- Leadership Essentials with Brett Esslinger
- Posts
- A Few Thoughts
In partnership with
Too many churches are operating like a Louis Vuitton store.
You know the vibe—ever walked into one of those places? The lighting’s perfect, the shelves are immaculate, and somehow, you instantly feel like you don’t belong. Like you’re being judged just for breathing near the leather. And yet, we keep saying, “If people would just come to church, they’d encounter Jesus!”
But here’s the deal—they’re not coming. Not because they don’t need Jesus, but because we’ve made the entrance feel exclusive instead of accessible. The church doesn’t need to be more polished—we need to be more present.
We need to look a whole lot more like Walmart than Louis Vuitton.
Open doors. Real people. Everyday grace. Because Jesus didn’t show up for the elite—He came for everyone.
Community Events Build Bridges
When we host neighbourhood barbecues, run a food drive, offer free family photo booths, or partner with local organizations, we do more than plan events—we build bridges. Every time we show up to serve without strings attached, we’re placing bricks of trust in the foundation of our community relationships.
Churches are often known for what they’re against. Community engagement reminds people what we’re for—and more importantly, who we’re for.
Trust Is the Currency of Influence
You can’t disciple people you haven’t met. And you won’t meet them if your church lives behind closed doors. Community engagement puts us in proximity with people who may never walk through our doors on a Sunday. And yet, when we build trust over time, we earn the right to speak hope into their lives.
The truth is: people aren’t looking for a perfect church. They’re looking for a present one.
It’s About Presence, Not Perfection
Engaging your community doesn’t have to be flashy. It just needs to be intentional. Show up consistently. Listen well. Look for ways to meet real needs. And don’t underestimate the power of small gestures over time.
As leaders, our job isn’t to do everything—it’s to create cultures where everyone plays a part in loving the city well.
Let’s Go Beyond Easter
What if Easter wasn’t a peak, but a launchpad?
If your church had new guests, curious neighbours, or big momentum around your Easter services—don’t let that connection go cold. Follow up. Follow through. And most importantly, find ways to keep showing up in your community with humility, generosity, and hope.
Let’s build churches our cities would miss if we were gone.
A Personal Note
This weekend is a big one for me, personally. This Sunday is Launch Day for my new book, The Hope Habit.
I truly believe this is the best thing I have ever put my hand to.
It would mean the world to me if you would consider ordering a copy, it’s available on Amazon in Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook on Audible, and it’s available on Kindle.
Hope isn’t easy—but it’s worth it.
The Hope Habit is your field guide to building a resilient, gritty, and grace-filled hope that holds steady when life falls apart.
If you order a copy, I would love to hear your feedback! I would also be honoured if you would consider leaving a review on Amazon!
Thanks for leaning in to lead well. Remember, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with faith, humility, and a willingness to keep growing. Let’s keep building churches that love boldly, serve consistently, and lead with hope. Until next time—lead strong.
Learn AI in 5 minutes a day
This is the easiest way for a busy person wanting to learn AI in as little time as possible:
Sign up for The Rundown AI newsletter
They send you 5-minute email updates on the latest AI news and how to use it
You learn how to become 2x more productive by leveraging AI