In this episode of the Engaged Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Bill Pfaender—Marine Corps veteran and Chick-fil-A operator—to discuss the universal principles of leadership. Bill shares the importance of humility, empowering others, and why pastors must focus on their calling while developing leaders within their congregations. Discover how letting go of micromanagement and trusting others can lead to healthier churches and thriving communities.

Join Mike Glenn, President of the Engage Church Network, and Linc Taylor, Next Gen and Family Minister at Brentwood Baptist Church, as they dive into a transformative discussion on family ministry.

In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Lisa Francisco, former Executive Director of Central Operations at Brentwood Baptist Church. Lisa shares her journey from a corporate career at HCA to overseeing finances and operations for one of Nashville's largest churches.

In this episode, Mike Glenn sits down with Matt Largen, CEO of Williamson Inc., the Chamber of Commerce for Williamson County. Together, they explore the incredible growth and evolution of Williamson County, touching on the opportunities and challenges it presents for churches and communities alike. From shifts in demographics and economic trends to the pressing need for affordable housing and mental health support, Matt shares his expertise on how local leaders can respond effectively. This conversation highlights how churches can adapt to a changing landscape and become a vital resource for their communities.

Join us for today's episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast with host Mike Glenn and special guest, Mayor Ken Moore of Franklin, Tennessee. Mayor Moore shares his journey from orthopedic surgeon to a four-term mayor and discusses the importance of faith-driven leadership in the political process.

In this episode of the Engaged Church Network podcast, host Mike Glenn welcomes Bill Choate, Director of Collegiate Ministries at the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. With decades of experience, Bill shares his invaluable perspective on ministering to young adults, discussing the unique challenges faced by Generation Z and the importance of creating authentic, lasting connections within the church.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Jay Strother, Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church. Jay shares insights from his first year leading the church after Mike’s long tenure, reflecting on the challenges, surprises, and spiritual growth involved in transitioning into this new role. Together, they explore the keys to navigating pastoral leadership changes, building unity, and guiding a congregation toward a shared mission. Tune in for a powerful discussion on faith, community, and the impact of long-term leadership in ministry.

In this episode, Mike Glenn talks with New Testament scholar Scot McKnight about the church's role in today’s culture. McKnight, author of The King Jesus Gospel and The Blue Parakeet, shares insights on the church’s relationship with politics, the meaning of national symbols in worship, and the importance of strong mentorship. Offering advice for young pastors, McKnight emphasizes rooting ministry in Scripture and fostering a personal relationship with Jesus. This episode provides practical wisdom for leaders and anyone interested in faith’s impact on society.

Join Mike Glenn as he welcomes long-time friend and leadership mentor, Leon Drennan, to the podcast. Leon shares key insights from his extensive experience in organizational leadership, both in the healthcare industry and with pastors. In this episode, they dive into the essentials of leading a local church, balancing ministry demands, and empowering staff to protect their time and focus. Leon's five foundational principles—purpose, people, priorities, power, and progress—are discussed in depth, offering practical guidance for pastors navigating the challenges of leadership.

Join Mike Glenn, president of the Engage Church Network, as he sits down with Aaron Bryant, pastor of the Church at Avenue South. In this episode, they discuss practical insights on leading a congregation in Middle Tennessee, the challenges of urban ministry, and the journey of pastoring multiple generations within the same church. Hear how Aaron’s calling to Nashville’s urban core led to the planting of Avenue South and the surprising growth that followed. This conversation offers valuable lessons for pastors and church leaders on staying engaged with their community and adapting to change.

In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Brent Leatherwood, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention. Together, they dive into the challenging question, “Should Christians stay out of politics?” Brent shares his personal journey in political engagement, discussing how his faith guides his work and why he believes Christians have a responsibility to be involved in the political process. Tune in to hear their thoughtful conversation on balancing faith and politics, and how we can honor Christ while serving our communities.

In this episode, Mike Glenn, president of the Engaged Church Network, and Darrell Gwaltney, board chairman, discuss the importance of lifelong learning for pastors. They explore how pastors must stay curious, humble, and disciplined to grow in their ministry, sharing personal insights on topics like Greek language study, theology, and leadership. Whether you're a pastor or church leader, this conversation is filled with practical advice for continuing your growth. Subscribe for more inspiring discussions tailored to church leaders!

In this episode of the Engaged Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with his longtime friend Randy Davis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. With over 15 years of experience, Randy shares insights on the current crisis in church leadership, where hundreds of churches across Tennessee are without pastors. Together, they discuss the importance of identifying and training the next generation of pastors, the role of mentors in ministry, and how churches need to think differently about leadership pipelines moving forward.

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.