Encouragement for Pastors: Overcoming Discouragement and Finding Faithfulness in Ministry

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Elevate Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the art—and science—of hiring well for ministry teams. Host Darrel Girardier (Communications Director at Brentwood Baptist Church) is joined by staff culture shapers Michele Dyer and Bill Ferrell for a conversation that goes way beyond filling empty seats. Together, they unpack what it really means to find a “good fit”—balancing character, chemistry, calling, and competency to build healthy teams.

Listen in as they share personal stories and practical insights from their years of ministry staff experience. You’ll hear why personality assessments matter, how to use them wisely, and why understanding both team and organizational culture is crucial. The episode is loaded with candid advice on red flags to watch for, how to weigh hard skills versus soft skills, and the kinds of interview questions that really make a difference. Whether you’re leading a team, hiring your first staff member, or just want your church to flourish, this episode will equip you with actionable tools and wisdom from leaders who’ve been there.

Ready to level up your hiring process? Let’s get started!

 

Episode Guests:

• Darrel Girardier: Communications Director
• Michele Dyer: Connection Minister
• Bill Ferrell: Executive Pastor for Central Support

Timestamps:

• 00:00 “Elevate Podcast: Building a Ministry Team”
• 06:19 Hiring for Chemistry Fit
• 07:52 Assessing Team Fit: Strategies
• 11:23 “Encouraging Truth in Leadership”
• 15:33 Hiring: Balancing Skills and Roles
• 19:30 Interview Question Strategies
• 22:27 Prioritizing Organizational Culture
• 25:47 Learning from Predecessors
• 26:52 Leadership Self-Reflection and Team Growth
• 30:47 Hiring for Church Passion
• 33:01 Committed Candidate Embraces Church Vision

Resources Mentioned:

• DISC Profile – Personality assessment tool frequently referenced as an aid in hiring and team dynamics
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – Personality assessment tool used to evaluate candidates and team fit
• PLACE Ministry Assessment – Combines DISC, spiritual gifts, and passions for ministry placement
• Strengths Assessments – Various tools noted by Michelle Dyer for understanding team gifts and wiring
• Enneagram – Utilized as part of personality mapping (e.g., “Enneagram 7”)
• Working Genius – Team productivity and strengths assessment mentioned for hiring insight
• Gary Chapman’s “Animals” Personality Tool – A simplified, animal-themed personality tool
• Christian Coaching Program (Brentwood Baptist/ICF) – Certification program for Christian coaching
• Elevate Conference – Annual ministry leadership event at Brentwood Baptist Church (elevatechurchconference.com)
• Jay’s Leadership Summit – A reference point for organizational vision and teaching at Brentwood Baptist