Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston on 32 Years in Ministry and His Latest Book, 'Live Love Lead' (Interview)
Phil: Many people assume a church that's this attractive to 20-something's must be shallow in it's teaching. And yet, in the book's section called "A Narrow Gate" you're very explicit about preaching the name of Jesus and not holding back when it comes to the Gospel. Do you believe the era of "pastor as motivational speaker" is over, and are people looking for deeper teaching today?
Brian: I always tell the young pastors … "If you can't prove it, don't say it. The platform is not for your opinions; it is God's Word that matters. Every Scripture reference must be in context and within the tenure of the Scriptures. People come to church to be inspired and encouraged, but they don't come for a motivational talk."
I can't speak for anyone but my own church, but at Hillsong Church — as long as I am the senior pastor — we will always be a BIBLE-based church with messages centered on the Scriptures. There is a need for every different preaching style across a spectrum of churches.
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We need both charismatic communicators along with deep thinkers and teachers — but regardless if you are the best communicator in the world, if your message fails to line up with the Word of God, or isn't deeply rooted in Scripture, then you have misunderstood what the platform is for.
Phil: What's the most important thing you want people to walk away with after reading the book?
Brian: We serve a big God. Jesus walked a difficult path on Earth — and He taught that the way to God is a narrow gate — but He still lived a very BIG life. Narrow does not have to mean tight!
A life of leadership and serving the Kingdom of God is a life of learning. It's about taking risks, making mistakes and loving people. Who you influence is as important as how you influence. Leadership is not a title! It is about living fully, loving authentically and leading boldly. It is about a consistency, character and a commitment to stay the course.
Live, Love, Lead is my leadership journey — a collection of lessons learnt, personal victories and persistent valleys. It's not complicated, but it is tried and proven. My prayer is that people will discover wisdom and strength from the powerful biblical truths and tested leadership principles within its pages. That people will be inspired to unlock personal vision for the future — and most importantly, that people will discover a Saviour that is crazy about them, and has incomparable and unique plans and purposes for their lives.
Phil: What's next for Brian Houston? What are you most excited about for the future?
Brian: I am 61 years old and loving this stage of life. I believe the first half of your leadership journey is about vision — blazing a trail. And the second half is all about equipping and empowering, about fathering and making room for other leaders. I am living in that second half and more committed than ever to setting up the next generation to win and be all God has called them to be.
I've just launched a new website www.brianchouston.com which is all about "Let's Talk Church" and "Lets Talk Leadership" — an avenue to discuss the realities of life, love and leadership, and to learn from one another as we are each on individual journeys.
The Bible (in Acts 2) says, "… old men dream dreams." Well, I don't see myself as or feel "old," but I am certainly still dreaming! I believe that our church has so much opportunity ahead of us, and the best days are still ahead. I am an unashamed advocate for the local church and I want to continue to champion the cause of local churches everywhere — through our conferences, resources, and worship.
Immediately in front of me is a book tour, which gets me so excited. We are taking the message of LIVE LOVE LEAD on the road and having "Hillsong Nights" with the best of our Hillsong Worship team in cities all over the United States. I'm so keen to meet with leaders, speak the Word of God into peoples' lives and leave room for the Holy Spirit to minister to each and every person coming.
