Conversations

Conversations with Christian leaders about their calling, their journey, and the future they see forming.

Latest Episodes

The Urgent Need for a Pastoral Leadership Pipeline in the Church
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

The Urgent Need for a Pastoral Leadership Pipeline in the Church

In this powerful and heartfelt message, Mike Glenn, President of the Engage Church Network and former Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, shares his vision for equipping the next generation of church leaders. After 32 years in the pulpit, Mike now devotes his time to preparing pastors instead of repairing pastors — and it all starts here in Middle Tennessee.

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Why Ministers Need to Have Spiritual Retreat Days w/ Dr. Mike Glenn
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

Why Ministers Need to Have Spiritual Retreat Days w/ Dr. Mike Glenn

In this talk from the Surviving Monday conference (February 2025), Mike Glenn shares why spiritual retreat days are essential for pastors and their staff — and how to make them a priority. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint, and without intentional rest and renewal, burnout is inevitable.

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Who is Your Mentor? The Importance of Mentorship in Ministry
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

Who is Your Mentor? The Importance of Mentorship in Ministry

In this insightful conversation, Jay Hardwick shares how mentorship played a crucial role in shaping his ministry journey. From his first mentor—his local pastor who guided him through his calling and gave him his first opportunity to preach—to his current role as President of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, Jay reflects on the importance of investing in the next generation of church leaders.

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Why Every Minister Needs a Group – Even If They Think They Don't
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

Why Every Minister Needs a Group – Even If They Think They Don't

Are you one of those people who hates small groups? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Spencer Patton to talk about their journey from small group skeptics to committed members of a thriving, life-changing group.

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Why This PhD Student Walked Away to Follow God’s Calling
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

Why This PhD Student Walked Away to Follow God’s Calling

What happens when God calls you to something completely unexpected? In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Tommy Rhodes, the founder and executive director of Barefoot Republic, a multicultural Christian summer camp ministry.

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Who is Your Mentor?: The Importance of Mentorship in Ministry
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

Who is Your Mentor?: The Importance of Mentorship in Ministry

On this special bonus episode live from Brentwood Baptist Church, ECN President Mike Glenn sits down with Brentwood Baptist Senior Pastor, Jay Strother, to talk having mentors, being a mentor, and the importance of passing on lessons learned to the next generation of ministry workers.

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Serving Nashville Together: The Mission of Operation Andrew
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

Serving Nashville Together: The Mission of Operation Andrew

In this episode, Mike Glenn sits down with Linda Leathers, the Executive Director of Operation Andrew, to discuss how churches can unite to serve their communities effectively. Linda shares the incredible 25-year journey of Operation Andrew, which began as a collaborative effort following the Billy Graham Crusade and has since grown into a vital network supporting pastors, mentoring young leaders, and partnering with local schools.

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Breaking Down Silos: Building Trust and Collaboration among Local Churches
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Mission First: How Conduit Church Was Built Backward
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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The Overlooked Ministry: How Your Church Can Support Families with Special Needs
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Building a Thriving Church: Insights from Brentwood Baptist’s Executive Pastor
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Shaping a Thriving Community: Insights from Williamson County’s Mayor
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Church Websites & Social Media: Must-Know Tips for Growth
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Lessons on Leadership: What the Marine Corps & Chick-fil-A Teach Church Leaders
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Building Trust and Stewardship: A Conversation with Lisa Francisco
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Thriving in Williamson County: Navigating Rapid Growth & Community Impact with Matt Largen
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Building a Better Community: Insights from Mayor Ken Moore
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Engaging Young Adults: The Church’s Role in Building Lasting Connections
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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