Leadership 101: Part 2
“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.’’ Nehemiah 2:17
My church purchased about 14 acres from our Village to build a new building. An opposition group formed almost immediately to stop the purchase. Their objections: increased traffic; the building’s location, and the lost tax revenue to the Village.
Our pastor had coffee with any opponent willing to meet. As he built relationships, he also made a list of their objections. Then our church incorporated these objections into a revised plan, and the opposition group voted unanimously to support our purchase. Nehemiah, however, faced opposition committed to undermining his plans.
Context:
For four months Nehemiah waited on the Lord for direction on rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. When the king saw his sadness and asked, “What do you want me to do?” Nehemiah asked for permission to rebuild Jerusalem, and the king agreed. Opposition formed almost immediately. Nehemiah surveyed the wall at night, and then cast a vision to rebuild the wall. The people responded eagerly, but the opposition intensified.
Leadership Lessons:
A leader waits on the Lord.
- Nehemiah prayed and waited for four months. When the king asked about his sadness, and how he could help, Nehemiah prayed, and stepped out in faith.1
- When faced with a leadership decision or dilemma, wait on the Lord
A leader exercises discernment.
- After his arrival, Nehemiah waited three days before setting out at night with a few trusted men to examine the wall firsthand. He told no one about his plans.2
- When planning to announce changes, exercise discernment about the timing.
A leader casts a vision.
Nehemiah cast a vision and the people responded. Consider four aspects:
| Current reality | Jerusalem lies in ruins … gates have been burned3 |
| Clear request | Come, let us rebuild the wall4 |
| Compelling reason | And we will no longer be in disgrace5 |
| Confident response | Let us start rebuilding6 |
Whenever possible, tell the people you lead about your vision.
A leader expects opposition.
- Nehemiah knew that he would face strong opposition to his plans.7 Leadership involves change, and change includes resistance.
- Leadership is not a popularity contest. You will have enemies.
A leader draws boundaries.
| God | Will give us success |
| We | Will start rebuilding |
| You | Have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right |
There are times you must stand up and say, “Enough is enough!”
Prayer:
“Lord, leadership is hard, demanding and exhausting. But it also is the most fulfilling work possible when You are in control and Your plans are being implemented. Help me make the most of my leadership opportunities. Amen.”
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Endnotes:
1 Nehemiah 2:2
2 Nehemiah 2:11-12
3 Nehemiah 2:17a
4 Nehemiah 2:17b
5 Nehemiah 2:17c
6 Nehemiah 2:18c
7 Nehemiah 2:19-20
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Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
