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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
5 Things I Got Right as a Leader
By: Jock Ficken
Gail and I served in a Chicago-area congregation for 25 years. We arrived on the 125th anniversary. Left at the 150th anniversary. I already shared 5 Things I Wish I had Learned Sooner and My 5 Biggest Mistakes. Here are 5 things we got right as leaders: 1 – LOVED THE PEOPLE. We listened to the stories. Lots … Continue reading
How About Crazy Hope
By: Jock Ficken
Leaders need hope to lead and venture forward and navigate change…hope to enter into new mission territory. No hope? No action! And the bad news is that harsh realities crush hope! I think it’s one of the reasons that leaders consistently are impacted by any of the PLI learning communities because they experience… New Hope that leads to … Continue reading
My 5 Biggest Mistakes
By: Jock Ficken
Last week I shared 5 things I wish I had learned sooner. Here are my 5 biggest mistakes as a congregational leader: 1 – INVEST IN LEADERS. I didn’t consistently invest in leaders. Didn’t disciple them to be better women and men who followed Jesus. Better leaders. More character and faith. Greater competency. I encouraged … Continue reading
5 Things I Wish I Had Learned Sooner as a Leader
By: Jock Ficken
Here are 5 Things I Wish I Had Learned Sooner as a Congregational Leader: “Leadership Essentials is the first place in my entire life I saw a healthy way to deal with conflict.” – Leader in New England “What you celebrate you accelerate.” Here are Three Questions… Which of the 5 did you learn quicker … Continue reading
Celebrate True Freedom
By: Jock Ficken
As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, remember and celebrate where true freedom comes from: Christ crucified and resurrected. God’s blessings to you on this holiday weekend!
BLESS People and Turn Unlived Aspirations into Action
By: Jock Ficken
Leaders cast visions of everyone being everyday missionaries. Truth be told? Most leaders struggle to do it. Most people don’t have a clue how to do it. Here’s a great model to turn unlived aspiration into action…for everyone. Easy to remember. Easy to start practicing. Teach it. Practice it. Ask people to regularly tell stories … Continue reading
5 Facts about Congregational Leaders
By: Jock Ficken
Five facts about congregational leaders. Most leaders overestimate what can be accomplished in 3 months and underestimate what can be accomplished in 3 years. Most leaders avoid the single, large, “this we must do” challenge and distract themselves with familiar, sometimes unproductive work. Most leaders could better connect with unchurched people by inviting them into … Continue reading
Refresh
By: Sarah Greiner
Summer provides a space to pursue a different life rhythm. Think about being intentional about rest this summer by creating some margin. This unhurried time with nothing on the schedule frees you up to start new rhythms of refreshment. Use the following lists to help you plan your times of rest. Make rest a priority … Continue reading
What if You Sent off a Couple R & D Pioneers?
By: Jock Ficken
Most churches are trying to preserve what they have. Trying to avoid losing ground too quickly. Even though they know that continuing to do what they’ve been doing is not going to get them to where they need to go! They keep trying to marshal the energies to maintain. (I did this in our multi-campus … Continue reading
Quick + Crowd = Greatest Impact?
By: Jock Ficken
What’s the quickest way to the greatest impact? For the sake of the Mission of God? Maybe “quickest” and “greatest” are not compatible when it comes to impact. Leaders often equate “quickest” plus “crowd” with “greatest impact.” Particularly if “crowd” was modified with larger or bigger! There’s a growing uneasiness among leaders with this equation: … Continue reading
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