S2E14: 'You Don’t Need A Platform to Make a Difference': A Conversation

Everyone is called to influence — you don't need a platform, a title, or a huge following to make a difference for Jesus. In this episode, host Jasmine sits down with Nathan McClean for an honest, unfiltered follow-up to his message "Call to Influence." They talk about the moment of surrender that changed the trajectory of Nathan's life, how humility opens doors that striving never could, and Nathan's raw, personal story of being told he needed open-heart surgery — and choosing to trust God with the outcome either way. If you've ever felt unseen, unqualified, or like influence is "for other people," this conversation is for you.

✨ Key Themes

• You're already called to influence. Influence isn't reserved for the "special" or the naturally gifted — it's for every follower of Jesus, in every season and sphere of life.
• Influence starts with surrender. Nathan's own life shifted at 17 when he finally got on his knees at a Hillsong conference and said yes to God.
• Influence grows through humility. Real stories from both Nathan (stepping back from overseeing two campuses) and Jasmine (feeling "unseen" in the parents' room) show how letting go of title, platform, and visibility often precedes God opening bigger doors.
• Identity over title. Knowing who you are in Christ frees you from needing a role, platform, or recognition to feel like you matter.

📖 Scripture References

• Philippians 4:6–7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." (The verse Nathan's family held onto before his heart surgery.)
• Matthew 5 — Jesus' teaching that His followers are "salt and light," referenced as the foundation for the idea that every believer carries a call to influence.

📚 Resources

• Previous episode: "Call to Influence" — the original message Nathan preached at Hillsong's Melbourne East campus (referenced as required/companion listening for this episode).

💬 Quotes

"You are salt and you are light... no matter who you are, no matter what your circumstance is, you're called to have influence and you're called to make a difference beyond yourself." — Nathan McClean

"Influence starts with surrender." — Nathan McClean

"When we hold on to leadership, when we hold on to roles, when we hold on to things that are good, we often miss things that are great." — Nathan McClean

"Some things are not good to go through, but are great to have been through." — Nathan McClean

"Just because there's a presence of suffering doesn't mean that God can't use that season." — Nathan McClean

🚶 Next Steps

• Reflect: Where has God asked you to surrender control in order to grow your influence?
• Write it down: Nathan encourages listeners to define their "why" — write down what God has put on your heart and why you want to be a person of influence.
• Pray boldly, then trust fully: Bring your honest requests to God (Phil. 4:6–7), and then release the outcome to Him.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you and join a service: hillsong.com/australia
• Catch up on the original message this episode unpacks: "Call to Influence" (previous podcast episode)
• Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast so you never miss an episode wherever you listen to podcast.