Communities this spring…250 leaders in the … Continue reading
Facing Goliath in Saul’s Armor
By: Jock Ficken
Nearly 20 years ago Peter Drucker claimed that “successful careers are not planned. They develop when people are prepared for opportunities because they know their strengths, their method of work, and their values” (Harvard Business Review, March-April 1999, “Managing Oneself”). Many in this audience have careers in ministry or at least have parallel investments (they govern, they … Continue reading
To The Little Known Leader
By: Jock Ficken
Most ministry leaders are little known outside their local setting. Their fame is not widely traveled. Their stature is the product of wise decisions and godly behavior. They lead with character. They live with hope. They set their sights on what needs to get done…even when it’s difficult. No excuses! Just simple resolve. They shake … Continue reading
Prompting a New Paradigm
By: Jock Ficken
The catalyst for these comments: Lunch with a midwest LCMS district president and with a visionary pastor intent on seeing bunches of congregations more vibrant or vibrant again. The president recited a fairly long list of congregations that will not be able to afford a full time pastor when the current one (maybe poorly paid … Continue reading
Let Me Lead
By: Jock Ficken
It’s a bit hard to describe… A few weeks ago I started out the day with a clear sense that I was at the end of myself. I wasn’t desperate, or depressed, or disappointed. I was confident. But…empty. At the end of myself. The next few days would be big… A strategic collaboration with potential … Continue reading
Your Next Leadership Season Could Be Your Best
By: Jock Ficken
Remember when you… knew what you were passionate about? You’d give your life for it? Knew what you were good at? What gave you energy, even when you were tired? Knew the difference you could make? And then…something happened. Life… years… fuzzy focus… betrayal… bad experience. And as a result you find yourself… Not so … Continue reading
Outsourcing the Mission of God
By: Jock Ficken
Outsourcing. Lots of churches do it. PLI does it. Outsource certain functions to people or companies with greater expertise or specialization that can do a specific task in a better and usually more cost effective way. Bookkeeping, payroll, maintenance, branding, custodial services, printing, etc. Here’s an alarming reality: Most churches–most Christians–have outsourced the Mission of God! “We … Continue reading
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