Sitting Versus Serving
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.
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.
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.”
An unwillingness to change will always work against us. The cost of correcting a character flaw or lack of training is much cheaper in our twenties than in our forties or fifties. Simply put, the reason so many leaders are unwilling to change is that they can no longer afford the price.
“Empathy doesn’t equal agreement. It equals caring, hearing, and understanding.”
The reason you get blindsided isn’t just to stop you from being effective today. It’s much more than that. The ultimate purpose is to destroy your ability to be effective in the future.
“It’s not ministry that’s killing you; it’s the boxes and stereotypes you’re trying to live in.”
My heart surgeon considered the stress of ministry to be a major contributor to my condition, which he termed a “widow-maker.”
“People go through their whole Christian life without realizing there’s a whole side of the world with no access to the gospel.”
It’s a hard cross to bear when you believe that Jesus is disappointed with you.
“We pastors have not been good or healthy on the whole for generations.”

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.
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.
Equipping can’t be reduced to a weekly performance; it requires presence, relationship, modeling, and shared life.
Prayer isn’t the warm-up—it’s the engine. Ministry strength doesn’t come from personal drive; it comes from dependence on Jesus and consistent prayer.
“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.
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.
