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.
34episodes
Episodes
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The Leadership Calendar: Balancing Strategy, Meetings, and Soul Care
6d ago00:27:58Tap 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
2w ago00:31:29Tap 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)
3w ago00:28:19Tap 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
4w ago00:34:03Tap 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 →Developing the Next Generation of Worship Leaders: Detect, Develop, Deploy
Mar 2500:23:20Tap to summarizeLeadership development does not happen by accident.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Mack Burns is joined by Nick Gonzales to talk about developing the next generation of worship leaders. They walk through a simple framework (detect, develop, deploy) and unpack what it looks like to identify servant-hearted leaders, slow down the process, and build pathways that form shepherds, not just musicians.This conversation is especially helpful if you feel stretched, have limited volunteers, or know you need to invest in younger leaders but are not sure where to start.In this episode, you’ll learn:- The moment a worship leader realizes the job is multiplication, not just leading songs- What to look for when “detecting” potential leaders (and why it’s often backstage)- How to invite hesitant, humble leaders into growth without rushing them- The danger of elevating someone too quickly and how the platform can distort- Why you don’t need to be a musical expert to develop musicians- How shepherding happens through presence, trust, and relational equity- A practical first step you can take this week to begin developing leadersMeet the GuestsMack Burns – Worship Minister at The Church at West FranklinNick Gonzales – Worship Minister at The Church at Avenue SouthRegister 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 →The Worship Leader as Shepherd: Caring for Souls, Not Just Songs
Mar 1800:33:19Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Mack Burns is joined by Luke Roman from The Church at Station Hill for an honest and practical conversation about what it means to shepherd a worship team.Together they explore the rhythms, responsibilities, and spiritual priorities that shape healthy worship ministries. From tending to burnout and protecting team culture to redefining success beyond musical excellence, this episode offers encouragement and real tools for leaders who want to care for people, not just performances.If you serve in worship ministry or lead creative teams, this conversation will help you think more deeply about presence, soul care, and sustainable leadership.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why worship leadership is pastoral leadershipThe three priorities of shepherding a team: presence, provision, and protectionHow focusing only on skill development can lead to burnoutPractical rhythms for soul care, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual Sabbath practicesHow to create safe, vulnerable team environments that foster growthWays to redefine success beyond musical excellenceHow leaders can guard their own identity and spiritual healthA simple first step for leaders who feel spiritually dry or stretched thinMeet the GuestsMack Burns – Worship Minister at The Church at West Franklin Luke Roman – Worship Minister at The Church at Station HillRegister 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 →Multi-Generational Worship Teams: Bridging the Age Gap with Unity and Purpose
Mar 1100:30:16Tap to summarizeA healthy worship team should reflect the body of Christ.In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Mack Burns and Travis Cottrell talk about what it takes to lead a truly multi-generational worship team. From song selection and vocal ranges to platform representation and relational equity, they explore how to bridge generational differences without falling into people-pleasing.You’ll hear why multi-generational worship is not just a preference but a theological conviction, how to create singing experiences that serve everyone in the room, and what it looks like to honor every generation without losing unity.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why multi-generational worship reflects the body of ChristThe biggest generational differences in singing styles and expectationsHow to plan sets that create space for everyone to engageThe difference between people-pleasing and speaking your people’s languageHow to build relational equity across generationsWhy humility and representation matter on the platformOne practical first step if generational tension exists on your teamMeet the GuestsMack Burns – Worship Minister at The Church at West FranklinTravis Cottrell – Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist ChurchRegister 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.
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