by Rev. Dr. Ben Haupt

Over the last month, I had the distinct opportunity to spend a ton of time with the retiring Executive Leader of PLI, Jock Ficken. He and I decided it would be helpful for him to introduce me to some key partners in PLI’s mission. So, Jock and I hit the road. Right at the beginning of July we traveled east, and last week we went west. Each time we traveled separately to our first location, but then we had several multi-hour drives and meals together. Even though it was a load of travel, it was an absolute blast!

What made it so much fun was that Jock and I had conversations about so many things. We talked work, we talked family, we talked hobbies, and we talked ministry strategy. Jock and his wife, Gail, led PLI so well for many years, and so I was very eager to ask all sorts of questions. To Jock’s credit, he not only humored my questions but provided loads of wisdom. At the end of some marathon travel, we accomplished the mission of introducing me to some key partners, but in the process of traveling together, I also just learned a ton from Jock. I figured it would be a good time, but I had no idea the wealth of wisdom I would get from spending all that windshield time and airport time with such a learned leader.

Through my years of ministry, I have had the privilege of learning from loads of learned leaders. Sometimes they have sought me out, and at other times I was so far in over my head that I grasped for them out of desperation. Every time, though, I came away with loads of new wisdom for the leadership situation to which the Lord has called me.

So, who are you learning from these days?

Any way you could find an excuse to catch some windshield or airport time with a learned leader? Talk about work, talk about family, talk about hobbies, talk about ministry strategy. There is always someone a little more learned (whether in book smarts or life smarts) than you that the Lord has placed into your life as a gift. PLI has a whole network of wise leaders who love to pour into other leaders. If we can be of help, let us know!