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
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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What if Sunday Service Isn't the Point?
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Can You Pastor Where You Grew Up?
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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Ministry Burnout: What Every Church Leader Needs to Know.
Kylie Larson Kylie Larson

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.

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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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