Happy New Year! Today’s first 95Podcast of the year features a conversation with Emily Manders, Jason Allison, and Michael Schooley discussing the impact of online cohorts and small groups. They share several experiences of seeing firsthand how much encouragement, support, and community develop through these healthy connections.
Our heart at 95Network is to provide a place where you can also get connected. This is why we’re emphasizing the theme of “Let’s Connect!” throughout 2026. We are here for you, whether you need encouragement individually or even as a leadership team. Just email Dale at [email protected] to get the connection conversation started.
Bio’s:
Emily Manders serves as the Director of Operations for Converge MidAtlantic, helping churches and leaders thrive through clarity, strategy, and meaningful connection. She is known for her relational warmth, strategic mind, and passion for empowering leaders to live out their God-given calling. Emily lives in eastern Pennsylvania (go Birds!), where she and her church-planting husband, Ross, planted Restoration Church 11 years ago with their four kids (ages 8–17) and two mini Goldendoodles.
Jason Allison serves as the Director of Church Strengthening for Converge MidAtlantic, where he empowers churches and leaders through strategic visioning and support. He is the founder of the Church Talk Project and a VisionDay Consultant for the 95Network, enriching his extensive experience in church leadership.
Jason also serves as Church Coach for Chemistry Staffing. With a rich background in pastoral leadership across congregations ranging from 45 to 2,500 attendees, Jason excels in assisting pastors and churches in defining and realizing their mission and vision within their unique cultural contexts. His experience includes successfully guiding a church through three mergers, equipping him with insights into the complexities of ministry today.
In his role at Converge MidAtlantic, he focuses on training and deploying coaches, supporting churches and pastors in times of crisis and transition, and creating tools and resources to help strengthen churches.
Outside of his professional commitments, Jason has been happily married to Christan for over 30 years. He is a proud father of two adult daughters, Madeline and Macy, and enjoys being a grandfather to Wyatt and Wade.
Michael Schooley has a deep passion for church planting and for raising up leaders to fulfill their God-given calling. With over 19 years of experience as a church planter and lead pastor, he now serves with Converge Northeast as director of Church Planting and Leadership Development. He also partners with the Northeast Collaborative as a Church Strategist.
Mike thrives on catalyzing dreams, equipping leaders, and helping churches become multiplying movements. His heart beats for the Northeast, and he is committed to developing future pastors and planters who will bring gospel transformation to their communities.
He lives in Upstate New York with his wife, Jeanna, and has three biological children and one adoptive daughter who still lives at home. Mike loves investing in people, dreaming big, and watching God move in powerful ways.
Links to Resources Mentioned or Related
- “Let’s Connect!” Content Link
- Email Emily
- Email Jason
- Email Michael
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Online: 3-Session Video Series
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Cohort: 6 Weeks of Guided Conversations for Post-Conference Groups
- 95Network – Soul Care Essentials
- 95Network – Healthy Church Assessment
- Read Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There By Now
- Watch Podcast on YouTube
Key Takeaways
1) The most important step to take in avoiding isolation and ministry loneliness is to be willing to “put yourself out there.” You will need to take the first step if you want to really develop close relationships.
2) Leaders are currently burned out on content-driven gatherings. While content and learning are still highly valued, most leaders need real relationships where they can be honest.
3) It’s obvious that a greater connection can be made through in-person gatherings. However, it’s necessary to maintain a balanced view that considers both in-person and online connections essential.
4) Developing a healthy church built through authentic relationships requires that the leader also build healthy relationships through authenticity. It’s difficult to lead others where you are unwilling to go yourself.
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