Servant Leadership (Part 2)

On Monday, we covered three insights from the servant-leadership style of Nehemiah: Rest before beginning, do your homework, and involve others. Today we’ll consider another lesson that will help us as we serve in God’s vineyard.

4) Share your vision wisely. Whether it’s leading a church in starting a second service or adopting a new worship style of music or adding a new staff member—the vision must be carefully shared with the church family.

Nehemiah began by taking a midnight ride around the walls of Jerusalem with a team of leaders. This is the “Nehemiah” style of leadership. Vision is shared in concentric circles. It’s like throwing a pebble in a pond and watching the concentric circles form. Vision began in the heart of one man, Nehemiah (Neh. 1:3-4,11). From him, a team of leaders caught the vision of a rebuilt wall (2:18). Finally, we read that an entire “congregation” was working together on the wall (ch. 3).

5) Timing is important. Major projects that are launched wisely and completed successfully seem to be propelled by good timing. Nehemiah had an amazing story to tell of God’s provision for wall rebuilding. But he knew when to share it. There was a precise moment for the good news. The ride was over. Words like waste, burned, and distress seemed to dominate his report to the officials after that early morning ride (Neh. 2:17). No doubt they wondered: Can we do this? Then, he introduced the story of the “hand of God” (v.18). A pagan king had issued a passport, provided a military escort from Persia, and given a requisition for all the lumber needed. This was God at work! It’s no wonder the officials said, “Let us rise up and build.”

On Friday, we will consider one more characteristic of servant leadership. Your comments are welcome.