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:
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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
In this episode, Elevate host Ellie Axford (Special Needs Ministry Director) sits down with Carley Ellis (Special Needs Programming Director) to share how Embrace Special Needs Ministry began, what it looks like today, and why inclusion isn't just for a few—it's essential for the whole church.
They share practical steps for churches of any size, advice for new volunteers, and honest stories of serving kids, teens, and adults with disabilities—and the families who love them. Whether you're starting from scratch or growing an existing ministry, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible when the body of Christ makes space for every part.
👉 Learn more & register for Elevate Church Conference at elevatechurchconference.com
Timestamps
00:00 – How Brentwood Started the Special Needs Ministry
06:00 – What Special Needs Ministry Looks Like
14:00 – More Than a Ministry—A Churchwide Culture
20:00 – Day Programs, Respite, and Support
33:00 – Getting Started and Gaining Support
44:00 – Partnering Beyond the Church
Resources Mentioned
What if leading a team wasn’t a tension to manage—but a calling to steward?
In this episode, Elevate host Bill Ferrell (Executive Pastor of Central Support) sits down with Brian Coates (Executive Pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church) to talk about one of the biggest challenges in church leadership: learning to lead both as a shepherd and a supervisor. From managing team chemistry to navigating difficult conversations, they share wisdom for pastors who want to care for people and call them to more.Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or trying to balance your gifts with your growing responsibilities, this episode offers practical tools—and biblical perspective—for leading like Jesus.
👉 Learn more & register for Elevate Church Conference at elevatechurchconference.com
Timestamps
00:00 – Shepherd vs. Supervisor: What’s the Difference? Why pastors struggle with the tension—and why both roles matter.
03:00 – The Push and Pull of Leadership. How early mistakes in ministry can shape how we lead today.
06:45 – Listening First, Leading Second. Why the first year in leadership should be focused on relationships.
08:00 – Praying With Your Team. A simple habit that builds trust and earns the right to be heard.
10:30 – Hiring for Chemistry. Why fit matters more than you think—and how to build a team that thrives.
13:00 – Structure That Supports Ministry. How clear systems and accountability help keep your staff healthy.
16:30 – Setting SMART Goals. How well-defined goals actually shepherd your team, not just manage them.
18:00 – Tools to Develop Leaders. From scenarios to book studies, how to disciple your team into better leadership.
23:00 – Mentorship Matters. Why learning from others outside your organization is key to long-term growth.
26:00 – Giving Feedback with Clarity and Compassion. Mistakes pastors make in conflict—and how to speak the truth in love.
29:00 – Weekly 1:1s. The underrated discipline that builds trust, accountability, and alignment.
31:00 – Equipping Church Leaders of Every Size. Ideas for staff development, no matter your church's budget or context.
35:00 – Play the Long Game. The power of patience, perspective, and pastoring for the next five years—not just the next five weeks.
Resources Mentioned
What if your church’s membership process wasn’t just paperwork and classes—but the start of real discipleship?
In this episode, Elevate host and Connections Minister Michele Dyer (Connection Minister at Brentwood Baptist) sits down with Hadden Finch (Membership Minister, Brentwood Baptist) and Stephanie Prince (Connection Minister, Station Hill) to talk about building healthy connection ministries. From coaching new members to identifying spiritual gifts, they share how churches can create intentional pathways that move people from attendance to ownership—without anyone falling through the cracks.Whether you’re launching a new process or refining what you have, this episode offers practical tips for building a culture where everyone belongs and everyone serves.
👉 Learn more & register for Elevate Church Conference at elevatechurchconference.com
Timestamps
00:00 – Why Connection Ministry Matters. The purpose of helping people move from guest to engaged member—and why it’s core to discipleship.
04:30 – Brentwood’s Membership Process. An overview of Discover Us, Discover You, and the role of coaching in helping people take next steps.
10:00 – Coaching as Discipleship. How trained lay leaders guide new members, hear their stories, and help them find where they fit.
14:30 – Tools That Help People Understand Their Gifts. Using assessments like DISC, Spiritual Gifts, and Passion Index to identify how people are wired for ministry.
18:00 – Why High Expectations Help, Not Hurt. How the intentional process deepens engagement and creates long-term ministry health.
21:00 – Moving from Volunteer Roles to Calling. The difference between filling a spot and helping people serve in their sweet spot—and how that creates ownership.
24:30 – How Connection Benefits the Whole Church. Membership done well supports pastors, ministry leaders, and the communications team by identifying engaged disciples.
27:00 – Easy First Steps for Getting People Connected. Shadowing, VBS, and simple pathways that help people step into ministry without fear.
30:00 – Final Encouragement for Leaders and Attenders. What anyone—minister or member—can do to take a next step toward connection and community.
Resources Mentioned:
Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025 Join us in Nashville, TN, for a one-day event designed to equip church leaders with practical strategies for sustainable ministry. Learn more at elevatechurchconference.com.On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Nic Gonzales (Worship Minister at The Church at Avenue South) is joined by Travis Cottrell (Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist) and Luke Roman (Worship Minister at The Church at Station Hill) for a rich conversation on the theology of worship music and how song selection shapes the spiritual formation of a congregation. From building a healthy “song diet” to evaluating song rotation, introducing new songs, and retiring old ones, they discuss how worship leaders can shepherd their church through intentional and theological song choices.Meet the Speakers:Nic Gonzales – Worship Minister at The Church at Avenue South, passionate about encouraging authenticity in worship through music and relationships.Travis Cottrell – Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist, seasoned leader, songwriter, and mentor shaping multi-generational worship in Middle Tennessee.Luke Roman – Worship Minister at The Church at Station Hill, committed to building singing congregations with a heart for spiritual depth and theological clarity.Topics Discussed in This Episode:2:00 – What is a healthy “song diet” and why it matters6:00 – How singing shapes theology and discipleship10:07 – Balancing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs13:00 – How worship engages mind, heart, and body15:18 – Evaluating your current rotation with a quarterly review20:15 – The role of theology in new song selection23:00 – Practical approaches to introducing new songs26:00 – How to connect new songs with spiritual moments31:00 – How often should you repeat songs to build familiarity?35:00 – When and how to “retire” a song with wisdom38:20 – Preparing your church for Easter songs47:00 – Encouragement for worship leaders in small or isolated churchesResources Mentioned:Grace Upon Grace – Michael BoggsBless God – Brooke LigertwoodHe Will Hold Me Fast – Keith & Kristyn GettySong Diet Exercise – Brentwood Worship team practice (inquire at Elevate Conference breakout sessions)Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025 | https://elevatechurchconference.com/ Elevate ConferenceLooking to grow as a worship leader or lead your team with greater clarity? Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025, at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event is packed with practical tools and fresh vision for every area of church leadership. Register now at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.
↗️ Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025Join us in Nashville, TN, for a one-day event designed to equip church leaders with practical strategies for sustainable ministry. Learn more at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.
On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Amy-Jo Girardier sits down with Oksana Field to discuss how to build women’s ministries rooted in discipleship rather than events. From sharing early conversations in Disney roller coaster lines to launching mentoring programs and gathering women across campuses, Amy-Jo and Oksana unpack the principles that have helped cultivate authentic community, spiritual depth, and leadership development in their ministries.
Meet the Speakers:
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Resources Mentioned:
On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Renee Blain hosts a conversation with Todd Villemont and Amy Keys about ministry to preschoolers and their families. The early years of parenting represent both a critical spiritual formation window and a time when many adults are most open to faith conversations. These ministry leaders explore how churches can seize this pivotal moment—when families are establishing patterns and parents are actively seeking guidance—to build relationships that will impact both child and parent discipleship for years to come.This discussion goes beyond classroom management to explore the critical partnership between church and home during the formative preschool years. From identifying expectant parents to facilitating parent-child dedication ceremonies, from creating spaces for authentic parent community to empowering families for mission, our guests share practical strategies that have strengthened families and pointed children toward Jesus.Meet the Speakers:Renee Blain: Associate Preschool Minister at Brentwood Baptist with 30 years of experience in preschool ministry and mother of two adult daughters.Todd Villemont: Preschool Minister at Brentwood Baptist with 13 years in children's ministry, father of two children ages 8 and 12.Amy Keys: Preschool Minister at the Church at Station Hill for 7 years, mother of three grown children ages 19-22.Topics Discussed in This Episode:1:31 - Introduction to our panel of preschool ministry experts3:14 - Identifying and reaching out to new and expectant parents6:02 - Introducing the New & Expectant Parents Class structure and content10:47 - What parent-child dedication looks like and why it matters13:53 - Common parenting questions and how to provide support16:48 - Creating spaces for parents to build community and find support21:20 - Gospel conversations with preschoolers: why and how24:19 - Equipping parents to lead Bible reading at home26:18 - Family service opportunities and mission experiences for preschoolersResources Mentioned:• The "Five Gs" framework for discipleship (Gospel Conversations, Groups, Gather, Give, Go)• Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family (with Study Questions) by Paul David TrippElevate Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event equips church leaders with actionable strategies for discipleship, growth, and navigating ministry challenges. Register today at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.
On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Darrel Girardier and Madi Wuebben tackle one of the most disruptive and promising forces in modern ministry—AI. From writing emails and managing calendars to sermon prep and pastoral care, they explore how church leaders can use AI tools with wisdom, clarity, and discernment.Together, they break down fears around job security, ethical boundaries, and the theological implications of using artificial intelligence in sacred spaces. This isn’t a conversation about replacing people—it’s about reclaiming time for the ministry only people can do.Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-averse, this episode will help you adopt an AI-first mindset, audit your weekly workflows, and make informed decisions about what tools belong in your ministry—and which ones don’t.Meet the Speakers:Darrel Girardier: Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist Church. Madi Wuebben: Promotions Director at Brentwood Baptist, leading marketing and branding for nine campuses across Middle Tennessee.Timestamps:
Resources Mentioned:Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Conference at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event equips church leaders with actionable strategies for discipleship, growth, and navigating ministry challenges in a changing world.Register now at https://elevatechurchconference.com
Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025 at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.
On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Truett Ross hosts a conversation with Alec Beard and Amy- Jo Girardier about one of the most critical aspects of church leadership: developing healthy group leaders who can multiply your ministry's impact. Drawing from decades of combined experience, they share practical wisdom on identifying potential leaders, bridging the gap between calling and competency, and creating a sustainable culture of leadership development that strengthens the entire church.
Meet the Speakers:
Topics Discussed in This Episode:Resources Mentioned:Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event equips church leaders with actionable strategies for discipleship, growth, and navigating ministry challenges. Register today at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.Whether you're looking to start a leadership development process or strengthen your existing small group ministry, this episode provides practical insights for building healthy leaders who can multiply your church's impact.To learn more about the conference and for additional resources, visit https://elevatechurchconference.com/.
Register Now ↗️ for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025 at https://elevatechurchconference.com/. On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Brian Coates sits down with Todd Bishop and Link Taylor to talk about what it takes to create safe ministry spaces. From church security systems to volunteer training and child protection protocols, they share how a strong safety culture isn’t just smart—it’s gospel-centered. Learn how intentional policies, proactive planning, and clear communication can protect the people you serve and remove barriers to life-changing ministry.Meet the Speakers:• Brian Coates: Executive Pastor at the Brentwood Campus, Brian champions staff health, operational clarity, and a mission-first mindset across campuses.• Todd Bishop: Associate Executive Pastor for the North Region Brentwood Baptist Campuses, Todd leads church operations and safety planning, equipping leaders to think clearly in moments that matter.• Link Taylor: Next Gen and Family Minister at the Brentwood Campus, Link builds healthy, secure spaces for kids, students, and parents to grow in Christ.Timestamps:1:15 – Why church safety isn’t optional anymore3:09 – Creating a sanctuary in an unpredictable world5:35 – What safety looks like in Next Gen ministry6:33 – Training your teams to recognize and respond9:57 – Beyond background checks: the new standard for vetting14:30 – How to lead volunteers through change17:55 – Involving students in serving without compromising safety19:37 – Where to start: 5 steps every church can take today23:58 – Introducing policies without derailing ministry26:39 – How safety becomes part of church cultureElevate Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event equips church leaders with actionable strategies for discipleship, growth, and navigating ministry challenges. Register today at elevatechurchconference.com.
↗️ Register now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025 at https://elevatechurchconference.com/On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Keith Holloway hosts a conversation with David Hannah, Campus and Teaching Pastor at the Church at Lockeland Springs, and Danielle Schneider, global worker serving with Living Hope and Children's Director at King of Kings in South Africa. Together, they explore the essentials of creating meaningful and lasting global ministry partnerships.Meet the Speakers:
Timestamps: Resources Mentioned:Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event equips church leaders with practical strategies for discipleship, global engagement, and cultivating lasting partnerships. Register today at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.Whether you’re a pastor, missionary, or church leader, this episode offers insights on creating healthy, meaningful global mission partnerships.For more information and resources, visit elevatechurchconference.com.
