Merry Christmas!
“We exist to connect churches to health-building resources resulting in equipped leaders that equip.”
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.
“We exist to connect churches to health-building resources resulting in equipped leaders that equip.”
From seeker‑driven to disciple‑making: why programming isn’t the engine anymore
If you’ve been in ministry for very long, you know in your heart that the actions that got you where you are now will not get you to the next destination. And if you don’t change your thinking and your habits, then in all likelihood, you will perpetuate an unhealthy ministry that will not grow. The ripple effect of an ongoing unhealthy ministry can last for several generations.
Treat porn struggles like other care needs: combine prayer, accountability, software safeguards, and specialist therapy when needed.
In other words, although they are still in the community physically, their ability to influence the community dissolves. Once-thriving ministries fade into oblivion because they lose the ability to relate to those around them.
“If we’re not helping people practice the Word, we’ve failed as disciple makers.”
They got so used to relying on their own abilities that they became disconnected from the true source of anointing—intimacy with Him.
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.
Spiritual intimacy helps us see that there is actually wherever He is. This revelation will keep you from feeling as if you have to serve, or work, to get His attention and approval.
“Most people haven’t been asked two simple questions: Would you share? Why or why not?”
Not a day went by that I didn’t mentally highlight at least one of the areas that I was failing in. In my mind, there was an image of a mature, Godly leader that I was never going to be able to attain because I continued to fall further and further behind no matter how hard I tried.
“I want to represent pastors of smaller churches and say: we can lead well, too.”

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.
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.
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.
In this episode, Dale Sellers & Joseph Bennett interview trauma counselor Bridget Trammell about trauma, triggers, religious abuse, purity culture, and practical steps pastors can take to heal and lead healthier churches.
We usually have it backwards. . . Most of us rest from work. However, God’s desire for us is that we work from rest.
Fault leads to shame; responsibility leads to freedom. Responsibility shows you what you can actually change and release what you cannot control.
Discernment stays human. AI can help refine communication, brainstorm, or summarize—but leaders must verify and own what’s shared.
Connection starts with God first. If leaders are not connected to God, they will not lead people into meaningful connection.
Kids ministry deserves top-tier support. If the mission includes evangelism and disciple-making, the next generation should be resourced accordingly.
Most pastors aren’t refusing rest—they’re trapped by systems. Without a plan (and a bench), even a short break can feel impossible.
Preparation beats panic. Healthy leaders build a plan before the crisis—then execute calmly when disruption hits.
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.
