Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast: Equipping the Whole Church Staff for Gospel Impact

On this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Mack Burns is joined by Luke Roman from The Church at Station Hill for an honest and practical conversation about what it means to shepherd a worship team.Together they explore the rhythms, responsibilities, and spiritual priorities that shape healthy worship ministries. From tending to burnout and protecting team culture to redefining success beyond musical excellence, this episode offers encouragement and real tools for leaders who want to care for people, not just performances.If you serve in worship ministry or lead creative teams, this conversation will help you think more deeply about presence, soul care, and sustainable leadership.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why worship leadership is pastoral leadershipThe three priorities of shepherding a team: presence, provision, and protectionHow focusing only on skill development can lead to burnoutPractical rhythms for soul care, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual Sabbath practicesHow to create safe, vulnerable team environments that foster growthWays to redefine success beyond musical excellenceHow leaders can guard their own identity and spiritual healthA simple first step for leaders who feel spiritually dry or stretched thinMeet the GuestsMack Burns – Worship Minister at The Church at West Franklin Luke Roman – Worship Minister at The Church at Station HillRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our March focus on worship ministry, leading up to Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026. Learn more and register at elevatechurchconference.com.

A healthy worship team should reflect the body of Christ.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Mack Burns and Travis Cottrell talk about what it takes to lead a truly multi-generational worship team. From song selection and vocal ranges to platform representation and relational equity, they explore how to bridge generational differences without falling into people-pleasing.You’ll hear why multi-generational worship is not just a preference but a theological conviction, how to create singing experiences that serve everyone in the room, and what it looks like to honor every generation without losing unity.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why multi-generational worship reflects the body of ChristThe biggest generational differences in singing styles and expectationsHow to plan sets that create space for everyone to engageThe difference between people-pleasing and speaking your people’s languageHow to build relational equity across generationsWhy humility and representation matter on the platformOne practical first step if generational tension exists on your teamMeet the GuestsMack Burns – Worship Minister at The Church at West FranklinTravis Cottrell – Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist ChurchRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our March focus on worship ministry, leading up to Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026. Learn more and register at elevatechurchconference.com.

Worship ministry is more than music. It is people.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Mack Burns sits down with Travis Cottrell to discuss what it takes to lead a worship team with a healthy culture, clear communication, and genuine care for the people behind the platform.Travis shares simple, foundational markers of a healthy team, how to set vision and priorities (like authenticity over performance), and how to correct with encouragement without crushing someone’s spirit. They also talk about practical ways to care for volunteers, build sustainable rhythms, and remind your team that every Sunday is a spiritual moment in someone’s life.In this episode, you’ll learn:The clearest signs of a healthy worship team cultureHow to shape culture by sharing vision and priorities consistentlyWhy authenticity should always come before performative excellenceHow to give creatives room while keeping the goal people-focusedA wise approach to hard conversations that correct without crushingHow to notice when someone needs rest and build sustainable serving rhythmsOne simple step worship leaders can take this month to lead betterMeet the GuestsMack Burns – Worship Minister at The Church at West FranklinTravis Cottrell – Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist ChurchRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our March focus on worship ministry, leading up to Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026. Learn more and register at elevatechurchconference.com.

Communications is where vision meets execution. And without a system, things get chaotic fast.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, we walk through the project management stack that helps our communications team serve nine campuses with clarity, consistency, and healthy margin.We break down our full process, from a single intake form called the Commreq to project build-outs in ClickUp, tiering projects by priority, setting realistic lead times, and creating visibility with a marketing grid. Whether you are a one-person communications team or leading a larger staff, this conversation will help you build a system that supports people instead of burning them out.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why a single intake point reduces chaos and missed detailsWhat a Commreq is and why it becomes the single source of truthThe non-negotiables ministries need before promotion starts, including dates, location, and registrationHow to set and communicate realistic lead timesA tier system for deciding what gets the most supportHow to handle late requests without creating burnoutWhy deadlines are a leadership culture issue, not just a communications issueHow time estimates help teams protect margin and stay humanClickUpPaperform, Jotform, Google Forms, Microsoft Forms (intake form options)Project tiering (A–F)Marketing grid and visibility dashboardsMeet the GuestsDillon Sherlock – Associate Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist ChurchMadi Wuebben – Promotions Director at Brentwood Baptist ChurchResources MentionedClickUpPaperform, Jotform, Google Forms, Microsoft Forms (intake form options)Project tiering (A–F)Marketing grid and visibility dashboardsRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our ongoing conversations leading up to Elevate: A Conference for the Whole Church Staff. Join us as we equip teams with practical tools to advance their mission—together. Learn more at elevatechurchconference.com

Register Now for the Elevate Conference | September 9elevatechurchconference.comOn this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Dillon Sherlock is joined by Mallory, Senior Graphic Designer at Brentwood Baptist Church, to talk about what church branding really means.This conversation goes beyond logos and colors. It explores how clarity around mission shapes visuals, messaging, photography, sermon series design, and even staff alignment. From the three-question framework to the 80/20 rule, Dillon and Mallory share practical tools that help churches create unity without stifling creativity.If your team has ever wrestled with consistency, campus personality, or competing design preferences, this episode will give you a clear place to start.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why brand is about clarity, not controlThe three-question framework that guides every major campaignHow unified design builds trust across campusesWhat the 80/20 rule means for church creativityHow to reduce conflict by anchoring decisions in missionFirst steps smaller churches can take to build brand alignmentThe Three-Question FrameworkThe 80/20 Rule for Brand Consistencyelevatechurchconference.com Meet the GuestDillon Sherlock – Associate Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist ChurchMallory Nall – Senior Graphic Designer at Brentwood Baptist ChurchResources MentionedRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our ongoing conversations leading up to Elevate: A Conference for the Whole Church Staff. Join us as we equip teams with practical tools to advance their mission—together.Learn more at elevatechurchconference.com

Social media can feel overwhelming, especially for small and mid-sized churches with limited time, staff, and resources. In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Dillon Sherlock is joined by Kat Howard and Laila Al-Hagal to talk honestly about what a healthy, sustainable church social media strategy actually looks like.Rather than chasing trends or overproducing content, this conversation focuses on showing real church life, staying grounded in mission, and building systems that serve people—not burn them out.If you’ve ever wondered what to post, how often to post, or how to keep social media from becoming another source of pressure, this episode is for you.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why authenticity consistently outperforms overproduced contentHow iPhone footage can be one of your most powerful toolsA simple content pillar framework to guide weekly postingHow often churches should realistically post on social mediaWays to approach event promotion without turning your feed into a bulletin boardTools that help small teams stay consistent without burning outDillon Sherlock – Associate Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist ChurchKat Howard – Digital Content ManagerLaila Al-Hagal – Digital Content ManagerMeta Business SuiteCapCutSprout SocialOpus (AI sermon clipping tool)Meet the GuestsResources MentionedRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our ongoing conversations leading up to Elevate: A Conference for the Whole Church Staff. Join us as we equip teams with practical tools to advance their mission—together.Learn more at elevatechurchconference.com

How can churches move beyond polished performances to create worship gatherings where people truly encounter God’s presence? In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Wade Owens, Nic Gonzales, and Charley Lowry share practical insights on building a responsive worship culture. From unity with pastors to song selection, prayerful preparation, and creating space for the Spirit, you’ll hear real stories and practical tools to help your congregation engage deeply in worship.

The “giving moment” isn’t a throwaway transition—it’s a weekly chance to disciple your church. In this episode, Madi Wuebben talks with Stewardship Minister Ken Schafer and Pastor David Hannah about planning the moment, delivering it with excellence, and keeping its purpose centered on spiritual formation. You’ll learn how to invite first-time givers, encourage consistency, avoid announcement-only traps, and share stories that form hearts (not just fund budgets). Perfect for worship leaders, pastors, and hosts who want to connect generosity directly to God’s mission.

What makes Sunday worship more than just a service? In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ashton Burgos, Jay Strother, and Travis Cottrell explore how churches can plan Spirit-led, strategic gatherings that form disciples over time. From choosing songs to creating space for prayer and collaboration, they share practical insights and stories to help your church make the most of its weekly worship.

In this episode, Jay Strother and Aaron Bryant unpack the impact of preaching through the entire Bible in one year across all nine campuses of Brentwood Baptist. From planning and unifying the teaching team to watching spiritual maturity take root in the congregation, they share lessons learned, powerful moments, and encouragement for any church leader considering a similar journey.

Aligning your church around a clear mission and vision isn’t optional—it’s essential for healthy growth and unified leadership. In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Brian Coates is joined by Bill Ferrell and John Joseph to discuss what effective church vision alignment looks like in a multi-campus ministry context. Together, they unpack why mission and vision matter beyond buzzwords—and how they shape real decisions about calendars, budgets, staff roles, and ministry goals. You’ll learn how Brentwood Baptist keeps leaders focused and aligned by translating churchwide vision into campus-level strategy. The conversation includes practical tips for avoiding mission drift, building strategic clarity, and helping every team member see how their role fits into the bigger picture. Whether you're leading a growing staff, launching a new campus, or re-centering your leadership team, this episode offers actionable strategies for aligning mission, vision, and ministry execution. Episode Guests:Brian Coates: Senior Executive PastorBill Ferrell: Executive Pastor for Central SupportJohn Joseph: Campus and Teaching Pastor at the Church of Station Hill 00:00 Defining Church Mission Clearly03:50 Define Goals and Vision07:59 Aligning Ministry Roles with Mission10:22 Clarifying Church Mission and Strategy15:26 Engaging with Ministers Regularly18:38 Adapting Church Strategy by Campus21:41 Unified Vision Enhances Church Goals25:06 Preventing Mission Drift in Churches29:33 Church Leadership: Clarity and Unity30:25 Aligning Church Leadership Visions  Timestamps:Resources Mentioned:Proverbs – “Where there is no vision, the people will perish”The Great Commission – Matthew 28:16–20 (Referenced as Jesus giving a clear mission)Genesis 1 – God gives the first mission to humanity (exercising dominion, filling the earth)Elevate Conference – September 9 at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN

Hiring the right people for your church staff is about more than filling a role—it’s about building a healthy, mission-driven team.In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Darrel Girardier is joined by Michele Dyer and Bill Ferrell to unpack what church leaders need to know about hiring well. From red flags and personality assessments to interview tips and culture fit, this conversation offers practical guidance for anyone hiring in ministry.Whether you're building a new team or refining your process, you'll walk away with real tools for better church staff hiring.How to Hire the Right People for Your Church StaffWelcome to a brand-new episode of the Elevate Podcast! Today, we're diving into the art—and science—of hiring well for ministry teams. Host Darrel Girardier (Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist Church) is joined by staff culture shapers Michele Dyer and Bill Ferrell for a conversation that goes way beyond filling empty seats. Together, they unpack what it really means to find a “good fit”—balancing character, chemistry, calling, and competency to build healthy teams.  DISC Profile – Personality assessment tool frequently referenced as an aid in hiring and team dynamicsMyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – Personality assessment tool used to evaluate candidates and team fitPLACE Ministry Assessment – Combines DISC, spiritual gifts, and passions for ministry placementStrengths Assessments – Various tools noted by Michelle Dyer for understanding team gifts and wiringEnneagram – Utilized as part of personality mapping (e.g., “Enneagram 7”)Working Genius – Team productivity and strengths assessment mentioned for hiring insightGary Chapman’s “Animals” Personality Tool – A simplified, animal-themed personality toolChristian Coaching Program (Brentwood Baptist/ICF) – Certification program for Christian coachingElevate Conference – Annual ministry leadership event at Brentwood Baptist Church (elevatechurchconference.com)Jay’s Leadership Summit – A reference point for organizational vision and teaching at Brentwood Baptist Listen in as they share personal stories and practical insights from their years of ministry staff experience. You’ll hear why personality assessments matter, how to use them wisely, and why understanding both team and organizational culture is crucial. The episode is loaded with candid advice on red flags to watch for, how to weigh hard skills versus soft skills, and the kinds of interview questions that really make a difference. Whether you're leading a team, hiring your first staff member, or just want your church to flourish, this episode will equip you with actionable tools and wisdom from leaders who’ve been there.Ready to level up your hiring process? Let's get started!Episode Guests:Darrel Girardier: Communications DirectorMichele Dyer: Connection MinisterBill Ferrell: Executive Pastor for Central SupportTimestamps:00:00 "Elevate Podcast: Building a Ministry Team"06:19 Hiring for Chemistry Fit07:52 Assessing Team Fit: Strategies11:23 "Encouraging Truth in Leadership"15:33 Hiring: Balancing Skills and Roles19:30 Interview Question Strategies22:27 Prioritizing Organizational Culture25:47 Learning from Predecessors26:52 Leadership Self-Reflection and Team Growth30:47 Hiring for Church Passion33:01 Committed Candidate Embraces Church VisionResources Mentioned:

Feeling discouraged in ministry?   Aaron Bryant: Campus and Teaching Pastor at The Church at Avenue SouthJay Strother: Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church2 Corinthians 11 – The daily pressure of leading the churchesEphesians 4 – Gifts in the body for building up the body of Christ1 Corinthians 12 – Gifts and talents given to the churchGalatians 5:9 – Not growing weary in doing goodActs 18 – Paul’s ministry and everyday faithfulnessProverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdomRomans 5 – Perseverance shaping characterThe Lord’s Prayer – Teaching on prayer and spiritual practiceElevate Conference – elevatechurchconference.com (September 9th at Brentwood Baptist Church, Nashville)In this episode, Aaron Bryant sits down with Jay Strother to talk candidly about staying faithful through the ups and downs of church leadership. From seminary stories to senior pastor seasons, they share what it looks like to persevere when ministry gets hard.You’ll hear practical encouragement for pastors and ministry leaders facing burnout, staff challenges, or spiritual fatigue. Learn how to build a healthy team, lean into biblical community, and trust God’s unseen work—one faithful step at a time.Whether you're in a tough season or leading someone who is, this conversation will remind you: you're not alone, and God is still at work.Episode Guests:Timestamps:00:00 Elevate Podcast Introduction03:30 Persevering Through Ministry Challenges07:13 "Building a Church from Scratch"11:59 "Building Ministry Teams Together"12:59 Building a Ministry Through Discipleship18:47 "Engage Faithful Community Members"22:10 Faithful Leadership in God's Kingdom23:16 "Ministry: Pouring from Overflow"26:54 Faithful Perseverance and Community EncouragementResources Mentioned:

Do you want more volunteers—or better ones?   Stephanie Prince: Connection Minister, The Church at Station HillTodd Bishop: Executive Pastor, North Region, Brentwood BaptistAdam Dye: Production Director, Brentwood BaptistEphesians 4:11–13 – Equipping the saints for the work of ministry1 Peter 4:10–11 – Using our gifts to serve one another  In this episode, Stephanie Prince is joined by Todd Bishop and Adam Dye to explore what it takes to build, equip, and care for a healthy volunteer team. They dive into the practical side of recruiting, training, and sustaining volunteers across different ministries—from tech to guest services to parking—and what it really looks like to foster a culture of ownership and growth.You’ll learn how to spot the right people, develop a flexible onboarding process, and create moments for care and discipleship in the middle of a fast-paced ministry calendar.Whether you’re leading in a small church or a multi-campus context, this episode will help you shift from filling roles to forming leaders.Episode Guests:Timestamps: 00:00 – Why volunteers matter in every ministry02:30 – What to look for in a great volunteer06:00 – How to spot leaders through the membership process08:30 – Why you should always be recruiting10:00 – The problem with high skill, low character11:30 – Onboarding tips that actually work14:00 – Training volunteers through shadowing17:00 – Giving volunteers ownership and feedback20:00 – Learning to delegate and let go22:00 – Equipping the saints vs. doing it all yourself23:30 – Helping volunteers grow spiritually26:00 – How to care for your team32:00 – Final thoughts: Presence over performanceResources Mentioned:Elevate Church ConferenceJoin us at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN for a one-day event designed to equip your entire ministry team. You’ll hear from seasoned leaders, attend practical workshops, and leave with real tools for your church’s next season.👉 Register now at elevatechurchconference.com

Do you know how to spot the next generation of leaders in your church—and equip them to step up?    Hunter Melton: Campus & Teaching Pastor, The Church at WoodbineRoger Severino: Minister of Leadership Development, Brentwood BaptistMatt Purdom: Executive Pastor, South Region, Brentwood Baptist The Multiplication Effect by Mac LakeThe Ideal Team Player by Patrick LencioniMinistry Residency Program (Brentwood Baptist)Middle Tennessee Leadership Institute (MTLI) – brentwoodbaptist.com/mtli2 Timothy 2:2Ephesians 4:11–13Mark 3:13–15 In this episode, Hunter Melton sits down with Roger Severino and Matt Purdom to explore what it looks like to raise up lay leaders with intentionality, clarity, and care. They unpack how to define calling, identify emerging leaders, and create a culture that equips the whole church to serve.You’ll hear real stories of leadership development across Brentwood Baptist’s campuses, learn practical tools for building a leadership pipeline, and discover why developing people is discipleship at its core.Whether you’re building a team, discipling a future pastor, or wondering how to take the next step in your own leadership journey, this episode is for you.Episode Guests:Timestamps:00:00 – Why equipping leaders is everyone’s job03:30 – What does it mean to be called?07:00 – What to look for in a potential lay leader10:30 – The importance of modeling, clarity, and feedback15:00 – Building sustainable, ongoing leadership development18:00 – Why programs exist to develop people, not the other way around20:00 – How Brentwood Baptist develops leaders: Residency, seminary, and more24:00 – Lessons from mentoring the next generation of leaders27:00 – Practical advice for leaders exploring a call to ministry30:00 – Encouragement for anyone ready to take the next stepResources Mentioned:Elevate Church Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Church Conference at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN. Learn from seasoned church leaders, grow your ministry team, and 

Is your team burned out by doing ministry for people instead of with people?    Hunter Melton: Campus & Teaching Pastor, The Church at WoodbineJohn Joseph: Campus & Teaching Pastor, The Church at Station HillGarrett Gregory: Care & Campus Pastor, Brentwood Baptist  Valley of Vision (Puritan Prayers)The Bruised Reed by Richard SibbesThe Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall & Tony PayneCareLife (Brentwood Baptist’s care case system)Deuteronomy 29:291 Peter 5Psalm 23Mark 1: Jesus’ rhythm of abiding and ministry In this episode, Hunter Melton sits down with pastors John Joseph and Garrett Gregory to talk about one of the most sacred, often unseen parts of ministry—shepherding. They unpack what it really means to care for souls, build sustainable systems of care, and walk with people through grief and growth.From navigating hospital visits to avoiding ministry burnout, this episode offers honest stories, biblical grounding, and practical rhythms that help pastors stay rooted in Christ while leading others.If you're a ministry leader who’s tired, stretched, or asking how to care for your people without losing yourself, this conversation is for you.Episode Guests:Timestamps:00:00 – Why shepherding matters more than ever03:30 – What God is doing at each campus09:00 – What does it really mean to shepherd people?15:00 – Systems vs. single-mindedness in pastoral care21:30 – Building teams that multiply care27:00 – When to delegate and when to step in35:00 – How to walk with people through suffering45:00 – What not to say in a crisis50:00 – Helping your staff avoid burnout56:00 – Why pastors need small groups too1:02:00 – Anchoring your soul in Christ while leading others1:08:00 – Final encouragements for weary leadersResources Mentioned:Elevate Church Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Church Conference at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN. Learn from seasoned church leaders, grow your ministry team, and gain practical tools for your church’s next chapter. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com

Is your church healthy—or just busy?What if Sunday attendance wasn’t the only way to measure church health? In this episode, Elevate host Aaron Bryant sits down with Fady Al-Hagal to unpack how healthy churches multiply disciples, not just programs. Drawing from years of ministry and regional church partnerships, they offer a fresh framework for evaluating success, leading with the Spirit, and building a church culture that actually sends people out.  Aaron Bryant: Campus & Teaching Pastor, The Church at Avenue SouthFady Al-Hagal: Multiplication Minister, Brentwood Baptist Church Brentwood Baptist's Five Gs: Gather, Group, Give, Go, Gospel ConversationsActs 1:8 mission strategyElevate Church Conference | elevatechurchconference.com You’ll learn the five Gs of healthy disciple-making, discover how to shepherd staff toward spiritual vitality, and gain simple questions to reorient your team around a movement—not just a meeting.Episode Guests:Timestamps:00:00 – Why churches need new ways to measure health03:00 – Movement vs. activity: What really grows disciples08:00 – How the Holy Spirit leads ministry strategy11:00 – Three steps to build a disciple-making culture17:00 – Restoring spiritual health after ministry burnout20:00 – Finding partners and learning from others25:00 – Marks of a biblically healthy church28:00 – How the Five Gs help measure spiritual growth32:00 – Mobilizing your church beyond Sunday35:00 – Questions to help your staff multiply disciplesResources Mentioned:Elevate Church Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Church Conference at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN. Learn from seasoned church leaders, grow your ministry team, and gain practical tools for your church’s next chapter. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com

Can a sermon be both theologically rich and crystal clear?    Brandon Abbott: Host, Groups Minister at Brentwood BaptistJay Strother: Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist ChurchBrandon Hayes: Campus Pastor, Harpeth Heights 00:00 – Why this conversation matters03:00 – Learning your people and their needs06:45 – “Exegete the text—and the congregation”10:00 – Gospel clarity in every sermon16:30 – Tips for sermon prep that starts with Scripture23:00 – The power of personal connection in preaching28:45 – When you go too deep (or too light)34:30 – Finding the right balance of illustration and depth40:15 – Advice for newer preachers and young pastors47:00 – Preaching to a diverse congregation53:30 – The bell curve of biblical literacy59:00 – Preaching that creates hunger—not just heat   In this episode, Elevate host Brandon Abbott sits down with Senior Pastor Jay Strother and Harpeth Heights Campus Pastor Brandon Hayes to explore one of the most common tensions in preaching: depth vs. accessibility.Whether you're teaching brand-new believers, seasoned saints, or everyone in between, this episode is packed with real stories, practical tools, and a reminder of why we preach in the first place—to engage the whole person with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ, anywhere, anytime, with anybody.From sermon prep tips to common mistakes young pastors make, you’ll walk away with new clarity and encouragement for crafting messages that actually land—and lead to life change.Episode Guests:Timestamps:Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025Looking to sharpen your preaching or grow as a church leader? Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025,at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN.This one-day event is designed for your whole church staff and includes dynamic keynotes, role-specific breakouts, and the chance to connect with ministry leaders from across the region.Register today at elevatechurchconference.com

Is your student ministry just taking trips—or forming missionaries?   Evan Kunz: Brentwood Baptist Student MinisterAmy-Jo Girardier: Brentwood Baptist Women's Minister, former Girls & Student Mission Mobilizer at Brentwood BaptistMac Johnson: Global Worker/Pastor at The Point Church, former Student Minister at Brentwood Baptist  Acts 18 and the “Here, There, Everywhere” strategyThe Point Church, Vancouver, BCReborn Community Church, Chicago, ILMission 615 In this episode, Elevate host Evan Kunz sits down with Amy-Jo Girardier and Mac Johnson to explore how student mission journeys can do far more than fill a summer calendar. You’ll hear stories from over two decades of ministry, get practical frameworks for building mission partnerships, and discover how short-term trips can spark long-term calling.Whether you're shaping your first student mission trip or deepening your church's sending culture, this episode will help you equip the next generation for a life on mission.Episode Guests: Timestamps:00:00 – Why student missions matter03:00 – How the student missions strategy began08:00 – From student minister to global worker13:00 – Shifting from trips to discipleship20:00 – The “Here, There, Everywhere” model27:00 – Teaching mission theology to students33:00 – The power of long-term partnerships42:00 – What makes a mission trip stick48:00 – Helping students pray, give, and go53:00 – Training students to share their faith59:00 – How short trips spark lifelong calling1:08:00 – Preparing students—and their parents—for life after the trip1:14:00 – Creating co-pilot moments for the next generationResources Mentioned:Elevate Church Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Church Conference at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN. Learn from seasoned church leaders, grow your ministry team, and gain practical tools for your church’s next chapter. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com

Is your church ready to talk about leadership succession?     Preaching in a Post-Truth World by Dr. Mike GlennEngage Church NetworkBrentwood Baptist Church In this episode, Elevate host Darrel Girardier sits down with Dr. Mike Glenn (Executive Director, Engaged Church Network and former Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist church) and Dr. Jay Strother (Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist) to share how their team approached one of the most delicate leadership changes in a church's life: the passing of the pastoral baton.They walk through what worked, what they’d do differently, and how to build a culture—and a process—that sets your church up for future faithfulness. Whether you're the outgoing pastor, the incoming leader, or someone supporting the transition, this honest conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement.👉 Learn more & register for Elevate Church Conference at elevatechurchconference.comTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome and Brentwood’s unique multi-campus model03:35 – When Mike sensed it was time to transition10:24 – Jay’s journey from student ministry to senior pastor20:40 – Why healthy transitions start years in advance26:45 – How to identify and encourage future leaders34:22 – Building congregational trust with clear visuals41:10 – Behind the scenes of Brentwood’s transition process50:07 – Where to start if your church has no process58:30 – Why pastors need something to “go to” not just “leave”1:06:12 – Matching the new leader to the church’s DNA1:12:55 – Helping staff adjust to a new leadership cadence1:21:09 – What they’d both do differentlyResources Mentioned:Elevate Church Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Church Conference at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN. Learn from seasoned church leaders, grow your ministry team, and gain practical tools for your church’s next chapter. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com