PODCAST RECAST: Decoding Identity (w/ Bob Hamp) – Episode 294
Your true identity isn’t wrapped up in all of the things you overcome. It’s found in becoming the person that God created you to be from the start.
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.
Your true identity isn’t wrapped up in all of the things you overcome. It’s found in becoming the person that God created you to be from the start.
An annual retreat creates opportunities for clarifying your vision for your marriage and the life you’re building.
There are certainly a lot of hard times in ministry leadership. However, it’s good to remind ourselves from time to time of the ministry joys that we’ve encountered along the way.
We usually have it backwards. . . Most of us rest from work. However, God’s desire for us is that we work from rest.
Your ability to think, dream and find vision becomes easier as you create capacity to listen to the Holy Spirit as you develop margin in your life.
Even the most skeptical people will often open their homes to someone who can provide practical help to improve the living conditions of their family.
We are committed to creating avenues for our congregation to do life together. So much of our connection with non-church folks happens here.
One of the greatest ways an older adult can have a lasting impact in the life of a young person is to develop the habit of active listening.
Every leader needs to be willing to sit at the table with a group of other leaders who love you but are not impressed with you in order for them to tell you the truth.
The root of “I think it’s my fault” is thinking I’m responsible for things that are not my responsibility.
When I look back at those difficult years I realize now they were paving the way for what I’m doing today. I don’t think I would change anything because of the lessons I learned.
At the end of the day, there really aren’t any volunteers in your ministry. Each one of them is a saint with a gift to be developed and used for His glory.
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.
Build discipleship around practice, not just information. People grow through doing, feedback, and repetition in relationships.