I wholeheartedly believe that the leaders taking place in these conversations are the minority. But it doesn’t always appear that way to a watching world. Here’s the truth: When we get caught up on differences that really don’t matter in the long-run, we are limiting our effectiveness for ministry.
Practical Leadership Content for Small and Midsize Churches
Real guidance for pastors navigating the challenges of everyday ministry.
Leading a small or midsize church comes with unique pressures. From burnout and soul care to church strategy and team development, our articles and podcast guides address the issues church leaders face every week.
Easter Prep Series: 95Podcast 331 Summary – After Easter: A Simple Follow-Up Plan That Builds Real Disciples (w/ Vick Green)
What happens after Easter matters. In this episode, Vick Green shares a practical approach to follow-up and discipleship for small and mid-size churches:…
Stop Recruiting in a Panic: A Better Volunteer Strategy for Churches
It’s also fair to point out that some pastors secretly want to have as many people hear them preach every week as possible. They have a “felt need” to have their emotional tank filled by having folks listen to them speak. Yet, if you study the New Testament, then you know it clearly says our primary focus should be on equipping versus educating those in our care.
Easter Prep Series: 95Podcast 330 Summary – Praying for Easter: A Simple Plan to Rally Volunteers, Reach Guests, and Build Momentum – Episode 330
In this fourth installment of the Easter Prep Series, Dale Sellers and Joseph Bennett talk about why prayer cannot be…
“If Only You Had Been Here”: What Mary’s Disappointment Teaches Us About Trusting Jesus
It’s possible for you and I to arrive at a place just like Mary. Previous experience begins to cloud our ability to see beyond the here and now. But I believe Jesus has so much more for us as we diligently seek Him.
Easter Prep Series: 95Podcast Summary: Sermon Prep for Pastors: Process, Feedback Loops, and Boundaries That Keep You Healthy (w/ Kevin Robison) – Episode 329
In Episode 329 of the 95 Podcast, Dale Sellers and Joseph Bennett interview lead pastor Kevin Robison about building a…
How To Know When It’s Time To Quit (or Stay) in Ministry: 3 Questions to Ask
“If Jesus called you to start. If Jesus didn’t tell you to quit. And you if you want to honor Him by obeying what He’s asked you to do then you best need to stay with what you’re doing. Or else, you will come to a place in your life that you’ll have to start all over again. However, you’ll just be further behind.”
Easter Prep Series: 95Podcast 328 Summary – Easter Church Planning: Authentic Communication Over Production with Leah Norton from Fishhook – Episode 328
Anticipate visitor questions before they arrive: Where do I park? What door do I use? What about my kids? What should I wear? Answer these clearly on your website and communications.
Why Is It Always My Fault? Responsibility vs. Shame: Why Pastors Blame Themselves When Things Go Wrong
If “it must be my fault” is your default setting, you are not alone. You are also not stuck. Freedom starts when you begin to ask better questions: What am I actually responsible for? What am I not responsible for? And what does God say is true right here?
Easter Prep Series: 95Podcast 327 Summary – Preparing Your Church Volunteers for Easter: Expert Training Tips from Mary Ann Sibley on Building Mission-Focused Teams
In this practical episode of the 95 Podcast, Dale Sellers and Joseph sit down with volunteer expert Mary Ann Sibley…
The Power of Words: How Negative Words Cripple Your Leadership (And What to Do About It)
Perhaps the words spoken into your soul continue speaking to you today. The fact is that your father, mother, coach, teacher, boss, pastor, or other authority figure thought he or she was helping you reach your potential. He thought he was making you a better person. She was probably just doing to you what had been done to her. Whatever the reasoning of those people, they most likely have no idea the effect their words had on you.
95Podcast 326 Summary – From Trauma to Triumph: Josh Clink on Pastoral Health, Counseling, and Soul Care – Episode 326
Most pastors carry father wounds (known or unknown) that shape how they relate to God as Father; healing requires naming shortcomings, connecting unmet desires to Scripture, and experiencing God’s personal care.
