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 Young Leaders Alex and Rachel
By: Jock Ficken
Gail recently sat down to record an interview with two gifted young leaders to share with our advisory board. Alex Stoll works in corporate finance and is completing 1,000 Young … Continue reading
The Muddled Mess of Leadership
By: Jock Ficken
I have three simple thoughts today for our COVID-19 world and the muddled mess of leading a congregation! So, for you, dear leader in the PLI family! This is no … Continue reading
Mike Newman: The 1918 Flu Pandemic, Today’s COVID-19 and the Future of the Church
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 … Continue reading
God will Equip Us – An Interview with Bob Newton
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 … Continue reading
11 Things Church Leaders are Getting Right in COVID-19
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 … Continue reading
Review: The Emotionally Healthy Leader
By: Jock Ficken
by Rev. Dr. Michael A.L. Eckelkamp In order to review Peter Scazzero’s The Emotionally Healthy Leader, please allow me to share the illustration of a single-person sailboat. I present two … Continue reading
It’s All About Discipleship: An Interview with Kenton Birtell
By: Jock Ficken
I recently sat down with Pastor Kenton Birtell in Holdrege, NE, to talk about life, ministry, COVID-19 and reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus. Kenton and his wife Linda … Continue reading
Don’t Let COVID-19 Control Your Church’s Future
By: Jock Ficken
It’s difficult not to! Right? To not let COVID-19 control your church’s future? We get it. It’s overwhelming. We get bad news coupled with confusing signals. It creates uncertainty. And … Continue reading
The 7 Hope Killers of a Leader
By: Jock Ficken
Leadership hope is being tested these days. Leaders and congregations can overcome all manner of obstacles and take on the greatest of challenges when hope burns bright. Be strong and … Continue reading
7 Emerging Benefits of the Lighter Backpack
By: Jock Ficken
Thanks! We know you’ve been running hard. Dealing with fatigue! Balancing worlds that don’t balance well. Last week Mark Teike pointed us forward on the journey toward understanding and acting … Continue reading