The Retreat Every Ministry Leader Needs (w/ Greg Surratt) – Episode 286
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.
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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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.
Our church has the complete succession plan already in writing. We know exactly what we are wanting to accomplish and how we are going to implement it.
If I could change anything about how I did ministry over the years it would be to spend more time with my family. I was gone way too much.
Grace-filled churches and leaders can make a huge difference in helping a leader get back on the right path.
Our hope is to help you become more efficient with the limited time you have each week to carry out all of your ministry responsibilities.
Christians see huge potential for churches to use digital tools effectively.
One of the greatest things you can do if your discouraged is to find an apprentice to pour into. Discipling someone else has so many benefits including helping to get your focus off of your own problems.
There comes a time when we must allow ourselves to be curious. Curiosity is the pathway to break out of an unhealthy thought life and/or lifestyle.
We need to balance value and communication. It’s important that we invite people into something. Don’t necessarily make a mass appeal. Zero in on a specific thing that you want them to know.
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.