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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading 
7 Questions with Professor Silvester Henderson
helps you in your leadership.
Cheers,
Jonno White
7 Questions with Professor Silvester Henderson

Name: Professor Silvester Henderson

Current title: Minister of Music/Professor (Tenure)

Current organisation: Palma Ceia Baptist Church/Los Medanos College

Recently elected to receive the A2MEND Educational Leadership Award -2020, Professor Henderson is also the recipient of the Albert Nelson 2019 Marquis “Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award”. Professor Silvester Carl Henderson is a nationally recognized Professor, educator, conference motivational speaker, business owner, respected real estate investor, community artistic organizer, musician/artist, internet radio blog personality, and conductor of the Gospel Song.On January 12, 2012, he was presented with the “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Community Award” from Dow Chemical located in Pittsburg, CA. This award was given to him because of his highly successful efforts in promoting higher education and diversity through the usage of Gospel Music. Moreover, the Professor was the winner of the “Professor of the Year” award for the 2012-2013 academic years, sponsored by the Los Medanos College Academic Senate. Professor Henderson has been the owner of “Mr. Gospel Properties and Investments” for close to three decades. Because of his business acumen, the San Francisco Chronicle honored the Professor with a featured story on August 7, 2012, entitled, “Mr. Gospel lifted by Music, Investments and Houses”. This article is an international publication of his success, business acumen and unstoppable perseverance. Professor Henderson was named "Quarterfinalist" for the International Grammy Association's Music Educator Award, 2014. During the Fall of 2013, he was appointed “Academic Senate President” for Los Medanos College. On April 26, 2014, Professor Henderson was awarded the 2014 “Community Service Award” from the East County Branch of the NAACP. On October 21, 2014, Professor Henderson was presented with the 2014 “Art Recognition Award” from the Contra Costa County Arts and Culture Commission. On July 1, 2016, Professor was voted/appointed as “President” of the “Faculty Senate Coordinating Council” for the Contra Costa Community College District. This position required the Professor to serve as a communication link between the Senates of the participating campuses and the District Chancellor and/or his/her representatives. Professor Silvester Carl Henderson’s educational objective is to ensure a permanent academic home for African American Music within Higher Education. Professor Henderson married during his early twenties. The Professor resides in Pleasanton, California and is the father of three daughters named Carlena, Celisse and Charde.

7 Questions with Professor Silvester Henderson

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1. What have you found most challenging as a church leader?

The ability to navigate expectations in respect to the skills presented by the church members.

2. How did you become a church leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I applied to become the Minister of Music back in 1991. I was hired by the Founding Pastor/CEO - Reverend Charles Franklin Bennett.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Super organized. The following:

Prayer/Meditation

Check my Calendar - Follow this guide daily!

Prioritize my expectation

Complete my daily task

Prepare for the next day.

4. What's one book apart from the Bible that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I like the Psalms. They offer practical wisdom for everyday life! I try to think about human wisdom often. I believe that God wants all humans to believe in him. Moreover, God allows us to make our own mistakes. Generally what happens is that our ways do not work. At that point, the wisdom from the Good Book could speak life into our decisions, in respect to all of our leadership and management roles.

5. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

To remain grateful for your struggles. They are there to increase your strength and dependence on God.

6. How do you develop a healthy leadership pipeline in a church?

By focusing on "Giving" and not receiving. Let the greatest "Serve". God Rewards!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a church leader so far?

Moses parting the "Red Sea". Thousands doubted the voice God spoke to him. He stayed focused, reliable and obedient to the Voice of God!

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