With an estimated 160,000 pastoral transitions approaching in the next decade, many churches are unprepared—not because leaders don’t care, but because they’ve never built intentional pathways to develop the next generation.

In this episode of the 95 Podcast, Dale sits down with Dave Miller and Kristin Miller from Leadership Pathway for a practical and timely conversation about leadership development and succession in the local church. Dave and Kristin unpack why most succession plans fail before they start, how churches can move beyond using young leaders as “cheap labor,” and what it looks like to create environments that want more for leaders than from them.

Drawing from a “teaching hospital” model, the conversation explores how structured, 24-month residency programs can form healthy, capable leaders through coaching, spiritual formation, ownership, and consistent developmental conversations. They also address one of the most overlooked barriers to leadership multiplication: overwhelmed middle managers who were never developed themselves. Along the way, Dave and Kristin share candid insights on building systems that multiply leaders—and sustaining a healthy marriage while serving together in ministry.

Dave Miller served as a Worship and Creative Arts Pastor at churches in Las Vegas, Central KY, and Western MI has spent the last fifteen years on the go helping churches on a variety of topics from strategy to technology and facility redesign. He’s most passionate, however, about helping young leaders take their healthiest first steps into ministry. He’s an avid cyclist, Cincinnati Reds fan, and “Poppi” to Jamie & Benny.

Kristin Miller previously served on staff at churches in Denver overseeing Operations, First Impressions, and Global/Local Outreach. She’s also recruited students to ministry as an Admissions Director. She’s passionate about equipping young leaders to pave the way for others to meet Jesus. As the co-founder of LP, she keeps the big picture in mind. She’s a foodie, loves to cook and entertain with friends and family, and is a fan of words but can’t seem to find many who will play Scrabble with her!