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.
New episodes release every Tuesday wherever you listen to podcasts or delivered straight to your inbox.
Gen Z and 28-40 year olds are showing up at churches ready to explore faith—many are first-time seekers, not returners. Churches focused on reaching this demographic with relevant methods (not just updating music) are experiencing significant growth. This is the moment to make strategic shifts and meet them where they are.
It’s hard to fully understand many of the teachings of Jesus if you don’t understand the context that existed around Him over 2000 years ago.
In all communications, make the decision of who you’re trying to reach, what your message is to them, and why you are doing it in the first place.
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.
Going for counseling helped me to process and learn how the outward pressures of ministry stress was taking a toll on my emotional health.
The multiplication aspect of training disciples who also train disciples has led to our church impacting more people on a weekly basis than we actually have in Sunday morning attendance.
It’s so important to prioritize learning about the values of the next generations if we truly want to reach them with the Gospel.
As leaders, we must first model how to share our faith and disciple others before asking those we lead to do so.
The underlying thought in the back of my mind when I’m interviewing someone is to think about what I wish someone would have told me when I was a struggling pastor.
It’s interesting that many people don’t mind sharing their salvation story as a part of their baptism experience. However, most folks aren’t comfortable doing so after they’ve been saved for a few years.
I’ve had some really good mentors over the years that gave me the freedom to ask questions in a “safe” atmosphere.
“If you have ever felt unseen or stuck in life’s struggles, Deeply Loved will meet you right where you are…. [Bill & Kristi] provide tools that truly make a difference.” — DR. TIM CLINTON, President of the AACC
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.
