Leadership Essentials with Brett Esslinger
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Leadership Essentials with Brett Esslinger
Oliver Buchannon
Brett Esslinger

Brett is a husband, dad, son, brother, pastor, author, speaker, coach and a plethora of other things. But Brett isn’t defined by what he does… Known for his big thinking, glass half full, entrepreneurial spirit and tendency to fail forward. Brett is a faith-filled, risk taker with a passion to help people discover all that God has for them. Brett would simply describe himself in one turn of phrase… “I’M NOT AN EXPERT, I’M AN ENCOURAGER.”

Leadership

+3

When Pleasing People Replaces Pleasing God

Jun 10, 2026

•

2 min read

When Pleasing People Replaces Pleasing God

Approval isn’t harmless—it’s a spiritual misalignment.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

+2

You Don’t Need More Approval. You Need More Clarity.

Jun 3, 2026

•

1 min read

You Don’t Need More Approval. You Need More Clarity.

Most leaders aren’t stuck because they lack vision—they’re stuck because they won’t say what needs to be said.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

+2

Your June Ministry Brief by Churchelp
LockSimple

Jun 1, 2026

•

3 min read

Your June Ministry Brief by Churchelp

The Danger of Being Well-Liked as a Leader

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger
10 Ways Builders Think Differently Than Watchers

May 27, 2026

•

1 min read

10 Ways Builders Think Differently Than Watchers

The mindset shift that changes everything.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger
The Theology of Building

May 20, 2026

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2 min read

The Theology of Building

From Genesis to the early church, God has always worked through builders.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

+1

Builders Don’t Wait. They Build.

May 13, 2026

•

1 min read

Builders Don’t Wait. They Build.

If you need permission to care, you’re not leading yet.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

+2

Stop Attending the Church You’re Called to Build

May 6, 2026

•

1 min read

Stop Attending the Church You’re Called to Build

Most leaders don’t lack vision—they lack ownership.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger
Your May Ministry Brief by Churchelp
LockSimple

May 1, 2026

•

2 min read

Your May Ministry Brief by Churchelp

You Don’t Need More People

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Bill C9

 BILL C-9 UPDATE

Apr 30, 2026

•

1 min read

BILL C-9 UPDATE

THE NEXT 72 HOURS MATTER

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

25 Ways to Win More in Ministry

Apr 22, 2026

•

2 min read

25 Ways to Win More in Ministry

What Most Pastors Learn Too Late

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Bill C9

+1

Don’t Build on Vibes

Apr 15, 2026

•

4 min read

Don’t Build on Vibes

Why leaders need more than inspiration if they want to stand when pressure hits.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Bill C9

Bill C-9 in the Senate: 5 Things You Need to Do Right Now

Apr 7, 2026

•

5 min read

Bill C-9 in the Senate: 5 Things You Need to Do Right Now

The next round has begun. Here’s how to take action, contact Senators, sign the petition, and keep pressure on.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

+2

Don’t Be Jealous. Be Inspired.

Apr 1, 2026

•

4 min read

Don’t Be Jealous. Be Inspired.

How pastors and church leaders can overcome comparison, learn from others, and pursue God’s vision without losing themselves.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Bill C9

What Happens Next With Bill C-9 in Canada

Mar 25, 2026

•

3 min read

What Happens Next With Bill C-9 in Canada

What Happens Next and Why This Is a Moment for Courage, Not Discouragement

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Easter

How to Lead Easter Without Missing the Point

Mar 18, 2026

•

3 min read

How to Lead Easter Without Missing the Point

Yes, prepare well—but don’t forget the power that makes Easter more than an event.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Political Engagement

+1

The Time Is Now

Mar 9, 2026

•

3 min read

The Time Is Now

There are moments in history when silence becomes a decision.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership Essentials +

March Is Where Leadership Pressure Peaks
LockSimple

Mar 4, 2026

•

6 min read

March Is Where Leadership Pressure Peaks

Leading under pressure—without becoming reactive, exhausted, or spiritually hollow.

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Rhythms

+3

When Leadership Pressure Peaks

Mar 3, 2026

•

3 min read

When Leadership Pressure Peaks

How to Lead Clearly When Expectations Rise

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Rhythms

+5

Whatever You Call It—It’s Real

Feb 25, 2026

•

4 min read

Whatever You Call It—It’s Real

Real Talk for Real Leaders

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Generational Leadership

+2

Why Faithful Leadership Requires Fresh Obedience

Feb 18, 2026

•

4 min read

Why Faithful Leadership Requires Fresh Obedience

When Nostalgia Becomes a Leadership Trap

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger
Leading Without Losing Your Soul

Feb 11, 2026

•

5 min read

Leading Without Losing Your Soul

A Practical Guide to Leadership Pain

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Leadership

A leadership conversation most pastors avoid (but can’t afford to)

Feb 6, 2026

•

4 min read

A leadership conversation most pastors avoid (but can’t afford to)

This is a MUST READ

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Rhythms

+1

Leadership That Lasts: Building Rhythms That Sustain Leaders & Teams

Feb 2, 2026

•

5 min read

Leadership That Lasts: Building Rhythms That Sustain Leaders & Teams

A February leadership guide for pastors and teams who want sustainable momentum without exhaustion

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

New Year

January Is Hard—and God Is Faithful

Jan 28, 2026

•

3 min read

January Is Hard—and God Is Faithful

And all the people said... AMEN!

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger

Rhythms

+5

Leadership Lessons Every Pastor Needs

Jan 21, 2026

•

6 min read

Leadership Lessons Every Pastor Needs

How spiritual alignment and clarity prevent burnout later in the year

Brett Esslinger
Brett Esslinger
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