The Trademarks of God's Leaders - Nehemiah a Masterful Motivator

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

Today we continue our series on the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, the Old Testament leader who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.  

In chapters 3 and 4 we read the details of the wall repair or reconstruction.  At times the reading becomes a bit boring and repetitious with all the names and locations; however, I realize in this account what a masterful motivator Nehemiah was.  

Chapter 3, verse 1 begins by telling us that “Eliashib the high priest and his priestly kinsmen took up the task of rebuilding the Sheep Gate.” As a master motivator, Nehemiah knew who the most influential leaders in Jerusalem were.  It was the high priest and those serving with him.  And Nehemiah tapped them to set the example for the people. 

• Here is a lesson for us.  Leaders find the influencers in their organization and engage their support and involvement early on.  By taking this approach, others are much more likely to join the cause and become engaged.   

As we continue in chapter 3, we read about those who joined the work.  It was “goldsmiths” and “perfume makers” in verse 8.  In verse 12, it was “Shallum … and his daughters.” Levites and others did their part.  

Throughout the chapter section assignments were made and carried out.  There was clarity in all the assignments. 

• This is a second lesson.  Leaders set clear assignments and expectations.  Followers are better motivated when they clearly know what is expected of them.  

Related to this, I see another lesson in verse 28.  “The priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.”  We see other similar assignments. 

• This, I see, is a third lesson.  Motivational leaders know how to appeal to the self-interests of participants in a way that achieves a win-win.  In this instance, the priests in verse 28 rebuilt the walls, providing protection for them and their families.  Nehemiah’s “win” is that another section of the wall project was completed. In a “win-win” scenario all parties benefit.    

Throughout this podcast, I have referred to Nehemiah as a “Masterful Motivator.”  This is evidenced in chapter 4, verse 6.  “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” [emphasis added] 

• Leaders inspire their followers to a common goal and motivate people to do things they wouldn’t normally choose to do on their own.  

We will continue next time our study of Nehemiah, the Master Motivator.  

Be like Nehemiah; encourage and motivate those whom you lead.  

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters and leaders.