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.
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Interested in how PLI can impact your ministry? We'd love to get to know you and learn how we can empower your ministry.
Blog
Meet a Champion for Young Pastors and Spouses
By: Jock Ficken
Today I want to look at the formation of young pastors and spouses, after three weeks of looking at how two PLI pastors prepared for and finished well, the incredible … Continue reading
Leading While Leaving: An Interview with Mark Zehnder
By: Jock Ficken
Mark and Sharon Zehnder have been longtime champions of PLI. Mentors. Donors. Sharon was on staff for some years. Mark served as senior pastor in Omaha, Nebraska, for many years … Continue reading
Building a Foundation that Will Live On
By: Jock Ficken
PLI has always placed a high value on a husband and wife learning together. Last week we listened in on the transition to retirement of Pastor Steve Sohns and Pastor … Continue reading
Some Wisdom on Retirement for Leaders Who Aren’t Ready to Retire
By: Jock Ficken
Back in 2022 I shared a TED talk about the four stages of retirement and the things that those who aren’t ready to retire can still learn. I admit that … Continue reading
The Christmas Two-Thirds
By: Jock Ficken
I just read that for two-thirds of us, our emotional health gets worse during the Christmas season. That would mean that two-thirds of the people you saw coming and going … Continue reading
2023 in Review
By: PLI Team
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you’re looking forward to a happy new year! While our team enjoys a week of rest, we invite you to review … Continue reading
Reflections on Retirement
By: Jock Ficken
By now you’ve seen PLI Board Chairman Lynn Thomsen’s announcement of my retirement in August 2024. I so much appreciate the caliber and character of PLI’s Board of Directors and … Continue reading
Keep On Loving One Another
By: Jock Ficken
I first wrote and shared these words several years ago, when wildfires were raging across the Northwest and hurricanes Harvey and Irma were battering the Gulf of Mexico and east … Continue reading
Nobody’s Nola: Where Ministry and Writing Meet in the Heart of a Pastor and Spouse
By: Jock Ficken
Ministry has been turned upside down over the last few years. COVID accelerated what was already in play. Some courageous, pioneering pastors are asking the hard questions of what it … Continue reading
Would You Join Me in Taking a Step Forward?
By: Jock Ficken
It’s not too late to make a PLI gift for Giving Tuesday! Most of PLI’s Learning Communities in the United States and around the globe are wrapping up for … Continue reading