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The COVID-19 pandemic which swept the world about a year ago (January 2020), has changed the world from normal to new normal. We have been witnessing unprecedented disruptions, uncertainties and anxieties. Hence, the universal cry for effective political, business and Christian leaders who can lead their countries, companies, and churches respectively is understandable. Hence, it is not surprising, according to WHO (World Health Organization) panel’s stark and damning report on Covid-19 Response was a series of global failures and time and again, those who were responsible for protecting and leading failed to do either. In other words, ineffective or weak global leadership has led us to where were are today! Hence, effective leadership is desperately needed to help people navigate life’s unexpected challenges and “confront the contours and dilemmas of our times, guided by a sense of moral purpose.”
Every pastor, church leader, cell group leader, youth leader who is serious about EFFECTIVE or MORE EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP will sooner or later be confronted with the following pivotal questions:
Surprisingly, some of these questions are answered by a man who is an effective and impactful leader. His name? Nehemiah. In the book of Nehemiah, he demonstrates and practises what is Effective Leadership all about. All who claim to be effective leaders should be able to make things happen and to get things done. The inability to do so, is at worst that person is not a leader, or at best an ineffective leader.
From the book of Nehemiah, we can learn some of the best effective biblical leadership principles as well as extrapolating strategic insights that are pertinent, practical and powerful for any aspiring, emerging and even established leaders. Added to that, the book of Nehemiah lays out 7 most essential DNA of an Effective Leader and how to make things happen and get things done. Hence, we have called the book of Nehemiah—NEHEMIAHIAN MODEL: Getting Things Done and Making Things Happen.
We will exegete, expound and extrapolate leadership principles from the book of Nehemiah as well as examine relevant leadership issues in conversation with leadership experts.
The primary focus of this podcast will not be leadership theories (there are plentiful) but rather EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP. We are interested in leadership that makes a difference, that impacts, influences, inspires and transforms others. At the same time, we hope to debunk some leadership myths that have been floating around like buzzing bees.
Let rem give you a working definition, of effective biblical leadership (informed by Scripture, shaped by biblical values, and underpinned by sound and solid theology)
A Leader is a Spirit-Empowered Servant with a Sense of Destiny, backed by a Call from God to Use His/her God-Given Ability, and Responsibility to Influence Others Towards God's Purposes for the Good of The Followers and the Glory of God. (Rev Dr Anthony Yeoh)
Leadership matters. Leadership is not one of the most important matters. Rather, it is the most important matter! Without effective leadership any country, organization, or institution can be chaotic and messy.
Preface
Leadership can be summarized into two broad statements —getting things done and making things happen. I call this the Nehemiahian Leadership Principle. In other words, it to is basically getting things done and making things happen. For this to happen, a leader must be able to in influence, inspire and impact the followers. He or she must be able to influence - the ability of an individual to influence others to contribute their achieve some goals - be it time, talents or treasures. That is what defines a true leader - nothing more, nothing less. The greater the leadership, the greater the influence. The weaker the leadership, the weaker the influence.
Nehemiahian leadership is all about getting things done and making things happen. It is leadership that is successful and able to influence a group of people to work together towards accomplishing certain goals. The biblical book that provides inspiring stories, integrated actionable theory, powerful and invaluable leadership insights is none other than the book of Nehemiah.[1] This classic takes the number one spot on leadership because we can ferret out timely principles and timeless paradigms which are universally valid for all cultures.
When Nehemiah heard about the broken walls from his brother, he decided to do something about it. He started a project known as "Operation rebuilding". He left his comfort zone as an official wine taster in the Persian court and took a leave of absence from his comfortable job and mobilised a group of demoralized people to rebuild the broken city walls in Jerusalem. Broken walls signified national crisis because they made the city vulnerable to attacks. Walls in those days offered protection from raids and represented peace.
During the rebuilding of the walls, he encountered opposition and obstacles externally and internally (e.g. scorn, slander, threats, discouragement, disunity, etc). Yet, he persevered to the end.
Under his successful leadership, mission impossible became mission possible because God was in it, the people worked at it and Nehemiah exercised effective and efficient leadership. As a result, and against all odds, the rebuilding of the walls was completed in 52 record days. What an accomplishment! Even the enemies grudgingly accepted that it was the work of God.
Under his successful leadership, he also mediated a financial crisis, took registration, repopulated Jerusalem, appointed gatekeepers, Levites and officials (chapter 7), initiated reforms and spiritual renewal with Ezra the scribe and reorganized civic responsibilities. His life and work is an excellent demonstration of what successful leadership is all about.
What interests us is why was Nehemiah successful in his rebuilding project despite internal and external opposition? What was the secret of his success? What are some of the Nehemiah principles of successful leadership we can learn from him? What was his winning formula? We are going to find out. Be prepared to be provoked, inspired and surprised.
Some of the principles on successful leadership which we will discover from the book of Nehemiah include:
It is my conviction that by applying the powerful Nehemiahian practical principles and proven paradigms, we can experience effective leadership success and breakthrough as well as transitioning from average to good and good to great leadership. (1375-word count)
Book Summary
Chapter 1-3
After Nehemiah had heard about the ruins of the city walls, he prayed to God and confessed his people's sins. His petition to the king for permission to rebuild the city walls was successful. After inspection he began the repair work by motivating the people. The people began to work on the various sections of the gates and walls.
Chapters 4-6
There was opposition to the rebuilding project by his opponents consisting of ridicule and threats. He responded by praying to God and posted guards. He eased the financial burdens of the people by convincing the rich not to charge interests for loans and return all properties seized because of unpaid mortgages. Although opposition continued, the walls were rebuilt in 52 days.
Chapter 7-10.
Nehemiah took a census of the Returnees from exile. Ezra read the Law and celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. The Book of the Law was read aloud again and some Levites led the people in confession and reviewing God's past dealings with his people. The people made a written oath to obey the Lord.
Chapter 11-13
One tenth of the people from Judah and Benjamin resettled in Jerusalem. A listing of the residents in Jerusalem was given. The wall of Jerusalem was dedicated ceremoniously. Nehemiah's various reforms are listed.
[1] Strictly speaking, the book of Nehemiah deals with the faithfulness of God towards his people in terms of their returning to their home land after years of exile. God was working behind the scene and answering prayers without appearing, nor were there any display of miracles or signs and wonders.