The Trademark of God's Leaders - Nehemiah - Summary

 

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

Today we conclude this six-month study of Nehemiah. I have personally learned much from his leadership practices, and I hope that you have found many practical applications from this series of podcasts. Today, I want to summarize our lessons.

 Chapter 1 – we began with his intercessory prayer. He wept and mourned for days about the situation. It became very personal to him. He “owned” the sins of the Israelite people.

 In chapter 2, we observed many lessons

 He was courageous as he approached the king. Though he was very much afraid (vs 3), he overcame those fears and asked to be released to go to Jerusalem.

 He was also bold. He did not ask a small favor; we see in verse 5 that he made a very large request of the king.

 I appreciate how Nehemiah was planful as we see in verses 7 and 8. After four months of prayer about the situation in Jerusalem, Nehemiah knew the details of what was needed, and he had a plan.

 I see in chapter 2, verses 17 and 18 that Nehemiah was an inspiring visionary. “Then I said to them, You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace; … They replied, Let us start rebuilding; So they began this good work.”  I appreciate in verses 19 and 20, that Nehemiah was confident in the Lord. He did not puff up his chest and claim that he was great. When confronted by opposition, he answered by saying, The God of heaven will give us success.

 I said that in chapter 3 I see Nehemiah as a masterful motivator. He found those most influential in Jerusalem and engaged their support and involvement early on. He also set clear assignments and expectations.

 Related to this, in chapter 4 we saw that he was a motivator, not a manipulator. Those who follow us see through any attempts to manipulate, and this often results in resistance and resentment.

 Another lesson in chapter 4 is that Nehemiah had the wisdom to balance the work with the security of the workers. “… half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor… Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.” That’s from verses 16 and 17.

 We also saw in chapter 4 that leaders are responsible for warnings and communication. 4:18b tells us that “The man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.” And also 4:20a, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there.”

 Moving on to chapter 6, we learned that Nehemiah and godly leaders are focused. They are able to stay with a task until it is completed. They are not easily distracted.

 In chapters 5 and 13, we saw that Nehemiah was willing to confront those under his leadership when the situation warranted it. I also suggested that people need to not only understand the WHAT of correction but also the WHY.

 Finally, our study of Nehemiah’s leadership qualities began with prayer and concludes with prayer. In chapter 9, he led the people in prayers of repentance.

May we aspire to be godly leaders following the example of Nehemiah.

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