The 95 Podcast: Conversations for Small-Church Pastors

Dana Russell had spent most of her adult life serving in ministry. However, a successful music ministry along with discipleship weekends that impacted thousands of young girls wasn't enough to heal a deep wound in her heart. The private pressure that she had been living under for decades eventually resulted in a very public extra marital affair. . . In a moment, her whole world was turned upside down. Dana joins Dale on today's 95podcast to share how Jesus helped her trade the shadows of shame and rejection for His all encompassing shadow of peace. This is a raw and honest conversation on how the things we attempt to hide in the shadows are exposed to the light at some point in our lives. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/trading-shadows-w-dana-russell-episode-230/ Support the show

Kirk Mackie is a leader of leaders. His vast experience in the local church as well as serving as a coach and spiritual mentor to many pastors has allowed him to view ministry from all sides. One of the best attributes of Kirk is his desire to keep learning and keep growing in his own personal leadership. Kirk joins Dale on today's 95Podcast to share some insight on where he sees the current state of our church leaders. They also discuss what he sees on the horizon as he leads hundreds of churches in the Aspire Network. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/preparing-to-lead-in-changing-times-w-kirk-mackie-episode-229/ Support the show

Jon Sanders, 95Network’s Director of Coaching, joins today’s 95Podcast as a guest discussing his recent experience at a retreat provided by the Boulder Crest Foundation. The retreat is called Struggle Well. They specialize in providing opportunities to help public servants in the first responder field as well as military personal work through post-traumatic impact. They focus specifically on Post-traumatic growth. Jon transparently shares how he didn’t think he needed to spend a week on such a retreat to the point that he even considered not going. However, his life was forever changed as he discovered some deep seated effects of traumatic encounters that’s he has experienced. This conversation is so important for anyone serving in the first responder field as well as in ministry. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/struggling-well-post-traumatic-growth-w-jon-sanders-episode-228/ Support the show

Michael Rubino knows firsthand what it's like to see a ministry thrive, survive and be revived. His vast experience of leading a vibrant ministry on Long Island, NY eventually led him to launch the Church Revitalization Center. He has a refreshing approach of letting you see behind the scenes of the ups and downs of decades of church leadership. Michael joins Dale on today's 95Podcast to discuss the structural pillars of church revitalization. He also gives the details of the upcoming Church Revitalize Conference 2024 and how you can be a part of this special half-day virtual event. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/church-revitalize-2024-w-michael-rubino-episode-227/ Support the show

Jon Sanders hosts today's 95Podcast talking with John D Hanson about some things he sees on the horizon for the global economy. The backdrop to this conversation is based on data provided by ITR ECONOMICS dealing with their forecasts of a looming economic correction that will effect all of us in one way or another. John sees an entrepreneur opportunity for the Church to prepare now in order to be a light as well as a resource to those in need. The insight John shares is based on the story of Joseph in Genesis and how he prepared during extreme prosperity for the coming famine. This podcast is sure to make you think! Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/the-joseph-project-w-jon-sanders-and-john-hanson-episode-226/ Support the show

While serving as the Executive/Counseling Pastor of his local church, Josh Clink suddenly found himself in the role of Lead Pastor after the pastor abruptly resigned. He immediately knew that he was in "over his head" due to having zero formal training on preaching and leading a congregation. In addition, he also found himself leading through the pandemic restrictions and difficulties. All of this led to a "dark season" for Josh. . . Today's podcast is an encouraging conversation as Josh shares how Jesus brought him and his wife, Stephanie, out of these tough times with the support of some trusted friends. He also gives us some insight into the counseling ministry that he serves with called Anchored Hope. They are Biblically grounded, clinically informed, virtual counseling available for ministry leaders no matter where you live. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/anchored-hope-trusted-support-for-ministry-leaders-w-josh-clink-episode-225/ Support the show

Jonathan Weibel is one authentic dude! His love for Jesus and for people motivates him to do anything he can to reach his neighbors with the message of the Gospel. Jonathan joins Dale on today's 95Podcast to discuss the release of his new book entitled, "Front Yard Mission: How To Start A Love God, Love Your Neighbor Movement In Your Neighborhood." The conversation is filled with practical ways of connecting with those who live all around you. Jonathan shares stories of success, and a couple of failures, in his efforts to connect with his neighbors. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/front-yard-mission-book-release-w-jonathan-weibel-episode-224/ Support the show

Following a previous leader is always a difficult challenge whether the leader was well thought of or not. This is especially true when it comes to transition in the church. Gavin Adams joins Dale on today's 95Podcast to discuss his new book entitled, "Big Shoes To Fill: Stepping Into A Leadership Role . . . Without Stepping In It." This is a great conversation around the dynamics of what the new leader "inherits" as they assume the reigns of an organization. Gavin gives practical as well as personal wisdom that he has gained over the years of helping churches and marketplace organizations walk through leadership transition. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/big-shoes-to-fill-w-gavin-adams-episode-223/ Support the show

Jon Sanders hosts today's 95Podcast leading a powerful conversation with Wayne Prevett. Wayne founded Life Celebration Ministries to address the need for ministry to families in post-Christian Canada. He shares how the Lord has allowed him to impact so many lives that would never set foot inside the local church. Wayne believes that his Canadian experience is a precursor of what ministry will be like in America in the not to distant future. This podcast gives a lot of practical insight of ways to reach a nation that believes in God but isn't necessarily Christian. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/travel-in-time-w-jon-sanders-wayne-prevette-episode-222/ Support the show

Leonard Edloe has been a pharmacist for most of his life. He also accepted the call to ministry in the early years of his marriage. He has seen the ups and downs of ministry in the rural black church firsthand. It's out of his personal experience that Leonard wrote "Restoring The Glory." He has a deep conviction that the rural black church in America needs to embrace some major changes before it's too late. Leonard joins Dale on today's podcast to reflect on how the rural black church arrived at this point and offers some solutions for it to become impactful again. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/restoring-the-glory-breathing-new-life-into-the-rural-black-church-w-leonard-edloe-episode-220/ Support the show

It was our absolute pleasure to have Karl and Shelley Vaters join us for this special podcast focusing on ministry marriage. Shelley shares that she never gave much thought to marrying a pastor. She also shares some of the eye opening experiences which have accompanied serving alongside Karl for all of these years. Karl and Shelley pull back the curtain and allow us to see some of the difficulties they've worked through together over their ministry journey. It would be great for you to listen to this special podcast with your spouse. It may even be possible that you'll hear a lot of your story in theirs. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/marriage-and-the-ministry-over-40-years-w-karl-shelley-vaters-episode-220/ Support the show

Dan Nichols has been a friend of 95Network for many years. His work with the Northeast Collaborative is making a big impact in churches of all denominations in the northeastern United States. Dan recently reached out to Dale to share some insight from a new article he had written about the stressful situations that many pastors find themselves in as they lead their churches. You'll enjoy the frank and honest with Dan today as he discusses his passion to help congregations learn how to best support their pastor. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/why-we-need-pro-pastor-people-w-dan-nichols-episode-219/ Support the show

Church Renewal International was founded in 2012 to share biblical principles and practices essential for renewing a church with other pastors and equip them for their own ministries. Chris joined Church Renewal International as the North American Director several years ago after pastoring a local church for eighteen years. Their mission statement is to see churches renewed and equipped to fulfill Christ’s mission. Chris shares with Dale on today’s 95Podcast some of the things he’s seeing and hearing from churches around the world. It is quite sobering to realize that churches and their leaders are all working through many of the same things in the new season of church leadership. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/church-renewal-w-chris-puhach-episode-218/ Support the show

Jon Sanders hosts today's 95Podcast having a discussion with Jeff Gauss. Jeff was a church planter for many years and had a great deal of success, until he hit a major wall of burnout and depression about 6 years ago. He was actually one of Jon's coaching clients in the aftermath of all of that. He went on to start a business called Church Plant Solutions that does bookkeeping and tax returns for pastors and churches. Jeff is now back in full-time pastoral ministry as an Executive pastor at a church in Florida. When he moved from Minnesota/North Dakota to Florida, he was actually able to complete go off of all his anti-depressant medications. Today's discussion is about burn out in ministry as well as about his business and the services he is providing for churches and pastors. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/the-road-to-recovery-from-ministry-burnout-w-jeff-gauss-episode-217/ Support the show

Bart Blair has spent most of his adult life working with churches in one capacity or another. Whether serving as a worship leader or later as a ministry consultant, Bart has had the opportunity to see how churches of all sizes function. His experience allows him to be a trusted voice that can help any ministry navigate today's changing tides. Today's 95Podcast is filled with incredible wisdom derived from Bart's observations of healthy churches, not so healthy churches and churches on the brink of closing. Bart truly believes that any ministry can experience renewal if only they will commit to intentional prayer for renewal. Our hope is that this conversation will inspire you to pray for renewal in your life and ministry. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/praying-for-renewal-in-our-church-w-bart-blair-episode-216/ Support the show

95Network teammate Jason Allison joins Dale today to launch the new Soul Care Essentials Online and Soul Care Essentials 6-Week Follow Up resources. Our team worked together over several months to create a resource designed to encourage and strengthen discouraged ministry leaders. Although ministry has always taken a toll on ministry leaders, the effects of the pandemic increased the pressure for most leaders exponentially. The Soul Care Essentials sessions include content dealing with a leader's Private Life, Personal Life and Professional Life. Leaders can then pursue an even deeper personal discovery by working through the Soul Care Essentials 6-Week Follow Up with a small group of trusted friends. These resources provide practical tools that enable you to examine and expose areas where you may not be leading from a healthy soul. As we always say here at 95Network, "A healthy leader can create a healthy ministry." Our hope is to help you lead from a healthy soul! Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/soul-care-essentials-online-w-jason-allison-episode-215/ Support the show

John Fuller has been in ministry for over 3 decades. Not growing up in the church, John accepted Jesus as a rough and raw college student. Becoming a Christian led John to do a complete 180 in the trajectory of his life which ultimately resulted in him serving as a youth pastor and eventually the lead pastor of a small church. Today's conversation is filled with the wealth and wisdom that comes from understanding the importance of viewing ministry leadership through two different avenues: the Window and the Mirror. You'll be encouraged and challenged as you hear the things the Lord has taught John from the beginning of his ministry up to recently stepping down as lead pastor of his church after a successful transition. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/the-two-views-for-a-leader-the-window-the-mirror-w-john-fuller-episode-214/ Support the show

Ira Antoine began his adult life as an engineer for NASA. However, he soon sensed a calling to give up pursuing an engineering career to answer the call into ministry. So, after stepping away, he served on staff at a local church, eventually becoming the Lead Pastor. Today Ira serves churches throughout Texas and beyond, specifically focusing on bi-vocational pastors in a rural context. This episode of the 95Podcast is filled with wisdom that only comes from overcoming the obstacles that decades of ministry in the local church can create. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/the-best-of-2023-bi-vocational-ministry-isnt-trendy-w-ira-antoine-episode-213/ Support the show

Bill and Kristi Gaultiere know from first-hand experience how ministry can take a toll on your life. They both realized this while serving the local church in a season of intense activity. However, they soon discovered something on the inside was wrong. The joy and fulfillment of ministry had diminished amid the fast-paced life of leading in today's culture. On this edition of the 95Podcast, you will hear the heart of their ministry to leaders through Soul Shepherding and the Sabbatical Guide. They want you to find a weekly rhythm to your life and ministry that brings comfort and peace each day. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/the-best-of-2023-the-sabbatical-guide-w-bill-kristi-gaultiere-episode-212/ Support the show

Is it time to acknowledge that our traditional way of providing discipleship, in most cases, is not providing clear results? When it comes to your discipleship process, do you have a clearly defined goal you are shooting for that would allow you to evaluate your effectiveness? If the answer to these questions is no, you will enjoy today's 95Podcast with Spiritual Formation Pastor Matt Adair. Dale and Matt discuss practical ways you can use to determine your discipleship effectiveness. For Matt, one of the key outcomes of effective discipleship is to love your enemies. Today's podcast is filled with great wisdom and guidance for anyone looking to create transformational discipleship throughout their ministry. Show Notes: https://www.95network.org/the-best-of-2023-transformational-discipleship-w-matt-adair-episode-211/ Support the show