Discipleship

Brian Houston, Leadership and Respect

Sep 21, 2010

I was reminded the other day that Brian Houston may be one of the most successful men/pastors/church leaders that I know.

For those who are not familiar with Pastor Brian…he is the pastor of Hillsong Church…and God has used him in incredible ways over the past 25 years.

But…please keep reading because I am not saying He is successful because he has an amazing church (although it IS one of the most amazing churches I have ever visited.)

I am not saying he is successful because their church seems to continue to produce some of the best worship music on the planet.

I am not saying that he is successful because his church puts on one of the best conferences in church world year after year.

I am saying he’s successful because his son, Joel, put this quote on twitter the other day…

@joelhouston luv that my dad is still the most passionate, wise, secure, humble authentic, trnsparent, motivated Godly man i know

When I read that I personally was FILLED with hope like never before in regards to my relationship with my wife and daughter.  Because…

Pastor Brian has been used by God in an incredible way.  God has used him to build an amazing church and create an environment where leaders are empowered and released to do amazing things for God’s Kingdom…

BUT…he did not do it at the expense of his marriage or his relationship with his children!

He did not sacrifice his calling to be a godly husband and dad for his calling to be a church leader…

He has done both…and done both well.

Church leaders…it is my prayer that we can learn from this and do the same…because if we build great ministries and everyone loves us except those who know us the best…WE HAVE FAILED!

Pastor Brian is proof that we do NOT have to sacrifice a tremendous legacy in order to have a tremendous ministry!

Pastor Brian…thanks for showing us this can be done…keep up the amazing work!

(ONE MORE THING…pastors…I know we can do just about everything right and still have children that go astray!  I say this to encourage you…don’t give up on them!  If you did all you can then you’ve GOT to trust Proverbs 22:6 and know that your child was HIS child…and He will bring them home!!!)