Who's In Charge (Boards) Part 1

In this episode of Leadership & Other Stuff , Pastor Brian Houston speaks directly to church founders, planters, senior pastors, and pioneers about one of the most critical, and often misunderstood areas of leadership: church governance and boards. Drawing from over 50 years of firsthand experience serving on boards, leading executives, and planting churches around the world, Brian asks a confronting question many leaders avoid: Who actually holds authority in the local church and who keeps the board accountable? This candid conversation explores the biblical foundations of church leadership, the role of apostolic oversight, and the difference between board-governed and board-controlled churches. Brian unpacks common dangers that can creep into boards, including self-preservation, offense, personal ambition, control, and self-righteousness and why these issues can have devastating long-term consequences for pastors and congregations alike. If you are planting, pioneering, or leading a church or serving in governance, this episode will challenge you to think deeply about accountability, authority, and alignment with Scripture. This is Part 1 of an essential leadership conversation that every church leader needs to hear. 🔔 Don't forget to

You can listen to Who's In Charge (Boards) Part 1 online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Who's In Charge (Boards) Part 1 is an episode from Brian Houston Leadership Podcast by Hillsong.

This episode is 36:57 long.

This episode was published on Feb 4, 2026.

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