Building a Church, Not an Event: Why Real Leadership Starts with People, Not Performances
It’s almost midnight. I’m finally sitting down, and everything is quiet. Not because my day was boring—but because it was full. Full of people, full of purpose, and full of moments that made me feel part of something special.
Tonight, I took a walk under the stars in Iskandar Puteri. Evan, my youngest son, rode his bike beside me. Our dog trotted along. A few close friends walked with us, laughing and talking. Usually it’s just me and the dog. But tonight felt different. It felt like home.
This Saturday started simply: breakfast with my wife and son, sunlight on the table. That small moment—calm, peaceful—felt like the kind of moment life is really made of. But soon, the day got busy. I worked on my book, Lead to Impact. I did some house repairs. Then we went to gather with our church, Every Nation Johor Bahru (ENJB). Every part of the day felt like one more brick in something we’re building—not a building for show, but a home where people can grow.
Not Just a Stage—We’re Building a Home
Many people (including some church leaders) think church is about putting on a great show—bright lights, good music, exciting events. But shows don’t last. After the event, people go home and nothing really changes.
A house is different. It’s built to last. It keeps people safe. It’s where real life happens.
That’s what we want to build at ENJB—a place that’s strong, honest, and built on real relationships.
This is what I call reverse leadership. It’s the opposite of what the world teaches:
- Not trying to look impressive, but trying to make a real difference.
- Not counting how many people come, but asking:
- Who are we becoming?
- Who are we helping grow?
This kind of leadership is quiet, slow, and deep. But it’s the kind that lasts.
LEAD to Impact: A Simple Guide for Real Leaders
In the morning, I spent some time structuring Lead to Impact, a book I’ll be releasing this year. It’s not just a writing project—it’s everything I believe about leadership in one book.
At the center of the book is a simple 4-step model I call LEAD:
L – Look Inward: Who am I becoming? Start with yourself.
E – Equip Tools: What can I build or fix to serve others better?
A – Act with Purpose: How will I lead today? Be clear and focused.
D – Disciple Legacy: Who am I helping grow? Help others become leaders too.
Leadership isn’t about awards or applause. It’s about helping people grow into their purpose.
Real Leadership Looks Different
Our church gathering wasn’t huge (in fact it was really small), but it was real.
Years ago, I served in a mega church. The events were impressive, but the people often felt unseen. Young volunteers served hard, but they lacked guidance. When I offered to mentor them, I was told, “As long as they serve, God will bless them.”
That didn’t sit right. I left.
ENJB is different. Pastor Shawn travel from KL every month. Not to perform. But to show up. That’s real leadership.
Simple Stories, Strong Truths
Today, Pastor Shawn shared about his son’s school. Parents were upset that teachers were scolding students. He asked his son, “Did the teacher scold you today?” His son said, “No—she wasn’t looking at me.”
The teacher spoke to everyone, but the son didn’t take it personally.
The point? Sometimes we think, “This sermon isn’t for me.” But God is always speaking. Are we listening?
Three Big Ideas from the Message
- God Restores Relationships: God is not only about rules. He wants a relationship with us—like the father in Luke 15 who runs to his lost son.
- God Gives a New Identity: You can’t fix a dead body with makeup. You need new life. God doesn’t improve us—He transforms us. (Ephesians 2:8–9)
- God Gives Purpose and New Life
From Slave Trader to Songwriter: The Story of Amazing Grace
Pastor Shawn shared the story of John Newton—once a captain in the slave trade.
He was part of a cruel system, bringing enslaved Africans across the ocean. One night in 1748, a storm hit. As his ship nearly sank, Newton cried out to God.
That was the turning point.
Over time, he left the slave trade, became a Christian minister, and in 1772, wrote the hymn Amazing Grace—a song now known around the world.
Here are the full lyrics:
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
This song still brings hope to millions. And the man who wrote it proves: no one is too far gone for God to rescue.
Why We Don’t Want an “Event-Only” Church
Big events can be exciting—but they can’t replace discipleship.
If we only build for show, we’re building a stage, not a home. And homes are what people need.
At ENJB, our focus is simple:
We exist to Honour God. Make disciples. God builds His church.
This isn’t just a church idea. It’s a leadership truth.
What We’re Really Building
After the service, we had steamboat. Nothing fancy. But it was real.
I talked with Sebas about his struggles. I hugged Uncle Jit, who’s fighting cancer but full of faith. His strength comes not from his body—but from his spirit.
This is what we’re building:
- Relationships, not rituals
- Discipleship, not displays
- Community, not crowds
And the mortar that holds it all together? Gratitude.
A Heart Full of Thanks
I’m thankful for:
- Pastor Shawn, who comes not out of duty—but love
- My wife, who serves quietly and powerfully
- Ryan, Daniel and Samuel who lead worship with heart
- Yvonne and Paige, who guide the kids
- Joshua who run sound and video
- Our core team—who stay not for a job, but for each other
- And Uncle Jit—whose joy is a lesson in faith
A Day That Mattered
No spotlight. No crowd. But every part mattered.
- A family breakfast
- A sermon that pierced
- A meal that connected
- A walk that brought peace
Each one a brick.
Each person a beam.
Each moment a seed.
Today, I didn’t just lead. I lived LEAD.
What Brick Will You Lay This Week?
If you want something real, start small.
- Invite someone to talk
- Ask better questions
- Listen with your full attention
- Show up when it matters
You don’t need a title to lead. You just need to care.
We’re not building a crowd. We’re building a family.
So—what brick will you lay this week?
