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How to be an effective leader
What can we learn from Nehemiah? He was the man that God used to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days, much quicker than was planned. How did he manage it? We suggest that you read the book of Nehemiah, and along with it the book of Ezra. There are many online resources available that will help you identify the setting within which Nehemiah and Ezra operated. Read some of these online articles; then read the two books and see how Nehemiah has been the model for effective leadership ever since. If you want to be a leader in your workplace, understand how Nehemiah did it. If you want to be an effective leader in your home cell, understand how Nehemiah did it.
Discuss the following scriptures from this wonderful book:
- He had to hear from God
He did not act without consulting God first, even if it resulted in one of the shortest prayers anywhere in the Bible. God is not moved by our eloquent prayers but by the sincerity of the heart. Look at his reaction. See Nehemiah 1:3-4. - He was a man of prayer
Prayer builds character and God wants to raise men of character. See Nehemiah 1:5-11 and compare it with Matthew 6:9-13. - He was bold in what was needed
He stated the requirements clearly. See Nehemiah 2:1-8 and compare it with Ezra 8:21-23. - He shared his vision with others
He did not act in isolation. Many leaders fail because they do not share their vision with their employees. Thus, there is no way for employees to see the plan of action, the direction it will take, and become part of the solution. See Nehemiah 2:11-17. - He knew how to handle opposition
Learn how to handle opposition and resistance. We need to handle conflict and opposition in our lives every day. See Nehemiah 2:10 and 19-20; 4:1-3 and 7-8; and 6:1-14. See also Nehemiah 13:4-9, 21, and 25. Must we do the same? - Get people involved See Nehemiah 3. Discuss the tasks of the workers.
- Specific tasks are given to specific people
We cannot all perform the same tasks. The task of the priest was specific. See Nehemiah 8 and 9. - It sometimes requires money
We often need funds to do God's work, but He will provide them. See Nehemiah 13:4-13; 1 Corinthians 9:7-12; and 2 Corinthians 9:6-12. Do you still remember the dangers of money (Romans 14:17-18; and Philippians 3:18-19)?
Self-study: Romans 8:5; 2 Corinthians 11:15; and 1 Timothy 6:5 and 10.
How can we apply the above?
- Have you removed the “rubble” in your life? See Nehemiah 4:10 and apply it.
- Rubble in our lives can be sin, as seen in Isaiah 59:1-2; Micah 3:4; and Psalm 66:18.
- The only way to deal with it is found in 1 John 1:8-9.