The PLI Experience: Stories from the PLI Family
Tardelli Voss and his wife Diani live in San Diego, California. They are PLI alumni, and have served as PLI International trainers and are currently Leadership Essentials trainers. In San Diego, Tardelli serves as the Missionary Director of the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego. He works closely with various churches in San Diego County and Tijuana, helping them to recruit and equip local missionaries and to start new ministries to reach unreached people in our communities. Alongside Diani, who is Missions Coordinator at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Pacific Beach, San Diego, they are both engaged in the place God called them to serve. They are blessed with three children: Nina (11), Benjamin (10) and Sara (6).
Why did you decide to do PLI?
We decided to do PLI to grow deeper as followers of Jesus and to develop as leaders who could serve our church and community. We saw PLI as an opportunity to learn new ways to connect with people and to lead ministries that impact lives in a meaningful way.
How did your PLI experience shape you as a follower of Jesus?
PLI grounded us in humility and trust in Christ. Through the training, I learned to embrace God’s calling in my life with a servant’s heart, and to keep Jesus at the center of everything I do.
How did your PLI experience shape you as a leader?
PLI has profoundly shaped me as a leader by helping me know myself on a deeper level. It was like PLI held up a mirror, allowing me to see my essence, strengths, and even the areas where I could grow. Through this journey of self-awareness, I learned to lead from within, embracing the unique gifts God has given me. This approach has helped me lead with greater confidence, purpose, and integrity, grounding my leadership in who I am rather than in expectations or external pressures.
What is a take-away from your time in PLI that has stayed with you?
One enduring takeaway from my time in PLI is leading and discipling through relationships. I’ve learned that “relationships are the bridge to discipleship,” and that “discipleship isn’t a program; it’s a relationship.” This perspective has reshaped my ministry approach, helping me see that effective leadership starts with genuine relationships. Building trust, listening, and walking alongside others have become the foundation for how I lead.
Share a story of a hope-filled outcome of reaching out into your local context and community. Where do you see God at work?
In San Diego, it has been a blessing to witness the way God is raising up new leaders and sending them into the harvest. It’s inspiring to see so many people with a heart for ministry and a genuine willingness to be discipled and trained. God has brought together a vibrant, diverse group of individuals who are eager to grow in their faith and answer His call to serve.
Tell me about your experience training and coaching in PLI. What are you seeing in the people you’re working with?
We both serve as trainers for PLI, having worked with the International program since 2016 and the National program starting in 2023. In this role, we see people finding courage to step into new ministry challenges, discovering fresh ways to serve, and experiencing the joy of being part of a supportive learning community. It’s inspiring to witness leaders becoming more confident in their calling and to see the positive impact they bring to their churches.
What is God teaching you right now?
God is teaching me to rely on Him more deeply, especially in times of transition and challenge.
Anything else you want to share about your PLI experience?
PLI has been a transformative journey for both Diani and me. It has enriched our ministry and allowed us to be part of a community that prioritizes spiritual growth, encouragement, and genuine connection. We’re grateful for the chance to pass these lessons on to others and to see God at work through their lives.
