Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston on 32 Years in Ministry and His Latest Book, 'Live Love Lead' (Interview)
Phil: What's the greatest failure you see out there among Christian leaders today?
Brian: I guess I don't sit around and think about people's failures — and I have no time for leaders who publicly criticize other leaders, or leaders who have a harsh view of God and lead people from that perspective. I believe that if you create an angry or critical world, that anger and criticism will end up devouring you.
There is a real difference between leading people and 'lording' over people. Strong leadership is not domineering, and doesn't make demands of the people they lead. Instead, developing a leadership culture that produces growth, loyalty, and creativity in others — allowing them to develop their own leadership giftings and serve the Kingdom in a unique way, is what creates longevity in both your leadership and the people you lead.
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Phil: As any leader would who's pushing the boundaries and stretching people, you've had your share of critics. What would you say to other leaders about dealing with criticism?
Brian: Anyone who is doing anything significant will draw criticism and accolades — but it's a mistake to be to moved by either. In my book, LIVE, LOVE, LEAD — I speak about how in Australia we talk about cutting down the "tall poppy" — obviously referring to a flower that stands taller then all the others. It is an expression reserved for people who are doing more than most, or achieving unprecedented success.
Often politicians, artists, entertainers and business people are scrutinized, and while this critical tendency can be used unfairly to take someone down a notch, it also reminds us not to think too highly of ourselves or assume all the credit.
Of course the advent of social media gives everyone a platform and I have learned that reacting to critics means you are only elevating their platform.
Three things I believe leaders need to do with criticism:
1. Ask yourself "What can I learn and what do I need to change?"
2. Don't be over-sensitive or ruled by the opinions of others. There are people whose counsel is valuable and needed and also a world of opinions that need to be ignored.
3. Remember, life is not a popularity contest and there are almost always a lot more people who love you and respect you than there are those who want to tear you down.
And, continually remind yourself what the Word of God says about you. How you respond to criticism is an indication of how well you have anchored your soul in the Word of God and His promises over your life and calling. Listen to wise counsel, seek God's Word and train your heart to hear from the Holy Spirit — let the words that speak loudest in your life be His.
Phil: A movement like "Hillsong" is complex, but if you could name a few reasons why it's grown so much and connected with today's culture in such a significant way, what would those reasons be?
Brian: Years ago I wrote about the church that I envisioned pastoring. Part of that statement was "I see a church that loves God, loves people and loves life. Youthful in spirit; generous at heart; faith-filled in confession; loving in nature and inclusive in expression."
Many years later, we haven't simply tried to BUILD that culture, we have done everything we can to BE that culture. We have intentionally poured into — through teaching and example — a congregation and leaders that carry that heart and vision; people that ARE youthful, generous, faith-filled, loving and inclusive. Many people can look at the connection that Hillsong makes with 'culture' and put it down to the lights, sound and loud music. But my firm belief is that relevance is not about the clothes you wear and the type of music you sing at your church.
True relevance is measured by the distance between what you say and what you do. If your actions and lifestyle fail to line up with what you say, preach, and believe — then your message becomes irrelevant.
Hillsong Church has never tried to develop ourselves to 'fit in' to culture, we have simply tried to BE the culture — placing emphasis on the things that we are uniquely called to be: A church with a message of WELCOME HOME, A church with a healthy SOUND, A church with Bible-based teaching that speaks to peoples' Mondays and not just their Sundays, and a church with ENDLESS VISION — both for people's own lives and for the life and ministry of the church. This, coupled with the grace of God, has seen us connect in amazing ways with people from all cultures, cities and walks of life.
