In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Executive Pastor Brian Coates sits down with two seasoned leaders—Todd Bishop and Linc Taylor—for a timely and important conversation on church safety. As news stories about abuse, violence, and misconduct have shaken the trust people place in churches, creating safe ministry environments has become more than a legal or operational task—it’s a spiritual responsibility.

Together, Brian, Todd, and Linc unpack what it means to lead a church that is both welcoming and secure. From child protection systems to emergency planning, they explore how churches of all sizes can prioritize safety without sacrificing ministry impact. You’ll hear practical steps and proven tools to help your church be proactive—not reactive—in protecting your people.

But more than policies and protocols, this episode highlights how a culture of safety is ultimately about removing distractions and obstacles that could keep someone from experiencing the gospel. Whether you’re working with kids, welcoming guests, leading worship, or preaching from the platform, your role in ministry touches real people—and those people deserve to know that their church is a place where they can be known, loved, and protected.

Meet the Speakers:

• Brian Coates: Executive Pastor at the Brentwood Campus, Brian helps oversee the health, clarity, and strategy of staff and ministry environments across all Brentwood Baptist campuses.
• Todd Bishop: Serving as Associate Executive Pastor for the North Region, Todd provides leadership in church operations and safety systems, helping staff and lay teams prepare for emergencies, respond wisely, and steward environments well.
• Linc Taylor: Next Gen and Family Minister at the Brentwood Campus, Linc leads teams working with children, students, and families to create ministry experiences that are both spiritually formative and physically safe.

Timestamps:

• 1:15 – Why church safety isn’t optional anymore
• 3:09 – Creating a sanctuary in an unpredictable world
• 5:35 – What safety looks like in Next Gen ministry
• 6:33 – Training your teams to recognize and respond
• 9:57 – Beyond background checks: the new standard for vetting
• 14:30 – How to lead volunteers through change
• 17:55 – Involving students in serving without compromising safety
• 19:37 – Where to start: 5 steps every church can take today
• 23:58 – Introducing policies without derailing ministry
• 26:39 – How safety becomes part of church culture

Practical Takeaways:

• Churches must raise the bar from reactive safety to proactive leadership.
• Creating a safe environment involves everyone—from greeters to pastors.
• Volunteer screening isn’t about distrust; it’s about care, clarity, and responsibility.
• Even student volunteers (ages 13–17) should be trained and mentored with clear expectations.
• Safety conversations help build trust with first-time guests and long-time members alike.