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About


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.

Learn


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.

Join


Interested in how PLI can impact your ministry? We'd love to get to know you and learn how we can empower your ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions

PLI…WHAT’S THAT MEAN?

When PLI began, the initials stood for Pastoral Leadership Institute. However, as times changed, PLI adapted with the changing culture. PLI trains and invests in multiplying missional leaders – pastors for sure, but also spouses and leaders from congregations – so Pastoral wasn’t quite capturing the essence of PLI. And, PLI teachings focus not only on leadership, but also mission and discipleship – so Leadership didn’t fully explain PLI either. And, finally Institute – PLI is more of a movement to equip today’s pastors, spouses and key leaders to reach people for Jesus. PLI used to mean Pastoral Leadership Institute but now it stands for so much more that we are simply PLI.

FINANCES

  • My congregation is paying for my participation. When will my congregation be billed? 
    Invoices are sent prior to each immersion and clarify payments and corresponding due dates.

  • What does it cost to participate in Leadership Essentials?
    Tuition includes a $200 registration fee and $1,750 per immersion (per couple). Included in the tuition costs are immersion experiences and subsequent coaching.

  • What does it cost to participate in D2MC?
    Tuition includes a $500 registration fee and varies based on team size (see below).

              Team of 4 – $2,000 per immersion
              Team of 6 – $3,000 per immersion
              Team of 8 – $4,000 per immersion

  • What does it cost to participate in Senior Leader?
    Tuition includes a $200 registration fee and $1,750 per immersion.

  • What does it cost to participate in 1,000 Young Leaders?
    Tuition includes a $100 registration fee and $50 per month per person for the 10 month duration.

  • Is there financial assistance available?
    Yes! PLI does offer grants. Please don’t allow finances to be a barrier–we’re thankful to our many donors which place a great value on the experience. Please contact Raechel and she would be more than happy to speak with you about how we might be able to alleviate some financial concern. (email: raechel@plileadership.org or call 630.795.9747)

  • What does my tuition cover? 
    Your tuition covers the immersions and ongoing coaching. We leave the rest up to you. Congregations typically cover the tuition as well as additional costs as a way to care for and invest in their pastoral couple.

  • If I pay by check, where should I send my payment? 
    P.O. Box 972, Wheaton, IL 60187-0972

    Please write “tuition payment”, your name and the name of your Learning Community on the memo line.

TIME COMMITMENT

  • I’m not sure I have time to add one more thing to my already overloaded schedule. What is the time commitment of the Learning Community? 
    “PLI will actually help lessen your load by helping you learn to raise up and release lay leaders on your team to carry the mission forward. I went from spending six evenings a week doing ministry to only spending two evenings a week, pouring into leaders who poured into others giving me more time to be present for my family, which is a blessing.” – Eric Johnson, PLI Alumni

    Senior Leader – In preparation for each immersion, we typically assign 3-5 reading assignments and follow-up action is assigned to work on applying the material for the subsequent 5 months.

    Leadership Essentials – In preparation for each immersion, several readings are assigned to help prepare for the immersion topic. Additionally, monthly online coaching (75 mins. each) will help process the content and implement action steps.

  • Would my spouse be involved in every immersion? 
    PLI places a high value on the spouse being held up, esteemed and equipped as the people that God has made and called them to be in their own lives, marriages and ministry—whatever that looks like. We also treat each couple as a unique ministry team. The learning you share greatly benefits your marriage, family and mission together. If the spouse is unable to come to the actual immersion, he or she is still very much invited to receive coaching. 

  • I’m not married. Is PLI for me? 
    YES! PLI focuses on each leader’s unique context. The principles of leadership, discipleship and mission that are taught can be applied to any context. Through immersions and regular coaching, relationships, friendships, and community are built. Single or married, you are part of the PLI family!

  • What about the kids?
    You and your marriage will be so blessed by the time away together, so we ask that you please leave your children at home. Ask family or friends to help cover caretaking during your time at immersion. If you have a little one under a year old, we know it probably is best to bring them with you—just know that you will find lots of adopted aunties and uncles for your baby in your cohort.

REGISTRATION

  • How do I register?
    Once we determine together that a specific learning community is a good fit for you and your spouse (if married), Raechel will send you a link to register. Included in the link is a Good Faith Agreement—in addition to explaining what you can expect to receive from PLI, the Good Faith Agreement gives you the opportunity to commit wholeheartedly to participate and honor the financial investment. The registration link will note the full amount of the tuition and will be spread out over your entire experience. Please pay the non-refundable registration fee as you register.

D2MC SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

  • What should I keep in mind as I consider who to ask to be on my D2MC team?
    Pray and invite people to join you who are walking with the Lord and demonstrate an authentic/relational character with others. Also, they have capacity in their life, meaning that they can join you in the immersions, walk alongside you as this unfolds slowly at your church. They need to not be so busy that they really can’t be a part of it. Think highly relational, highly trusted in your faith community, highly influential, passion for those who are far from God. Don’t worry about competency – meaning what skills in discipling and mission the person already has – that can be taught! Also, think of a person who already is a leader, already has people following them, gathering around them – even if they are not an official leader.

  • Who receives coaching in D2MC?
    For a team of 4 – pastor and spouse receive weekly coaching for a year, then every other week for a year. For a team of 6 – pastor and spouse, and one leader receive coaching. For a team of 8 – pastor and spouse and two others would receive coaching.

LEADERSHIP ESSENTIALS SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

  • Who gets coaching in Leadership Essentials?
    All participants would receive monthly coaching via video conference for the duration of the experience. Men are coached together and women are coached together.