The Stressed Leader

In the powerful conclusion of Pastor Brian Houston’s candid conversation with Pastor Jonathan Shuttlesworth, this episode dives into ministry, marriage, leadership, loyalty, and what it really takes to go the distance in both life and calling. From hilarious commentary to deep insights on building lasting ministry impact, this episode balances humor, honesty, and heart. Pastor Jonathan and Brian discusses creating a joyful and life-giving ministry culture, raising leaders and identifying the "gold" in people and what truly limits ministry growth. Plus, practical advice for young leaders, evangelists, and couples entering ministry together—and how to lead without becoming "mean" along the way. Raw, relatable, and full of wisdom (with a few curveballs and laughs), this finale is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, church growth, and finishing well. Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

In Part 2 of this dynamic 3-part interview, Pastor Brian Houston continues his in-depth conversation with Pastor Jonathan Shuttlesworth offering rare insights into the mindset, moments, and ministry decisions that shaped one of the most influential church movements of our time.   This episode goes far beyond surface-level leadership talk. Pastor Brian opens up about the internal shifts that changed how he saw God—and how that revelation transformed the way he led people. Moving from a performance-based, fear-driven view of God to one rooted in grace, favor, and vision marked a turning point not just in his preaching, but in the very culture of Hillsong Church.   Together, Pastors Brian and Jonathan discuss the difference between simply attracting a crowd and building a healthy, sustainable church community. Brian shares why some leaders rise with momentum but fade without maturity—and how Pastor Brian cultivated a sense of mission that kept key leaders grounded, loyal, and thriving long-term. The conversation touches on the challenges of growth, the dangers of ego, and the subtle line between leading a ministry and letting it lead you.   The episode is rich with practical wisdom on vision, legacy, and what it means to lead with both power and humility in a rapidly changing world.   Whether you’re in ministry, business, or simply passionate about building something that matters, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, lead better, and believe deeper.   If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen—then stay tuned for the powerful conclusion in Part 3 next Wednesday!    Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

In this powerful first installment of a special three-part interview on Leadership and Other Stuff with Brian Houston, Pastor Jonathan Shuttlesworth sits down with Pastor Brian for an unfiltered conversation about ministry, leadership, and what it truly means to obtain the promises of God. From receiving his call to ministry as a 5-year-old in New Zealand to planting churches across Australia, Pastor Brian shares the formative stories that shaped his leadership journey. Hear about his humble beginnings, early frustrations after Bible school, and the spiritual breakthrough moments that marked the start of what would become a global church movement. Whether you're in ministry, leadership, or just passionate about seeing God do big things, this candid interview will leave you inspired and challenged. Don’t miss Part 2 of the interview next week, only on Leadership and Other Stuff with Brian Houston. Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

In this powerful follow-up to last week’s episode, Pastor Brian continues his honest reflection on what it means to fall—and what comes after. Using the Humpty Dumpty metaphor, he opens up about his own very public leadership failure, the personal and spiritual cost, and the journey toward healing. He shares candidly about the pain of isolation, the impact on his family, and the challenge of forgiveness when anger and injustice feel overwhelming. Pastor Brian also explores the difference between looking to people to put you back together—and turning to the King who truly can. This episode is a heartfelt encouragement to leaders, pastors, and anyone navigating regret, loss, or unexpected transition. It’s about humility, honesty, and hope—and the road back from brokenness. The King’s horses and the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again—but the King can.   Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Leadership & Other Stuff, Pastor Brian Houston steps into vulnerability with raw honesty. Drawing from the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty, Pastor Brian unpacks what it means to fall—publicly, painfully, and as a leader. Pastor Brian shares lessons learned the hard way. He reflects on the fallout of failure: humiliation, the torture of what might have been, gossip, abandonment, and the numbing feeling of being "becalmed" while life around you moves forward. Through it all, Pastor Brian continues to hold onto faith, redemption, and a renewed vision for the future. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or just navigating life’s complexities, this episode is a sobering yet hopeful reminder of why integrity matters, how fragile credibility can be, and how redemption begins with humility.    Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

In this deeply personal and practical episode, Pastor Brian Houston reflects on the inevitable pressures that come with leadership—and life itself.  Drawing on Scripture, lived experience, and candid stories from his own journey, Pastor Brian unpacks what it means to be a stressed leader—and how to avoid becoming a distressed one. From embracing pressure to understanding your limits, identifying stress signals, and building in rest, rhythms, and laughter, Pastor Brian offers ten powerful principles to help leaders not only survive, but lead well through tension and challenge. Whether you're a high-capacity leader feeling the RPMs rise or simply navigating the day-to-day pressures of life, this episode will encourage, ground, and guide you toward healthy, Spirit-led leadership. Key Takeaways: The difference between stress and distress How to identify your personal stress signals Why rest, laughter, and spiritual rhythms are non-negotiable The power of delegation, community, and emotional awareness How to walk through life’s valleys without being taken out by them “There’s no such thing as an unstressed leader—but there is such a thing as a wise one.”   Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

In this episode of Leadership & Other Stuff, Pastor Brian Houston takes us straight to the heart of one of the most overlooked but deeply rooted issues that can hinder any team—the sinful nature. Whether you're leading in ministry, business, or any collaborative environment, Pastor Brian breaks down why the greatest challenge facing your team isn’t strategy, talent, or vision—it’s us. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, Pastor Brian unpacks how jealousy, comparison, gossip, division, selfish ambition, and spiritual immaturity can infiltrate even the most well-intentioned teams. With honesty and practical insight, he explores key ways our sinful nature can disrupt team dynamics, including: Divisive spirits and parallel visions Insecure leadership and self-seeking ambition A culture of unchecked opinion over godly counsel This episode is a powerful reminder that true unity, growth, and reward come from dying to self and allowing God to bring the increase. Tune in and be challenged to lead with spiritual maturity, godly confidence, and a heart aligned with God’s vision—not your own. Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

Welcome to the relaunch of my leadership podcast, now called "Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston." In this relaunch episode, I discuss the impact of insecurity on leadership potential and practical ways to overcome these obstacles. In this episode, we cover: The story of King Saul and how his insecurity sabotaged his leadership. The traits of an insecure leader and how they can hinder success. Real-life examples and insights on celebrating others' successes, trusting and releasing people, and taking the high ground. The importance of forgiveness, embracing innovation, and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison. Building a world where others can thrive and experiencing relational fallout. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons and encouragement to help you lead with confidence and security. Subscribe to Leadership & Other Stuff with Brian Houston on YouTube. If you would like Pastor Brian to speak at your church or conduct a Leadership Roundtable, you can send an email with your inquiry at [email protected] Support Our Ministry JesusFollowersTV: If you feel led to partner with us, your generosity will help us continue our work. Visit our Website. Connect with Us: https://www.brianandbobbie.com/contact

Brian Houston is the Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church. Our hope and prayer is that you'll be encouraged, blessed and inspired through these free podcasts. You can find more information and other resources by Pastor Brian at brianchouston.com

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