Is your church ready to talk about leadership succession?

In this episode, Elevate host Darrel Girardier sits down with Dr. Mike Glenn (Executive Director, Engaged Church Network and former Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist church) and Dr. Jay Strother (Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist) to share how their team approached one of the most delicate leadership changes in a church’s life: the passing of the pastoral baton.

They walk through what worked, what they’d do differently, and how to build a culture—and a process—that sets your church up for future faithfulness. Whether you’re the outgoing pastor, the incoming leader, or someone supporting the transition, this honest conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement.

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Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome and Brentwood’s unique multi-campus model
• 03:35 – When Mike sensed it was time to transition
• 10:24 – Jay’s journey from student ministry to senior pastor
• 20:40 – Why healthy transitions start years in advance
• 26:45 – How to identify and encourage future leaders
• 34:22 – Building congregational trust with clear visuals
• 41:10 – Behind the scenes of Brentwood’s transition process
• 50:07 – Where to start if your church has no process
• 58:30 – Why pastors need something to “go to” not just “leave”
• 1:06:12 – Matching the new leader to the church’s DNA
• 1:12:55 – Helping staff adjust to a new leadership cadence
• 1:21:09 – What they’d both do differently

Resources Mentioned:

• Preaching in a Post-Truth World by Dr. Mike Glenn
• Engage Church Network
• Brentwood Baptist Church