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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By: Sherrah Behrens
Is pandemic conflict and uncertainty making you feel inadequate? Insecure? Let’s be honest. Pandemic conflict and uncertainty is taking a toll on the best of congregational leaders. Hope is maybe on the way but it’s still a ways away…if you’re thinking vaccines. You’ve probably identified with Elijah’s “I’m the only one left.” OR Abraham’s “Sovereign … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Can I offer a word of encouragement and an idea going into Thanksgiving and Christmas? Because… It’s tough to be a leader now. You’re tired! Are you discouraged, too? Let me suggest “Idea Parties” at your church. Keep it light and fun! The next great idea for the future of your congregation almost certainly won’t … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Michael Newman. Mike currently serves as president of the LCMS Texas District. He’s the author of the excellent book Gospel DNA: Five Markers of a Flourishing Church. We each served wonderful Chicagoland congregations an hour apart some years ago. Mike, church leaders are trying to gain some … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Dr. Robert Newton. Missionary. Seminary Professor. Pastor. Bible scholar. Denominational executive. We laughed and lamented. Bob shared wisdom and biblical insight as it relates to our current environment. Bob, let’s start with some perspective. What do you see happening in the world right now? What’s going on … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
COVID-19 is no longer an interruption. It’s a disruption of everything. Church. Education. Economy. Government. Disruption. No bump in the road. Church experts are gone. Those that claim to be are mere pretenders. Crises eliminate experts. Here are 11 things church leaders like you are doing and getting right. They: Make decisions for today…not forever. … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Almost a year ago I wrote “The 5 Courage Killers” below. Some of the people in your church probably won’t be coming back to the church…soon. Others will be in a mad rush to get back to “everything’s normal.” Just to feel “normal”… Good or bad. Just Normal. You’re in a tough spot as a … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
Let’s be brief this week… Here are 4 Simple and Important Steps in Leading Your Leaders Celebrate What You’ve Accomplished in the Last Two Months! You’re doing things today that you didn’t know how to spell let alone do two months ago. Make a list. Celebrate. Smile and tell each other you never would have … Continue reading
By: Gail & Jock Ficken
Thanks for Leading! Last week Gail and I shared the 6 questions you and your congregational leaders need to be asking to do more with less in the coming season. These two assumptions inform the two opportunities below! Assumption #1 – The Corona Virus might have a quick cure but there’s a high probability that … Continue reading
By: Gail & Jock Ficken
COVID-19/post COVID-19 will have far reaching effects on your church: It will create more opportunities for Kingdom impact. It will result in less resources to do it. It might be over in a few weeks or months…but it won’t be over. It will make decisions for you if you don’t decide to act first. It … Continue reading
By: Jock Ficken
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 During times of uncertainty and crisis, churches have a greater need for gifted, confident leadership! Welcome to the party…as a gifted, confident leader! (Or better said, as a group of gifted, … Continue reading
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