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

Brentwood Baptist Church
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Are you ready to take your ministry to the next level? Follow the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, as we share how this new resource will equip and encourage church leaders at every stage. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a growing team member, this podcast is designed to help you sharpen your vision, strengthen your staff, and deepen your Gospel impact. Hosted by ministers from Brentwood Baptist Church, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical tools, and insights from leaders who understand the joys and challenges of ministry.

  1. 2D AGO

    Building an Authentic Church Social Media Strategy: Tips for Small and Mid-Sized Ministries

    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

    41 min

  2. 09/10/2025

    Building a Responsive Worship Culture: How to Lead Engaged, Spirit-Led Gatherings

    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.

    47 min

  3. 09/03/2025

    From Transaction to Transformation: How to Lead a Discipling Giving Moment Every Sunday

    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.

    39 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    Sunday Worship Planning: Spirit-Led & Strategic Services

    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.

    31 min

  5. 08/20/2025

    How Our Church Preached Through the Entire Bible in a Year

    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.

    32 min

  6. 08/13/2025

    How to Align Your Church Staff Around Mission and Vision

    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

    32 min

  7. 08/06/2025

    Stop Hiring the Wrong People: Church Staff Hiring That Works

    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:

    36 min

  8. 07/30/2025

    Encouragement for Pastors: Overcoming Discouragement and Finding Faithfulness in Ministry

    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:

    28 min
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Are you ready to take your ministry to the next level? Follow the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, as we share how this new resource will equip and encourage church leaders at every stage. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a growing team member, this podcast is designed to help you sharpen your vision, strengthen your staff, and deepen your Gospel impact. Hosted by ministers from Brentwood Baptist Church, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical tools, and insights from leaders who understand the joys and challenges of ministry.

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