Conversations
Conversations with Christian leaders about their calling, their journey, and the future they see forming.
Latest Episodes
Breaking Down Silos: Building Trust and Collaboration among Local Churches
How can pastors and local churches move beyond their walls and truly impact their communities? In this episode, Mike Glenn, president of the Engage Church Network, sits down with Daryl Crouch, a longtime pastor and now leader of Everyone’s Wilson, to discuss the shift from traditional ministry to city-focused mission work.
Mission First: How Conduit Church Was Built Backward
In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Darren Tyler, pastor of Conduit Church, to discuss his unconventional journey into church planting. Unlike the traditional approach, Darren started with missions first, leading Bible studies that transformed into a movement of global outreach—long before he ever considered launching a church.
The Overlooked Ministry: How Your Church Can Support Families with Special Needs
How Churches Can Support Families with Special NeedsIn this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn is joined by Carley Ellis, the Programming Director of the Rowan Glenn Center at Brentwood Baptist Church. Carley shares her inspiring journey from volunteer to program director and discusses the importance of churches embracing special needs ministries.
Being a Resilient Leader: Corporate vs. Spiritual Leadership
In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with renowned author, speaker, and leadership consultant Stephen Mansfield for a compelling discussion on leadership in the church and beyond.
Building a Thriving Church: Insights from Brentwood Baptist’s Executive Pastor
Welcome to the Engaged Church Network podcast! I’m Mike Glenn, and today I’m joined by my longtime friend, Brian Coates, Executive Pastor of the Brentwood campus at Brentwood Baptist Church. Brian’s journey began as a youth ministry intern, and over the years, he’s taken on various leadership roles, growing into an integral part of our church’s mission.
Shaping a Thriving Community: Insights from Williamson County’s Mayor
Join Mike Glenn, president of the Engaged Church Network, as he sits down with Rogers Anderson, Williamson County’s longtime mayor, to discuss the incredible transformation of one of Tennessee's fastest-growing regions. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Rogers shares insights on navigating change, prioritizing education, and fostering community growth.
Church Websites & Social Media: Must-Know Tips for Growth
In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn, President of the Engage Church Network, sits down with John Pfaender, Founder and CEO of Lasting Media. Together, they dive into the essential digital tools every church needs to connect with their community in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world.
Lessons on Leadership: What the Marine Corps & Chick-fil-A Teach Church Leaders
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.
Reimagining Family Ministry: Mike Glenn & Linc Taylor on Engaging Parents and Transforming Churches
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.
Building Trust and Stewardship: A Conversation with Lisa Francisco
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.
Thriving in Williamson County: Navigating Rapid Growth & Community Impact with Matt Largen
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.
Building a Better Community: Insights from Mayor Ken Moore
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.
Engaging Young Adults: The Church’s Role in Building Lasting Connections
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.
Passing the Torch: Navigating Pastoral Leadership Transitions | feat. Jay Strother
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.
Guiding the Church Through Cultural Shifts: Wisdom for Young Pastors feat. Scot McKnight
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.
Beyond Management: Leading a Well-Structured Ministry feat. Leon Drennan
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.
Lessons from Nashville's Urban Core: Leadership in a Changing Community feat. Aaron Bryant
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.
Faith in the Public Square: Should Christians Stay Out of Politics? | feat. Brent Leatherwood
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.
Beyond Seminary: Why Pastors Must Be Lifelong Learners feat. Darrell Gwaltney
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!
The Pastor Shortage: A Call to Action for Tennessee Churches feat. Randy Davis
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.

