Podcast
Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast: Equipping the Whole Church Staff for Gospel Impact
Hosted by Brentwood Baptist Church · EN
Are you ready to take your ministry to the next level? Follow the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, as we share how this new resource will equip and encourage church leaders at every stage. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a growing team member, this podcast is designed to help you sharpen your vision, strengthen your staff, and deepen your Gospel impact.
Hosted by ministers from Brentwood Baptist Church, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical tools, and insights from leaders who understand the joys and challenges of ministry.
37episodes
Episodes
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From Guest to Family: Building Clear Pathways to Connection
2w ago00:20:46Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Stephanie Prince sits down with Shannon Moore to discuss one of the most important challenges churches face: helping people move from being first-time guests to fully engaged members of the church family.While many churches focus heavily on first impressions, Shannon explains why hospitality is only the beginning. Healthy churches create intentional pathways that help people find community, discover their purpose, and take meaningful next steps toward discipleship.Whether you're leading guest services, groups, membership, or simply want to create a more welcoming culture in your church, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping people belong, grow, and engage in God's mission.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why hospitality is only the first step of discipleshipThe biggest barriers keeping guests from becoming engaged membersHow biblical community helps people move from attending to belongingWhy clear next steps matter more than complicated processesPractical ways to improve guest follow-up and engagementHow Discover coaching creates meaningful relationships and accountabilityThe role serving plays in helping people find ownership in the churchWhy healthy churches create cultures where everyone welcomes guestsHow to build systems that help people without losing the relational elementThe difference between a friendly church and a truly welcoming churchMeet the GuestsStephanie PrinceStephanie serves at The Church at Station Hill and helps churches think strategically about connections, discipleship pathways, and helping people take meaningful next steps in their faith journey.Shannon MooreShannon Moore serves at The Church at Avenue South, helping people connect to biblical community through groups, membership, and discipleship. With decades of ministry experience, Shannon is passionate about creating environments where people are seen, known, and engaged in the life of the church.
Transcribe →Creating a Church People Want to Come Back To
3w ago00:23:47Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Stephanie Prince is joined by Kiefer Johnson to talk about first impressions, hospitality, and what it really means to create a welcoming church environment.From parking lots and signage to remembering someone’s name, this conversation explores the small details that often make the biggest impact. Together, they unpack how intentional hospitality helps people feel seen, known, and invited into genuine Gospel-centered community.Whether your church is large or small, this episode offers practical ways to help guests move from feeling nervous and overwhelmed to feeling connected and cared for.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why first impressions begin long before someone enters the worship center The difference between being friendly and being truly welcoming How signage, volunteers, and environments reduce anxiety for guests Practical ways to create a culture of invitation and hospitality Why remembering someone’s name can deeply impact their sense of identity How consistency builds trust and long-term community The spiritual importance of hospitality and connection ministry Simple steps churches can take this Sunday to improve first impressionsMeet the GuestsStephanie PrinceStephanie serves in connections ministry at Brentwood Baptist and is passionate about helping churches create environments where people feel seen, known, and welcomed into community.Kiefer JohnsonKefir Johnson serves in connections ministry and guest services at Brentwood Baptist Church, helping cultivate welcoming environments that make it easier for people to take their next step into the life of the church.
Transcribe →Having Hard Conversations That Actually Resolve Things
4w ago00:32:21Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Bill Ferrell is joined by Jay Fennel for an honest conversation about one of the hardest parts of leadership: difficult conversations. From team tension and staff conflict to emotional meetings and misunderstood intentions, they unpack practical ways leaders can pursue clarity, care, and resolution without avoiding the issue or damaging relationships.Whether you lead a large staff team or serve in a smaller church context, this conversation offers practical tools to help you shepherd people well, strengthen trust, and lead with both truth and empathy.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why avoiding hard conversations often creates bigger problems later How clarity and care can strengthen trust on a team Questions every leader should ask before entering a difficult conversation Common mistakes leaders make during conflict How to balance empathy with honesty What to do when emotions rise in a conversation Why mutual understanding matters more than “winning” Practical ways to prepare for conversations that move people forwardMeet the GuestsBill FerrellBill serves at Brentwood Baptist and is passionate about helping church leaders build healthy teams, lead with wisdom, and strengthen church culture through practical leadership tools.Jay FennelJay serves on the leadership team at Brentwood Baptist and brings years of ministry experience in shepherding teams, developing leaders, and helping churches pursue healthy staff culture and unity.
Transcribe →The Leadership Calendar: Balancing Strategy, Meetings, and Soul Care
May 1300:27:58Tap to summarizeRegister now for the Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026.On this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Bill Ferrell is joined by Brian Coates to discuss one of the most overlooked leadership tools: your calendar. Together, they unpack how a leader’s schedule reveals priorities, shapes team culture, and impacts long-term health. From protecting white space for strategic thinking to building sustainable rhythms for family and soul care, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders trying to lead intentionally instead of reactively. They also explore common warning signs of overload, how to prioritize meetings and commitments, and why healthy leadership requires margin, reflection, and the ability to say no. Whether you lead a church staff, ministry team, or organization, this episode will help you rethink how your calendar supports your mission. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why your calendar reflects your actual prioritiesThe difference between reactive leadership and intentional leadershipHow to create margin for strategic thinkingWarning signs that your schedule is becoming unsustainablePractical ways to prioritize meetings and commitmentsWhy soul care is a leadership issue, not just a personal oneHow healthy leaders protect time for family, rest, and reflectionThe importance of saying no in leadershipMeet the GuestsBill FerrellBill serves at Brentwood Baptist and helps lead organizational strategy, leadership development, and team culture. Passionate about healthy leadership, Bill regularly coaches leaders on building sustainable rhythms and healthy teams.Brian CoatesBrian serves as an Executive Pastor at Brentwood Baptist, helping oversee ministry strategy, staff leadership, and operational direction across the church. He is passionate about building healthy teams, creating intentional leadership rhythms, and helping leaders steward their time well.
Transcribe →The One-on-One Framework Every Leader Needs: Build Trust, Clarity, and Stronger Team
May 600:31:29Tap to summarizeOne-on-ones are not just meetings. They are one of the most important rhythms a leader can build.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Bill Ferrell sits down with Darrel Girardier to unpack why one-on-ones are essential for building trust, developing people, and creating healthy teams.They discuss how to structure one-on-ones, what questions actually lead to growth, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause leaders to drift into miscommunication or disconnection.Whether you’re leading a fast-paced team or just getting started with leadership rhythms, this episode will give you a practical framework you can implement right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why one-on-ones are one of the most important leadership rhythms How one-on-ones build trust and communicate care The difference between status updates and real conversations Why small “micro-corrections” prevent major issues later How to tailor one-on-ones to each team member A simple framework: affirm, correct, and coach The most powerful questions to ask in one-on-ones How to create clarity and remove roadblocks for your team Why documentation creates transparency and trust Common mistakes leaders make (and how to avoid them) How often you should meet, and why consistency matters Meet the GuestsBill Ferrell – Bill brings decades of leadership experience and helps teams build strong systems, healthy culture, and effective leadership rhythms. Darrel Girardier – Darrel serves in leadership and communications at Brentwood Baptist, helping teams operate with clarity, strategy, and intentional development.
Transcribe →Build a Culture of Feedback: How Healthy Teams Grow Every Week (Not Once a Year)
Apr 2900:28:19Tap to summarizeHealthy teams don’t grow through annual reviews alone. They grow through consistent, honest, and relational feedback.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Bill Ferrell sits down with Brandon Hayes to discuss what it takes to build a culture where feedback is normal, helpful, and rooted in care.They unpack why leaders often avoid feedback, how to build trust with your team, and practical ways to make feedback a regular part of your leadership rhythm, not just something reserved for annual reviews.Whether you’re leading a large staff or a small team, this conversation will help you create a healthier culture where people can grow, develop, and thrive together.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most leaders avoid feedback, and how to overcome it The difference between a feedback culture and formal reviews How trust makes honest conversations possible Why feedback should be immediate, not delayed How to balance encouragement and accountability Simple questions to ask in one-on-ones that lead to growth Why specific feedback is more helpful than general criticism How to navigate emotional or difficult feedback conversations Practical ways to document progress without feeling corporate Why regular “one-degree corrections” prevent major problemsMeet the GuestsBill Ferrell – Bill brings decades of leadership experience and helps teams build healthy systems, strong culture, and effective leadership rhythms. Brandon Hayes – Brandon serves as a campus and teaching pastor, leading teams and developing leaders with a focus on growth, care, and intentional discipleship.Register for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our March focus on worship ministry, leading up to Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026. Learn more and register at elevatechurchconference.com.
Transcribe →Healthy Churches Multiply: How to Assess Church Health Before It’s Too Late
Apr 2200:34:03Tap to summarizeHealthy churches do not happen by accident. In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Brian Coates sits down with Fady Al-Hagal to talk about what church health really looks like and why multiplication begins with healthy leadership, healthy culture, and healthy disciple-making rhythms.Together, they unpack common warning signs of decline, false indicators of success, and practical ways churches can assess their health honestly. From fractured leadership to mission drift, this conversation offers practical tools for pastors and ministry leaders who want to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.If you’ve ever wondered whether your church is truly healthy or simply staying busy, this episode will help you take an honest look at what matters most.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why busyness is not always a sign of health The difference between healthy growth and mission drift Common false indicators churches rely on How fractured leadership and culture can lead to decline The three marks of a healthy church: make, mature, and multiply disciples Why healthy rhythms matter more than scattered programs How the “5Gs” can create clarity in your discipleship pathway Practical next steps for churches that need revitalization or renewal Why pastors need trusted voices, cohorts, and healthy accountability Real examples of churches that experienced renewed health and growthMeet the GuestsBrian Coates – Brian leads church growth and campus strategy at Brentwood Baptist and helps churches think strategically about leadership, multiplication, and health. Fady Al-Hagal – Fady serves as Multiplication Minister at Brentwood Baptist, helping churches across Middle Tennessee assess health, strengthen leadership, and move toward revitalization and multiplication.
Transcribe →Beyond Our Walls: What’s Happening in Middle Tennessee Churches
Apr 1500:30:26Tap to summarizeAcross Middle Tennessee, God is moving. Churches are navigating cultural shifts, leadership gaps, and changing communities—but they’re also seeing incredible opportunities for multiplication and renewal. In this conversation, we explore what’s encouraging, what’s challenging, and what it looks like to build a kingdom-first mindset across our region. In this episode, you’ll learn:What’s encouraging in Middle Tennessee churches right now Why college ministry and young leaders are driving fresh momentum Common challenges facing churches across the region How cooperation between churches fuels kingdom impact The role of humility, patience, and prayer in multiplication How churches can take practical next steps toward renewal and partnership Why a kingdom mindset is essential for healthy growthMeet the GuestsBrian Coates - Host of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, helping equip leaders and strengthen churches.William Maxwell - Chief Administrative Officer at the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, focused on supporting churches through leadership development, revitalization, and multiplication.
Transcribe →Give It Away: Building a Church That Sends Its Best Leaders
Apr 800:31:39Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Brian Coates is joined by Aaron Bryant to talk about one of the clearest markers of a healthy church: sending your best leaders, not holding onto them.Together, they unpack the tension every leader feels: wanting to keep strong, capable people while knowing the mission calls us to release them. This conversation is part of our multiplication series leading up to the Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22.If you’re building a team, developing leaders, or wrestling with what it means to lead with open hands, this episode offers practical insight rooted in real ministry experience. In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why churches instinctively hold onto leaders instead of sending them - How to build a culture that values multiplication from day one - What it looks like to develop leaders with long-term vision - How to prepare your congregation for sending, not just keeping - The real cost of sending leaders—and why it’s still worth it - Practical ways to coach, invest in, and release leaders well - How humility shapes a multiplying leadership cultureMeet the Guests- Brian Coates, Senior Executive Pastor at Brentwood Baptist Church- Aaron Bryant, Campus and Teaching Pastor at The Church at Avenue South and North Region Lead Pastor
Transcribe →When Church Mergers Make Sense: Pursuing Partnership for Kingdom Impact
Apr 100:25:49Tap to summarizeEvery church wants to be faithful to where God has placed them. But sometimes, faithfulness looks like partnership.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Brian Coates and Aaron Bryant talk through when church mergers actually make sense, and when they don’t. This is not about growth for growth’s sake. It’s about discerning where God is at work and how churches can come alongside one another for greater kingdom impact.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “merger” isn’t the best starting point—and what posture matters moreHow to discern if partnership is necessary or if support is enoughWhat healthy churches look for before stepping into a mergerWhy humility is essential on both sides of the conversationHow to lead your congregation through uncertainty and changeThe role of prayer and communication in building unityThe difference between vision and strategy—and why it mattersMeet the GuestsBrian Coates, Senior Executive Pastor at Brentwood Baptist ChurchAaron Bryant, Campus and Teaching Pastor at The Church at Avenue South and North Region Lead PastorRegister for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our March focus on worship ministry, leading up to Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026. Learn more and register at elevatechurchconference.com.
Transcribe →