Things I Learned at PLI

PLI stands for Pastoral Leadership Institute. It's a leadership organization within our Lutheran church body that trains pastors and their wives in leadership . . . more specifically missional leadership. And that's where we were last week . . . in San Antonio for our first conference. PLI is a four year committment. We'll spend four years at conferences, visiting other churches, at retreats, and on a overseas mission trip. All these things happen within a small group called a collegial group. Ours is pictured below:)

Jehoshaphat (JPhat) Class of 2009

Now onto what I learned at PLI

1. My heart and my brain needed a fill up. First, the heart side of things. Being in Texas makes me happy. We spent one of the best years of our married life in Texas on our internship, and being there is like being wrapped in a big bear hug. I am well aware that that sounds a little crazy, but I love Texas. I love the weather, I love that complete strangers act like they have known you forever, I love the music, I love the food. I just love it, and it reminds me of the time we spent there. I also love that we got to see some dear friends, and it does my heart lots of good to connect with them again. Below is a picture of us with Scott and Kate--some good friends from college.

2. The way I look at ministry has completely changed. Before the conference, we had to read the book, The Present Future by Reggie McNeal. This book blew my mind, but it also confirmed some of my frustrations in ministry and made me think about how we approach ministry. The ideas in this book were the basis for the conference as well. Basically (and in my opinion), the way many churches "do church" is too inclusive. Our culture is changing, and church is no longer a club that we belong too because people don't want to belong to that club anymore. People love Jesus, but they don't like the church. We can't live in the church bubble anymore and expect to attract people with our awesome programs and incredible music. We have to go to them. That means that we have to step out of our comfort zone and have real relationships with people outside of church and not live comfortably in our club. It also requires an element of service to those in need in our community, and this is a big area where I feel I have failed.

I've always had this nagging in my head about this church club idea. Many of the activities I've been involved in have been "club" activities. Women's Bible study, retreats, Halloween activities. And while it's important to do those things and be surrounded by other believers, I am completely missing the serving others part in my life. That's got to change. I am not sure how yet, but I have been convicted of that.

3. In my life right now, my primary ministry is to my husband and my kids. You all might think that this is obvious--what wife wouldn't pay attention to her husband and kids? I do, but sometimes, I put too much on my plate and don't always put them first. Sometimes I put friends or activities first, and my family suffers. But I am called to them--to support Nate in his ministry and to raise our girls to be happy, healthy girls who have hearts that love God.

So there you have it. PLI rocked my world in a good way. I am SO looking forward to the next four years and beyond.