Maximizing Unity and Efficiency Across Multi-Campus Ministry

Hey guys, Luke Jackson here.  In a recent ChurchFront podcast episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Bramer, Executive Producer at Southeast Christian Church, to explore how his unique journey and skill set shape his approach to leadership. In this conversation, Brad shared powerful insights into how Southeast’s multi-campus model operates, emphasizing the balance between empowering individual campuses and maintaining central alignment. Here are some key takeaways that any church leader or production team member can apply in their ministry context.

The Power of Unified Prayer

One of the foundational aspects of Brad’s leadership is his commitment to prayer. He encourages his team to be accused of “wasting time in prayer” because prayer keeps everyone grounded in the ultimate purpose of ministry. It’s a refreshing reminder that we’re not just executing services or managing logistics—we’re on a mission for God.

A Culture of Curiosity, Not Assumption

Brad spoke about the importance of staying curious rather than jumping to conclusions about others’ actions. He’s found that the fastest way to build unity across a diverse team is by seeking to understand what frustrates us. By focusing on building connections through curiosity, Brad helps his team appreciate the complexities of each role and discover shared challenges.

Aligning Vision While Empowering Creativity

With 16 campuses, Southeast relies on a centralized planning model with a unique twist: while some elements are fixed to maintain consistency, each campus is free to tailor certain aspects of worship to fit their community’s needs. For Brad, this model ensures that each location serves its congregation best, rather than just copying the central campus service exactly.

Building Sustainable Systems and Practices

Southeast Christian has standardized the core equipment across campuses, from Yamaha CL5 consoles to resi decoders. Brad’s dedication to uniform systems allows for seamless transitions between campuses and strengthens overall unity. And, as Brad shared, this approach maximizes both team efficiency and service excellence, allowing staff to focus on ministry, not troubleshooting.

Embracing Innovation—Even with Constraints

Even with an impressive setup, Brad openly shared the realities of managing aging equipment, encouraging leaders to work within their means while planning ahead. For him, creating content online isn’t about showing off the best equipment; it’s about connecting, learning, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

A Final Word on Unity in Ministry

Brad wrapped up our conversation by recalling that Jesus’ prayer before the cross was a prayer for unity. It’s a reminder that protecting unity in ministry goes beyond logistical details; it’s about nurturing relationships and seeking to serve one another in love.

Brad’s heart for collaborative ministry and intentionality across all levels of leadership makes him a powerful example of how to honor both the mission and the people behind it. For those looking to connect or learn from him, Brad and his team are passionate about sharing their journey and experiences to support others in the church world.