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Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory

Published: 11/20/2007

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Grace and peace to you in the Name of the One who calls us all the “Beloved.”

Every good pastor looks for ways to improve and grow in ministry. Systematically reflecting on one’s strengths and weaknesses and seeking feedback from others are important means of strengthening one’s leadership.  A new 360º leadership assessment tool for pastors is available to help you do just that.

I am pleased to announce that pastors in our conference will have the opportunity to take the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI) free of charge as part of the field testing of this new instrument.  The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary has designed the LPLI to assess how a pastor sees his or her strengths and weaknesses and how they are seen by “observers” familiar with a pastor’s work.  Using online questionnaires, the LPLI process integrates self-appraisal with the feedback of others.

The LPLI was formulated by compiling standards of effectiveness developed across many conferences and identifying common elements. A first pilot version was field tested in 2006-2007 with over 500 clergy, including all the members of the Central Pennsylvania Conference. You can learn more about the LPLI by going to

http://www.churchleadership.com/resources/lpliabout2007.htm.

Participants receive a personalized, confidential report that provides a snapshot of their overall effectiveness and pinpoints individual strengths and weaknesses. If you take the LPLI, your report will be released only to you.  Our conference will receive a composite report only.

If you would like to take the LPLI, please go to the website and provide your name and email.  You will hear from the Lewis Center with instructions on how to get started with the process.

I am delighted in the fact that spiritual leadership is the #1 focus of our annual conference and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to grow in ministry.  By participating you will not only strengthen your own ministry but you will contribute to the development of this instrument for the good of the whole church.

Grace and Peace,
      

Bishop Violet L. Fisher