Jesus Style Leadership 4 - Sent & TeamSample

Helping Followers Catch the Vision

Leadership Lesson

Helping team members see and hold on to faith visions is a Jesus-style leader's job.

Read Nehemiah 2:17-18

Comment

Nehemiah (who was now in Jerusalem) knew that it was time to start rebuilding the walls. Reestablishing their capital city would be a great boost for the disillusioned Jewish exiles who had returned to Judah. Such a project may seem straightforward to you, but this was not the case. Jerusalem had been taken over by well-connected, non-Jewish, local officials who were not at all pleased about Nehemiah’s arrival and plans. They were very happy with the “disgrace” of the Jews. So Nehemiah knew that not only would he need to inspire and unite a dispirited, divided people, but also that the rebuild would face stiff opposition. How then did he motivate the Jewish residents? Nehemiah presented the vision (rebuilding the wall) and the reason for it (removing our disgrace) and then built the confidence of the team by telling stories of how God had worked (2:18). That’s a great way of helping followers catch or retain a faith vision. 1. Share the vision clearly. 2. Explain the difference it will make. 3. Tell stories about what God is doing. The stories bit is crucial. Jesus-style leaders have to be storytellers. Look for signs of God at work and keep passing them on to encourage the team.

Prayer

I need to align my team around the faith visions that you have revealed both to us and to those we follow together. Help me to become a great storyteller. Please help me to recognise what you are already doing and to communicate this with passion and faith . These are your faith visions, not mine. Please use me to inspire my team and encourage them to step out in faith, knowing that you are with us.

Personal Reflection

How is God working in and through your team at the moment? What is he doing in big or small ways? How and when will you share this with your team to encourage and inspire them?