Conversations
Conversations with Christian leaders about their calling, their journey, and the future they see forming.
Latest Episodes
Whats's Missing in the American Church? A Global Perspective
From church planting in post-Christian London to leading in the heart of Music City, Dr. West shares powerful insights on the changing landscape of ministry in the West. Together, they explore what it means to pastor in a secular culture, how long-term discipleship is reshaping evangelism, and why the American South may need to reimagine its understanding of the gospel.
What if Sunday Service Isn't the Point?
In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn, President of Engage Church Network, sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Chris Brooks. Chris shares his journey from leading a successful young adult ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church to pioneering a local micro church movement focused on real-life discipleship, hospitality, and spiritual family. Together, they explore the limitations of institutional church models, the impact of COVID on ministry, and the power of simplicity in disciple-making.
Should Pastors Be Worried About AI?: How to Start & what to Watch Out For
In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Katie Allred to talk about the rapidly evolving world of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how it is impacting churches, pastors, and the way we communicate.
Post-Easter Ministry: What Pastors Should Do After Easter Weekend
Easter has passed—but your work as a pastor isn’t done. In this honest and refreshing episode, Mike Glenn from the Engage Church Network speaks directly to pastors and ministry leaders who are feeling drained after one of the busiest seasons of the year.
Can You Pastor Where You Grew Up?
In this powerful episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Ben Anderson, the Senior Pastor at Christ Church Nashville, to talk about the unique calling of leading in the very place you were raised.
Ministry Burnout: What Every Church Leader Needs to Know.
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by a licensed therapist from The Refuge Center for Counseling to explore what it means to survive Monday—the emotional drop-off many pastors and leaders experience after the intensity of Sunday ministry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

