Rural Advancement (w/ Joe Epley) – Episode 191
Ministry in the coming decade is going to require a renewed authenticity in how we provide ministry. The shift has already begun to move from “observing” a service each week to “participating” in it.
Practical conversations for small and midsize church leaders.
Hosted by Dale Sellers, Executive Director of 95Network and former small church pastor, the 95Podcast addresses the real challenges pastors face every week—from church health, leadership clarity, to the everyday realities of leading without large staff or large budgets. These are straightforward conversations rooted in experience, not theory.
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Ministry in the coming decade is going to require a renewed authenticity in how we provide ministry. The shift has already begun to move from “observing” a service each week to “participating” in it.
Michael’s love of the local church comes from this philosophy: “Jesus SAVED me. But He used the local church to SHAPE me.” What He did through His Bride, the local church, changed my whole life!
This is great conversation on the challenges facing women who choose to answer the call to serve the local church in today’s climate.
The false dichotomy of “sacred versus secular” has led to many thinking that only the “full-time ministry leaders” are actually “called” into ministry. Truthfully, everyone is called to minister through their lives.
Russell and Mike both attribute their sexual addictions to the dysfunctional home environments that they experienced as children.
Russell and Mike both attribute their sexual addictions to the dysfunctional home environments that they experienced as children.
Jeff says, “If you sit on their couch they will eventually sit in your pews.”
Ministry in the coming decade is going to require a renewed authenticity in how we provide ministry. The shift has already begun to move from “observing” a service each week to “participating” in it.
A healthy soul is developed through a rhythm of surrender and reflection. We were not created to live our lives in a wide-open, frantic pace continually.
God takes seriously the price His Son paid to provide our forgiveness. Therefore, He will not tolerate his leaders and children choosing to withhold forgiveness toward others.
Volunteers and servers inside a local church don’t exist to fulfill a leader’s vision or ministry. In fact, as leaders in the church, we are called to equip people (saints) to find and fulfill their 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.
Equipping can’t be reduced to a weekly performance; it requires presence, relationship, modeling, and shared life.