Do You Have The Look?
In most instances, the pressure we feel is coming from the inside. But we keep pressing on, and the very joy of living gets sucked right out of us.
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.
In most instances, the pressure we feel is coming from the inside. But we keep pressing on, and the very joy of living gets sucked right out of us.
“The only way to fail at AI right now is to ignore it. You don’t have to love it, but you do have to understand it.”
I eventually realized the main issue for me was not really know where “there” was. Wherever it was, I knew that I hadn’t been able to find it.
From seeker‑driven to disciple‑making: why programming isn’t the engine anymore
When you find yourself stalled out, the best thing you can do is reach out for help.
Treat porn struggles like other care needs: combine prayer, accountability, software safeguards, and specialist therapy when needed.
“Move from a leadership mindset to a father mindset. You have many instructors but not many fathers.”
“If you hold on to unforgiveness, it turns into bitterness…and it permeates everything.”
“If we’re not helping people practice the Word, we’ve failed as disciple makers.”
“We’ve become very sophisticated in our Christianity—and sometimes our sophistication is the enemy of the simplicity of the gospel.”
95Network’s mission is to connect churches to health-building resources resulting in equipped leaders that equip. Our vision is to bring healthy change to every church in America.
Mistakes often go unnoticed by leaders but are evident to staff, volunteers, and others impacted by them. Poor leadership behaviors can cause severe collateral damage if they go unchecked. Find out how to identify them.

Discouraged. It’s how every leader has felt at one point or another when we want to be somewhere we’re not. Dale navigated his own experiences of disappointment in himself and uncovered key truths about leadership in ministry that can anchor and guide us today.
Dale Sellers of 95Network believes this trend is largely due to discouragement among our pastors. Many church leaders begin ministry with dreams of making an eternal impact. But years of striving, stress, and strain have left them feeling defeated, disillusioned, and stalled.
Thankfully, there is hope that ministry can turn around for the discouraged pastor. As a former minister who’s been in the trenches, Dale Sellers reveals that:
In STALLED, you will discover your sweet spot and realize you are closer to being “there” than you know.
All episodes will be posted here on the website, and are also available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Hosted by Caralee Culpepper and Dale Sellers, our executive director, and a former small church pastor, our 95Network podcast is a wealth of information specifically for small-church pastors—delivered in a candid, kind, and concise way. We cover pressing topics in modern ministry, annual trends, and more.
Most pastors aren’t refusing rest—they’re trapped by systems. Without a plan (and a bench), even a short break can feel impossible.
I’ve
Equipping can’t be reduced to a weekly performance; it requires presence, relationship, modeling, and shared life.
“If you got a pulse, he’s got a purpose for you.” Retirement isn’t the end of ministry; it’s a new season with fresh opportunities to serve, mentor, and impact the kingdom.
Self-awareness protects leaders from self-deception. Honest feedback is a guardrail for character and culture.
Build discipleship around practice, not just information. People grow through doing, feedback, and repetition in relationships.
Prayer is the engine, not the accessory. Easter effectiveness is not primarily about production, but about God’s presence.
Less Is More—With Intentionality. Doing less with your whole heart is better than doing more and being worn out. Fewer tactics executed with great intentionality will be more effective than an overwhelming production.
Have the Conversation Before There’s a Problem. You can’t wait for something negative to happen before talking to volunteers. Schedule regular check-ins not just about their area of service but about their lives.
The personal God gets personal with us. Biblical counseling explores the active, desiring heart beneath behavior and connects it to Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s present ministry.
We regularly share practical insights for pastors leading small and midsize churches. If you’d like our latest articles, podcast episodes, and resources delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the 95Network newsletter.
