Stop Hiring the Wrong People: Church Staff Hiring That Works

Hiring the right people for your church staff is about more than filling a role—it’s about building a healthy, mission-driven team. In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Darrel Girardier is joined by Michele Dyer and Bill Ferrell to unpack what church leaders need to know about hiring well. From red flags and personality assessments to interview tips and culture fit, this conversation offers practical guidance for anyone hiring in ministry. Whether you're building a new team or refining your process, you'll walk away with real tools for better church staff hiring. How to Hire the Right People for Your Church Staff 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