The Engage Church Network Podcast

This special episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast features a powerful conversation with Dr. Charles Lawless, a respected leader, author, and professor in the field of church leadership and spiritual formation.

Dr. Lawless joins Pastor Mike Glenn to unpack the spiritual dangers facing pastors today, from isolation and burnout to the subtle drift away from holiness. With practical insight and pastoral wisdom, he reminds us...

In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, comedian Jeff Allen joins Mike Glenn for an honest and deeply personal conversation about faith, fame, and finding purpose in the pain. Jeff opens up about his journey from addiction and brokenness to transformation through Christ — and how his comedic career intersected with God’s redemptive plan.

From the pressures of Hollywood to the quiet moments of surrender, Jeff shares...

What if your children’s ministry could shape a generation of worshipers?

In this episode, Mike Glenn sits down with worship leader, songwriter, and author Yancy Richmond to explore the power of discipling kids through worship. They discuss her book Sweet Sound, why worship isn’t just for adults, and how music forms the spiritual lives of our children.

Yancy also shares what she’s learning through Stained Glass Kids, her new podca...

In this episode, Mike Glenn sits down with Grammy-winning artist BeBe Winans—not to talk music, but to talk discipleship.

BeBe shares how joining a Wednesday morning men’s group changed his life, helped him find real community, and challenged him to grow in accountability, vulnerability, and joy.

This conversation is honest, funny, and full of wisdom for pastors, leaders, and anyone feeling isolated in ministry. If you’ve eve...

In this episode, Mike Glenn, President of the Engage Church Network, sits down with Steve Moore—veteran concert promoter and founder of the Shalom Foundation—for a powerful conversation on calling, obedience, and what happens when you say “yes” to God.

After decades in the music industry, Steve’s life took an unexpected turn following a single mission trip to Guatemala. What began as a weeklong visit turned into a lifelong commitmen...

In this episode, Mike Glenn, President of the Engage Church Network, sits down with Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Seminary, to confront a growing crisis in the church: We have more pulpits than pastors—and fewer leaders being trained to fill them.

With decades of experience in theological education and church leadership, Dr. Akin shares what’s being done to “call out the called,” why mentorship must become a priority...

In this episode, Mike Glenn, President of the Engage Church Network, unpacks the explosive growth happening along the I-65 corridor of Middle Tennessee—and what it means for the future of the church. From Clarksville to Murfreesboro, Nashville to Huntsville, the opportunity for church planting is massive. But with nearly 750,000 unchurched people in just two counties, the need is even greater.

Mike challenges every pastor, churc...

This special episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast features a powerful message from Pastor Darren Tyler, recorded live at the Identity Conference.

In this bold and timely talk, Darren challenges pastors and church leaders to step beyond the comfort of their buildings and into the real work of gospel-driven ministry. With stories from the mission field and deep insights into the cultural moment we’re living in, he reminds ...

In this episode, Mike Glenn, president of the Engage Church Network, dives into the heart of leadership development within the local church. Drawing from biblical models and personal experience, Mike lays out a practical and prayer-driven path for identifying, discipling, and sending out the next generation of church leaders.

He reminds pastors that before they look for charisma or resume polish, they should look for the quiet work ...

As Middle Tennessee transforms with explosive population growth and shifting demographics, what does that mean for the future of the church?

Join Mike and special guest Lewis McMullen from the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board as they unpack how migration trends, cultural shifts, and local community dynamics are reshaping ministry in the region. From the surprising role of small towns like Fayetteville to the changing face of East...

In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn sits down with Matt Pearson, Lead Pastor of West Franklin Baptist Church, for a candid and practical conversation on the art and reality of preaching. With a PhD in preaching and over a decade of pastoral experience, Matt brings both academic insight and real-world wisdom to the table.

Together, Mike and Matt unpack the difference between what seminaries teach and ...

In this episode of the Engage Church Network Podcast, Mike Glenn, President of Engage Church Network, sits down with Dr. Thomas West, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church Nashville. 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 d...

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 institution...

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.

Katie — founder of ChurchCommunications.com, University of Florida professor, and longtime friend of Mike — shares insights from her new book AI Prompts for Church Leaders. Together, they explore...

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.

Through personal stories and biblical insight, Mike offers a timely reminder: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Drawing wisdom from the post-resurrection disciples and the st...

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.

Ben shares what it’s like to return to his home church—not just as a member, but now as the shepherd. From the weight of being fully known to the beauty of generational trust, this conversation explores the t...

Surviving Monday: Finding Strength After Sunday | Engage Church Network Podcast

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.

With honesty and deep wisdom, our guest unpacks:

The meaning of emotional and mental health

How cognitive di...

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.

From planting churches the right way to mentoring young leaders ...

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.

Glenn offers practical steps for creating space for prayer, reflection, and personal connection with God, showing how these rhythms can tran...