Leadership Lessons from Brian Houston

Wow.  I had the amazing privilege to sit around a table with 18 others pastors from across the US for an intimate gathering with Brian Houston – Pastor of Hillsong.  I could not believe that I was included in this moment in history – considering the people who were invited and attended.  I was honored and humbled.  Still am.  We are such a young, small church with long-term visions and big dreams.  This was inspirational.

Here some leadership lessons from our day together.

• Everything must point to Jesus.
• Churches must contribute to spiritual growth – through teaching.
• Give an opportunity for salvation at every service.
• You get what you allow.
• Read the service – understand the life of the service and feel out what people need in that moment.
• Inject yourself – let your personality been seen, but not the focus.
• Pass the back row test – its easy to gauge a service by the front row, but look to the back.  Are the engaged?  bring them in.
• Never underestimate your people.  They are not stupid.
• Live within your authority.  “The only place you start at the top is when you are digging a hole.”  Leaders may not have the authority to say something – even if it is right.
• Think long-term, not short-term.  You may get what you want NOW, but will it be what you want in 5, 10, 15 or 20 years.
• Don’t manipulate – ever.
• Nothing is forever.  Don’t become too dependent on anything or anyone.

Brian gave us the key to REAL LEADERSHIP – “Ask more questions than you are telling.”

Wow.  6 hours of learning from one of the great leaders in the Church today.  So glad I was asked to be a part of it.  So glad I made it.