The PLI Experience: Stories from the PLI Family

Rev. Michael Eckelkamp and his wife Bernardine have been involved in PLI in a variety of ways, from participating in Leadership Essentials and Senior Leader, to coaching, mentoring, hosting immersions, and raising funds for hosting. They currently live in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he serves as the Executive Director of Ministries at Christ Lutheran Church. Mentoring is a passion of his, and he actively mentors pastors and community leaders across the U.S. In his free time, he enjoys reading, swimming, playing pickleball, and cheering on the University of Nebraska Huskers.

Bernardine has been a steadfast partner through his journey, and she has also served in PLI by mentoring, leading Learning Communities, and being a cheerleader for all things PLI! Together, they’ve raised three children and now delight in spoiling their four grandchildren.

Why did you decide to do PLI? 

I was searching for a structured program that would provide the tools and knowledge to enhance my ministry. What I discovered, however, was so much more than a mere program. I found a permission-giving, healthy, and challenging environment that invited me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. This environment encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of my faith and leadership.

This transformative experience has profoundly impacted my journey. It has taught me to love God more deeply, to extend that love to others, and importantly, to love myself. The support and encouragement I received allowed me to see the value in self-care and personal growth, which in turn has made me a more effective and compassionate leader. The lessons learned and the relationships built through PLI have been invaluable, shaping not only my ministry but also my personal life in meaningful and lasting ways.

How did your PLI experience shape you as a leader?

Understanding that the pastor is like the hinge of a door is crucial. While the hinge itself isn’t the door, a healthy hinge is essential for the door to function properly. Just as a door cannot open and close smoothly without a well-functioning hinge, a pastor provides support, guidance, and stability. The pastor’s role is vital in ensuring that the church operates harmoniously and effectively, facilitating the movement and growth for the sake of God’s mission.

A true mark of a great leader isn’t someone who can do the work of ten people, but someone who can inspire and empower ten people to do their best work. Leadership is not about carrying the entire load alone; it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where each person feels valued and motivated to contribute their unique gifts and talents. By delegating responsibilities and trusting others to take on tasks, a leader, by the Holy Spirit, multiplies their impact and achieves far more than they could on their own.

Leadership thrives on trust, and you can only lead as fast as the trust you build with your team. When team members trust their leader, they are more likely to be open, honest, and willing to take risks. This trust creates a positive and productive atmosphere where all can confidently express their ideas and work together towards common goals. Building and maintaining trust requires consistency, integrity, and genuine care for the well-being of others. As trust grows, so does the potential for collective achievement and success.

What are two takeaways from your time in PLI that have stayed with you?

It’s important to remember that the church does not belong to me—it belongs to Jesus. As a pastor, I am merely a steward of His church, and I must live in the same grace that I share with others. This grace is a gift we all receive, and it guides our interactions and relationships.

Secondly, when it comes to conflict, it’s best to address it quickly. Conflict, while often uncomfortable, is an opportunity for meaningful change in the interest of the mission of God. By facing it head-on, we can transform challenges into growth and strengthen our bonds with one another.

I keep these reminders, that I learned from PLI, posted on my office door:

Maintain poise

Exude confidence

Quell fears

Keep a steady course

Remind each other of agreed upon goals

What is God teaching you right now? 

As a Christian, I firmly believe that God does extraordinary things through ordinary people. Throughout the Bible and in our everyday lives, we see countless examples of how God uses seemingly ordinary individuals to accomplish His divine purposes. Whether it’s Moses, a shepherd who led his people to freedom, or Mary, a young woman chosen to be the mother of Jesus, God delights in working through those who may seem insignificant by worldly standards. This truth is incredibly encouraging because it means that no matter how ordinary we may feel, God will work in and through us in remarkable ways. We are instruments of His love, grace, and transformation in the world. It’s a reminder that our limitations do not hinder God’s limitless ability to work through us.