In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Tim Harlow, who pastored in Chicago for 33 years before recently moving to Nashville. Together, they share a candid conversation about transitioning out of long-term ministry roles, the challenges of stepping away from leadership, and the importance of family. Tim opens up about the emotional toll of leaving a church he deeply loved and offers insights for pastors on avoiding burnout, managing ministry expectations, and maintaining strong relationships with family. They also dive into the unique struggles pastors face, like staying grounded in friendships outside of ministry and learning how to delegate responsibility. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or church member, this episode is packed with wisdom about balancing ministry, family, and the transition into new seasons of life.

In this episode of the Engaged Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn, sits down with Miles Terry, a practicing attorney with over 15 years of experience specializing in church law and nonprofit legal matters. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of church liability, government regulations, and the unique legal challenges facing churches today. Miles shares his journey from ministry to law, offering key insights on proactive legal counsel for churches, how liability impacts modern church operations, and the importance of structure within a church organization. Tune in to learn more about the developing field of church law and how to protect your ministry from unforeseen legal issues.

In this insightful conversation, Clay Stauffer and Mike Glenn discuss the crucial distinction between preparing for ministry versus repairing from it. Drawing from Clay’s personal experiences during his sabbatical, they emphasize the importance of intentional rest for pastors to maintain long-term health in their ministries. They also explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in congregations and sparked new approaches to ministry. From varying services styles to online worship, they reflect on how churches have adapted to meet the evolving needs of their communities. Whether you’re a church leader or interested in the future of ministry, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

In this episode, Mike Glenn sits down with Fady Al-Hagal to explore the unique landscape of church planting in Middle Tennessee, where ethnic diversity is rapidly growing. They dive into the reality that 1 in 13 people in Middle TN were born outside the United States, highlighting how the world has truly come to our doorstep. Mike and Fady discuss practical ways churches can intentionally engage with these international communities, sharing the gospel in meaningful and culturally relevant ways. Tune in to learn how your church can make a difference in reaching the nations right here in Middle Tennessee.

Pastor Mike Glenn and Michele Dyer discuss discovering and nurturing spiritual gifts within the church. Michele shares her journey from supporting her husband in ministry to finding her own calling through mentorship and spiritual gifts assessments- ultimately leading her to serve as the Connection Minister at Brentwood Baptist Church. They emphasize the importance of helping every church member find their unique role in ministry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of empowering others to serve in areas where they are passionate and gifted.

Join Pastor Mike Glenn and Darrel Girardier, the Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist Church, as they dive into a thoughtful discussion on the pros and cons of pastors navigating the world of social media. In this insightful conversation, they explore the challenges and opportunities that come with maintaining an online presence, balancing authenticity with privacy, and using social platforms to reach and engage with the congregation. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or simply interested in the intersection of faith and technology, this interview offers valuable perspectives on how to effectively and responsibly manage social media in a ministry context. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that sheds light on the digital dilemmas facing today’s pastors.

Mike Glenn sits down with Michael Easley to explore the intersection of politics and the pulpit in today’s political climate and constantly changing terrain. Michael is a respected Bible teacher, pastor, and former president of Moody Bible Institute. Michael has faithfully serves churches in the DC and Nashville metro areas. He hosts several podcasts, including “Michael in Context” and “Ask Dr. E,” where he addresses theological questions head-on.

Mike sits down with Pastor David Hannah from The Church at Lockeland Springs to discuss his experience as a pastor in the vibrant East Nashville neighborhood. From frequenting local coffee shops to his time on the mission field, David offers invaluable insights on how to intentionally love and serve the community around you. Their engaging conversation explores the unique challenges and rewards of being a neighborhood pastor and how to foster meaningful relationships with those nearby.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Amy-Jo Girardier to explore the art of ministering to the often-overlooked half of a congregation – women. From crafting relatable sermon illustrations to Taylor Swift, they delve into the influences shaping the lives of women today. Amy-Jo, with her extensive ministry experience to women and girls, she offers invaluable wisdom gleaned from nearly two decades in ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church. Drawing from her profound understanding of the female experience, she shares practical tips, best practices, and valuable resources to help ministers effectively connect with and serve the women in their congregations.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Mike Glenn sits down with Clay Stauffer, Pastor at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, TN. They tackle the complex challenges pastors face when addressing polarizing topics like gun safety, politics, and the intersection of religion in today's divisive climate. In the wake of the horrific Covenant School tragedy in March 2023, Clay opens up about the deeply personal experience of shepherding his congregation through unimaginable grief. Clay also shares his insights on how to lead a congregation through controversial issues with wisdom, empathy and compassion.