What if your church’s membership process wasn’t just paperwork and classes—but the start of real discipleship?

In this episode, Elevate host and Connections Minister Michele Dyer (Connections Minister at Brentwood Baptist) sits down with Hadden Finch (Membership Minister, Brentwood Baptist) and Stephanie Prince (Connection Minister, Station Hill) to talk about building healthy connection ministries. From coaching new members to identifying spiritual gifts, they share how churches can create intentional pathways that move people from attendance to ownership—without anyone falling through the cracks.

Whether you’re launching a new process or refining what you have, this episode offers practical tips for building a culture where everyone belongs and everyone serves.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Why Connection Ministry Matters. The purpose of helping people move from guest to engaged member—and why it’s core to discipleship.
• 04:30 – Brentwood’s Membership Process. An overview of Discover Us, Discover You, and the role of coaching in helping people take next steps.
• 10:00 – Coaching as Discipleship. How trained lay leaders guide new members, hear their stories, and help them find where they fit.
• 14:30 – Tools That Help People Understand Their Gifts. Using assessments like DISC, Spiritual Gifts, and Passion Index to identify how people are wired for ministry.
• 18:00 – Why High Expectations Help, Not Hurt. How the intentional process deepens engagement and creates long-term ministry health.
• 21:00 – Moving from Volunteer Roles to Calling. The difference between filling a spot and helping people serve in their sweet spot—and how that creates ownership.
• 24:30 – How Connection Benefits the Whole Church. Membership done well supports pastors, ministry leaders, and the communications team by identifying engaged disciples.
• 27:00 – Easy First Steps for Getting People Connected. Shadowing, VBS, and simple pathways that help people step into ministry without fear.
• 30:00 – Final Encouragement for Leaders and Attenders. What anyone—minister or member—can do to take a next step toward connection and community.

Resources Mentioned

• Center for Christian Coaching – Equip leaders and members through gospel-centered coaching.
• PLACE Ministries – Discover your personality, spiritual gifts, and passion.
• Bigger Than Me – Tools and assessments for calling and purpose.