Is your student ministry just taking trips—or forming missionaries?

• Evan Kunz: Brentwood Baptist Student Minister
• Amy-Jo Girardier: Brentwood Baptist Women's Minister, former Girls & Student Mission Mobilizer at Brentwood Baptist
• Mac Johnson: Global Worker/Pastor at The Point Church, former Student Minister at Brentwood Baptist 

• Acts 18 and the “Here, There, Everywhere” strategy
• The Point Church, Vancouver, BC
• Reborn Community Church, Chicago, IL
• Mission 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 Glenn
• Engage Church Network
• Brentwood 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

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

• How to Get Church Leadership Involved in Disability Ministry – Joni & Friends
• 5 Steps to Starting a Special Needs Ministry – Joni & Friends
• Brentwood Baptist Embrace Special Needs Ministry
• Brentwood Baptist Embrace Day Program 

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

• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber – A must-read on why good leaders can’t do it all themselves.
• Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni – Insights on building trust, managing conflict, and creating team cohesion.
• The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Pete Scazzero – How personal health fuels healthy leadership.
• Myers-Briggs, DISC, Enneagram – Personality assessments to help you understand your team dynamics.
• Five Love Languages (Gary Chapman) – Surprisingly useful for building relational equity with your staff.
• Leadership Development Pipeline at Brentwood Baptist – Structured training to grow ministry leaders (available internally).

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:

• Center for Christian Coaching – Equip leaders and members through gospel-centered coaching: ⁠brentwoodbaptist.com/mtli/center-for-christian-coaching⁠
• PLACE Ministries – Discover your personality, spiritual gifts, and passion: ⁠placeministries.org⁠
• Bigger Than Me – Tools and assessments for calling and purpose: ⁠bigger-than-me.com⁠

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:

• Amy-Jo Girardier: Women’s Minister at Brentwood Baptist, leading initiatives that equip women for discipleship, mentoring, and leadership development.
• Oksana Field: Worship and Women’s Minister at The Church at Harpeth Heights, passionate about fostering authentic, Bible-centered community for women of all generations.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• 0:00 — How a Disney trip launched a shared vision for women’s ministry
• 2:00 — Why moving from event-based to discipleship-driven ministry matters
• 6:24 — Building collaborative ministry across multiple campuses
• 8:10 — The biblical foundation and personal impact of mentoring
• 13:00 — How prayer prepared the way for flourishing mentoring programs
• 24:00 — Developing Gather in Homes: equipping women to lead and connect
• 29:50 — How small, everyday steps lead to empowered leadership
• 34:45 — Shifts from consumerism to discipleship in women’s ministry
• 42:00 — Future dreams: theological training and micro-mission journeys
• 46:00 — Encouragement for women hesitant to take their next leadership step




Resources Mentioned:

• ⁠Flourish Mentoring Program – Passion City Church⁠
• ⁠Lifeway Academy⁠ (for future Trellis leadership development)
• ⁠Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025⁠

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: 

• 2:41 – What AI is and how it actually works
• 7:20 – Common fears ministries have about AI and how to respond
• 15:32 – Where AI belongs in your ministry—and where it doesn’t
• 23:04 – Why AI tools won't replace human discipleship
• 30:17 – Encouragement for pastors who “aren’t techy”
• 36:01 – Must-have AI tools for communication and admin
• 47:25 – Ethical considerations and when to credit AI
• 53:02 – How to get started with an AI-first mindset today

• ChatGPT (OpenAI) – writing, brainstorming, transcription
• Claude AI – writing emails and marketing copy with a natural tone
• CastMagic – turning sermon audio into follow-up content
• Otter.ai – meeting recording, transcription, and summary
• Opus.pro – automatic sermon clip creation for social media
• Google Gemini – deep research with verifiable sources
• Fantastical and Motion – calendar management with AI assistance

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:

• Truett Ross: Groups and Care Minister at the West Franklin Campus, Truett brings multi-campus experience through his work at Avenue South and now West Franklin.
• Amy Jo Girardier: Women's Minister at the Brentwood Campus for 23 years, Amy Jo oversees women's leaders and volunteers, previously serving in student ministry.
• Alec Beard: Oversees small groups and missions at the Lockeland Springs Campus in East Nashville, navigating the unique dynamics of a smaller, more transient church community.

• 0:00 - Introduction to investing in healthy group leaders
• 2:00 - Identifying the biggest gaps in group leadership development
• 5:54 - Why developing leaders matters more than simply launching more groups
• 8:27 - Soul care resources for group leaders to prevent burnout
• 11:36 - Real examples of the right leader making a difference
• 17:27 - Essential characteristics to look for when identifying potential leaders
• 19:39 - Non-negotiables for training and equipping new leaders
• 24:47 - Effective methods for checking in with and encouraging leaders
• 30:01 - Creating a culture of leadership development within your church
• 34:20 - Building layers of leadership and delegating care to team members
• 40:41 - Practical first steps to strengthen your leadership pipeline
• 47:50 - Lessons learned about leadership development

• Dwell Scripture App: A scripture listening resource provided to leaders
• Soul Care assessment resources: soulcare.com for identifying burnout in leaders
• The Five Gs framework: Give, Go, Groups, Gather, Gospel Conversations
• Leadership Covenant: A formal document setting expectations for group leaders

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:

• Keith Holloway: Missions Mobilization Minister, guiding churches to impactful global engagement.
• David Hannah: Campus and Teaching Pastor at the Church at Lockeland Springs, passionate about focused, effective mission partnerships after serving nine years in Bologna, Italy.
• Danielle Schneider: Global Worker with Living Hope and Children's Director at King of Kings Church in Cape Town, South Africa, advocating for meaningful short-term missions and sustainable local ministry.

• 0:47 - From Nashville to the Mission Field: David and Danielle share their journeys.
• 3:40 - The value of singular focus in missions partnerships.
• 7:44 - The relational impact of consistent short-term teams.
• 13:40 - How churches can effectively identify and support mission partners.
• 18:16 - Cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and the importance of scouting teams.
• 19:10 - Why it's critical for pastors to personally engage in mission journeys.
• 24:35 - Mutual transformation: Mission journeys change both participants and hosts.

• Living Hope
• King of Kings Baptist Church
• Brentwood Baptist Mission Journeys

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.

↗️ Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025. On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Matt Pearson is joined by John Joseph to discuss the dynamics of preaching within a multi-campus church. They explore how to maintain authenticity, balance individual preaching styles with collaborative sermon planning, and discern when to pivot based on the unique needs of each congregation.Meet the Speakers:

• Matt Pearson: Campus and teaching pastor at The Church at West Franklin, Matt values authentic, contextually grounded preaching that speaks directly to the heart of his congregation.
• John Joseph: Serving as the campus and teaching pastor at The Church at Station Hill, John emphasizes clarity, community, and compassionate communication shaped by real-life pastoral experience.

• 2:50 – Brentwood's collaborative preaching philosophy across campuses
• 11:48 – How prayer shapes effective sermon preparation
• 15:43 – Balancing your personal preaching voice with sermon series themes
• 23:32 – Knowing when and how to pivot from your preaching plan
• 29:15 – Essential advice for young and growing preachers
• 30:09 – Why regular feedback is crucial to developing your preaching gift

• The Valley of Vision: A Minister's Preaching

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 actionable strategies for discipleship, growth, and navigating ministry challenges. Register today at elevatechurchconference.com.Whether you're just starting out in preaching or seeking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical insights for communicating the gospel faithfully and effectively. To learn more about the conference and for additional resources, visit https://elevatechurchconference.com/.

Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Brandon Abbott sits down with pastors Brandon Hays and Hunter Melton to discuss the challenges and rewards of church revitalization. They share their experiences stepping into historic congregations, building trust with legacy members, and casting vision for a renewed future.Whether you’re leading a church merger, navigating revitalization, or simply working to strengthen your local congregation, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you move forward with confidence.Topics Discussed:⏳ [04:41] Honoring church legacy and community ⏳ [06:53] Intentional relationship building ⏳ [11:27] Celebrating community-centric church growth ⏳ [14:17] Historic building challenges ⏳ [17:54] Creating a culture where preaching the Word, enjoying ministry, and casting a vision for growth go hand in hand.⏳ [20:03] Embracing uncertainty in ministry ⏳ [24:42] Why long-term impact requires patience, consistency, and trust in God’s timing.⏳ [28:51] The importance of community to revitalizationResources 🔹 Learn more about church revitalization resources at ElevateChurchConference.com 🔹 Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9th at Brentwood Baptist Church! Register today at ElevateChurchConference.comMeta: Explore church revitalization strategies, from building trust and honoring legacy to casting vision and overcoming growth challenges.

On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Taylor Johnson is joined by Alex Rose and Lauren Denton to discuss why kids' discipleship is essential in the church today. They explore the role of parents, the church, and practical strategies for equipping children to live out the Great Commission.Meet the Speakers:

• Taylor Johnson – Next Gen Minister at The Church at Station Hill, passionate about engaging families in discipleship.
• Alex Rose – Next Gen Minister at The Church at Avenue South, leading ministries from birth to 18 years old.
• Lauren Denton – Next Gen Minister at The Church at West End, building a growing kids’ ministry in a new campus setting.

• 1:10 – Why discipleship isn’t just for adults—every kid can be a disciple
• 5:00 – How kids can engage in the Great Commission at school, home, and in their community
• 9:40 – The critical role parents play in discipling their children
• 17:30 – Teaching kids about giving as part of their spiritual growth
• 24:00 – Fostering gospel conversations with kids and how they naturally share their faith
• 31:35 – Integrating kids into the broader life of the church through worship and service
• 38:22 – Leadership development for kids and fifth-grade leadership teams
• 47:55 – Practical steps churches can take to disciple kids more effectively

• Gospel Project Curriculum – Teaching kids the story of the Bible
• What is a Christian? (Lifeway Kids Resource) – A tool to help kids articulate their faith
• The Giving Book – A resource designed to teach kids about stewardship
• The Gospel: God's Plan for Me – A simple framework to share the gospel with kids
• Five G’s of Discipleship (Brentwood Baptist) – Giving, Going, Groups, Gospel Conversations, and Gathering

Topics Discussed in This Episode: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. Register today atelevatechurchconference.com.Want more resources? Visit elevatechurchconference.com for ministry toolkits, blogs, and discipleship resources.

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Jay Fennell welcomes Shannon Moore and Matt Purdom to explore the role of on-campus and off-campus small groups in discipleship. They discuss the strengths and challenges of both models, how to build authentic community, and practical strategies for group multiplication. Whether you're a church leader or small group facilitator, this conversation will help you create thriving, gospel-centered groups.

Meet the Speakers:

• Jay Fennell – Groups Minister at The Church of Nolensville, focused on discipleship strategies and leadership development.
• Shannon Moore – Groups and Connections Minister at The Church at Avenue South, passionate about equipping leaders and fostering community.
• Matt Purdom – Groups Minister at Brentwood Baptist, overseeing both on-campus and off-campus small group ministries.

• Discover Bible Study Method – A simple framework for leading effective small groups
• Transformational Groups by Ed Stetzer & Eric Geiger

Topics Discussed:

02:00 – Why small groups are essential for spiritual growth

04:06 – The philosophy behind on-campus and off-campus group models

05:34 – Teaching vs. facilitation: Choosing the right group format

08:57 – Building authentic relationships in small groups

11:19 – How off-campus groups foster mission and outreach

14:29 – Ideal group size and creating space for transparency

27:19 – Multiplication: Why healthy groups should plant new ones

30:17 – Best resources and training methods for group leaders

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 leadership development. Secure your spot at https://elevatechurchconference.com.

Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025On this episode of the Elevate Podcast,Darrel Girardier is joined byMadi Wuebben andDillon Sherlock to unpack how churches can structure communications for maximum impact with limited resources. Whether you’re a solo comms director or part of a large team, this conversation offers practical strategies for prioritization, managing requests, leveraging AI, and preventing burnout.Meet the Speakers:

• Darrel Girardier: Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist, strategist, and problem-solver in church communications.
• Madi Wuebben: Promotions Director at Brentwood Baptist, leading branding, marketing, and project management for nine campuses.
• Dillon Sherlock: Digital Strategy Director, overseeing social media, digital engagement, and online ministry strategies.

• Building a Second Brain – Tiago Forte
• Getting Things Done – David Allen
• Hook Point – Brendan Kane
• The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande
• The Comfort Crisis – Michael Easter

• ChatGPT – Copywriting, strategy, and automation
• Opus Pro – Fast sermon & podcast clip generation
• Cast Magic – Transcription and content repurposing
• Otter AI – Meeting transcription and action items
• Google AI Studio – On-screen assistance for software navigation
• Motion AI – AI-powered calendar & task management

Topics Discussed in This Episode:3:07 - Running lean: How 13 people serve 9 campuses7:01 - The tier system: Prioritizing church comms projects effectively10:04 - Why social media graphics don’t work (and what to do instead)15:44 - Managing last-minute ministry requests without losing your mind20:34 - Building a volunteer team to scale your church comms26:17 - The best project management tools for church comms36:43 - AI tools that are changing the game for church communications3:42 - If you could only use one platform for church comms, what would it be?[WANT MORE RESOURCES? SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR MORE UPDATES-- embed subscribe small box]Resources Mentioned:📚Books & Leadership Tools:🛠AI & Productivity Tools:---Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for theElevate Conference onSeptember 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 athttps://elevatechurchconference.com/.Want more church comms insights? Subscribe to theElevate Podcast and stay connected for new episodes every weekTo learn more about the conference and for additional resources, visithttps://elevatechurchconference.com/.

Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Wade Owens is joined by Fady Al-Hagal to explore the vital topic of church multiplication. Together, they dive into the mindset, vision, and practical steps needed to create healthy churches that multiply for the Kingdom.With decades of ministry experience, Wade and Fady share insights from real-life church revitalization and planting stories, offering a roadmap for pastors and leaders eager to embrace a multiplication movement.Meet the Speakers:

Topics Discussed in This Episode:Resources Mentioned:Ready to explore church multiplication or revitalization? Contact Fady Al-Hagal, Multiplication Minister at Brentwood Baptist Church, at [mailto:falhagal@brentwoodbaptist.com] for guidance, tools, and partnerships to help your church embrace the multiplication movement.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 in the midst of burnout or looking to strengthen your ministry rhythms, this episode provides valuable insights and tools to help you lead well.To learn more about the conference and for additional resources, visit https://elevatechurchconference.com/.

Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Garrett Gregory, is joined by Michelle Dyer, and Keith Tenpenny, to tackle the challenge of burnout in ministry. With over 60 years of combined leadership experience, they share practical strategies for balancing ministry and family, setting boundaries, and rediscovering rest.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 in the midst of burnout or looking to strengthen your ministry rhythms, this episode provides valuable insights and tools to help you lead well.To learn more about the conference and for additional resources, visit https://elevatechurchconference.com/.

Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Travis Cottrell sits down with Mack Burns to explore the transformative power of relational leadership in worship ministry. They discuss the importance of knowing your congregation, creating authentic worship experiences, and leading with relational goals rather than musical ambition.Meet the Speakers:

Topics Discussed in This Episode:Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025 Learn how to lead well in any church context. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow alongside fellow church leaders and discover practical tools for effective ministry. Visit elevatechurchconference.com to register.Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your ministry journey, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement to help you engage your congregation and create meaningful worship experiences.