Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast

Episode #060 – Leadership Questions with Jabin Chavez & Gerald Brooks
Release Date: October 16, 2024

Main Theme & Overview

In this episode, host Jabin Chavez welcomes back his friend and seasoned pastor, Gerald Brooks, for a dynamic Q&A session centered on foundational leadership questions. Brooks brings over four decades of pastoral and organizational experience, sharing wisdom on commitment, growth, church community, mentorship, marriage, and parenting. The conversation is candid, filled with humor and practical insights for leaders wanting to strengthen their faith, leadership longevity, and personal relationships—whether in ministry or other leadership contexts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Centrality of the Local Church

• [01:37] Why Be "All In" on the Local Church?
  • Brooks underscores the unique divine design of the church: “There’s only one God-made organization on this planet and it is the church. Every other organization is a man-made organization. Jesus said, ‘I will build my church.’” (Gerald Brooks, 01:37)
  • He explains the distinction between learning from a distance (like online sermons) and the transformative growth that only occurs in authentic, in-person community, citing: “We are a society based on information. The Kingdom of God is based on transformation. And transformation happens in rooms.” (B, 03:11)
  • Emphasizes that the church isn’t about making everyone the center of attention, rather, it’s about being part of a body.

2. Navigating Church Growth & Building Transitions

• [05:43] The Reality of Moving into a New Building
  • Brooks warns that moving into a new building solves logistical issues but doesn’t guarantee growth or a vibrant atmosphere.
  • “A lot of what happens is people expect that new building is going to resolve every problem and the tension of the church. And the truth of the matter is the church is not a building. It's these people.” (B, 06:15)
  • Culture and connection must be consciously rebuilt after such transitions.
  • He shares a practical commitment challenge: “When you move into a new building, this room has to make a six-month commitment. You’re not going to leave because it’s hard.” (B, 09:38) The sustainability of children’s, youth, and volunteer ministries depends on the commitment of established members through the transition.
  • Anecdote: His church grew by 1,200 people in one week after a building move, but assimilation and building leadership among newcomers took months.

3. Longevity in Leadership and Ministry

• [11:24] Surviving and Thriving Over Decades
  • Brooks reveals that staying in one place and one calling is key: “Great trees are trees that stay planted…You can never build anything great because you’re not planted long enough.” (B, 12:52)
  • Shares a sobering statistic from biblical leadership: “What we know is only 25% of them [biblical leaders] finished in the will of God…Your commitment is renewed day by day. You don’t live off yesterday’s commitment. You live off today’s commitment.” (B, 14:10)
  • The encouragement is to make daily, conscious decisions to remain committed, both to the church and to relationships.
  • Brooks reminds the team: “If it is possible for you to lock your arms together and be a team for the future…one day you’ll stand before Jesus and you’ll get to say, hey, there were 1700 people that got saved in 2024. And you get to say you shared in that moment.” (B, 16:10)

4. The Influence of Spiritual Fathers

• [17:31] Lessons Learned from Kenneth E. Hagin
  • Brooks attributes his prayer life to Hagin: “If you don’t know what to do, pray. If you still don’t know what to do, pray longer.” (B, 17:54)
  • Faith is not a substitute for wisdom. Use both ‘biceps’: “Most people want to use their bicep faith muscle…I’m going to believe harder. And they never use their wisdom bicep.” (B, 18:20)
  • On responding to crisis and public failings: “If I don’t know what to do, I’m always going to err on the side of love.” (B, 20:27)

5. Marriage Wisdom from 48 Years

• [20:45] The Secret Ingredient
  • Brooks dispels the myth of marital fantasy: “The honeymoon period lasts two years. It’s a chemical-induced phase.” (B, 21:03)
  • The #1 factor in happy marriages: “If you have to reduce it to one quality, it is the frequency with which they say thank you.” (B, 21:33)
  • Intentional gratitude prevents relationships from becoming stale.
  • Never make long-term decisions during temporary seasons.

6. Parenting in a Modern Context

• [23:22] Advice for Christian Parents
  • Brooks reflects on his experience with three children and six grandchildren.
  • Parenting changes as you become more experienced: “Your first child probably has a legal right to sue you…when it’s your first kid and they swallow a quarter, you rush them to the emergency room. Your second kid, you wait till it’s passed. The third kid, you deduct it from their allowance.” (B, 24:25)
  • Foundational parenting approach: “Pray more, talk less. If talking to kids would change them, our kids would be perfect. But if you’re going to pray more, know what you’re praying.” (B, 25:53)
  • Points listeners to his book for five specific prayers he prays for his kids.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:37 | Brooks | “There’s only one God made organization on this planet and it is the church. Every other organization is a man made organization. Jesus said, I will build my church.” | | 03:11 | Brooks | “Is it true that we can learn from distance? Yes. But we grow in person…transformation happens in rooms.” | | 09:38 | Brooks | “When you move into a new building, this room has to make a six month commitment. You’re not going to leave because it’s hard.” | | 12:52 | Brooks | “Great trees are trees that stay planted...You can never build anything great because you’re not planted long enough.” | | 17:54 | Brooks | “If you don’t know what to do, pray. If you still don’t know what to do, pray longer.” (attributed to Kenneth E. Hagin) | | 20:27 | Brooks | “If I don’t know what to do, I’m always going to err on the side of love.” | | 21:33 | Brooks | “If you have to reduce it to one quality, it is the frequency with which they say thank you.” | | 25:53 | Brooks | “Pray more, talk less. If talking to kids would change them, our kids would be perfect.” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:37] – Why the Church? Importance of local, in-person church community.
• [05:43] – Navigating growth and moving into new facilities.
• [11:24] – Longevity as a leader; staying planted for generational impact.
• [17:31] – Lessons from spiritual fathers (Kenneth E. Hagin).
• [20:45] – Marriage advice from 48 years of experience.
• [23:22] – Modern parenting, prayer, and connection with children.

Tone & Energy

The conversation is honest, warm, humorous, and pastoral. Brooks blends personal anecdotes with deeply practical advice, often using self-deprecating humor and storytelling to illustrate his points. Jabin draws out Brooks’s wisdom with a tone that is both honoring and playful, keeping the discussion relatable and engaging.

Summary Takeaways

• Commit to the church and to people: True transformation happens in committed, embodied community, not merely through information.
• Growth requires adaptation: Facilities change, but culture must be actively built and rebuilt.
• Longevity is rare—and a daily decision: Making daily renewed commitments to God, church, and each other surpasses passive attendance or emotional enthusiasm.
• Pray more than you advise: In leading families and teams, prayer and wisdom trump excessive talking.
• Gratitude in relationships: “Thank you” is a habit that sustains marriages and healthy environments.
• Lead with love and wisdom: Where action isn’t clear, choose the most loving course.

(Interested listeners are encouraged to check out Gerald Brooks’ books and the Gerald Brooks Leadership Podcast for more leadership content.)