I can not think of a better leadership model than Nehemiah. Once I took a seat and looked over Nehemiah's shoulder for a couple of hours, reviewing the things that this ancient Jewish leader noted while rebuilding the wall that surrounded Jerusalem. As I read, it occurred to me that his diary is a compilation of notions of leadership. The first six chapters of Nehemiah must be required reading every year for all leaders, as well as for those who wish to be.

In his book, I found seven essential skills that today's Christian leaders can use as stones on which to build their own leadership strategy.

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The first

foundation stone is a passion for the project. Passion includes vision, enthusiasm, drive, determination, creative dreams and innovative ideas. Leaders with passion can capture the big picture without getting tangled up or worrying about all the details. Nehemiah could barely sleep as he imagined achieving God's goal. His passion left the graphic.

The second

building stone is the ability to motivate others. Getting along with others is an essential part of leadership. This includes skills such as verbalizing ideas, dreams and concerns; articulate goals succinctly and simply; and demonstrate organizational strength and energy without limits. Leaders who motivate, inspire others to do their best. They quickly affirm and grant credit to those who deserve it. Nehemiah was strong on all these points.

The third

stone is an irrevocable trust in God. The diary of Nehemiah is full of prayers: silent, brief, specific. He never stopped reminding the people of the presence and protection of the Lord. Leaders who are genuinely believers consistently direct the attention of others to the Source of strength; He who can achieve the impossible, the amazing Provider. Your trust in God does not waver. Your faith is contagious. While they may occasionally doubt their own ability, they do not doubt God's invincible consecration to his work.

Perseverance and patience before the opposition marks the fourth stone. Nehemiah endured everything: sarcasm, suspicion, gossip, mockery, threats, anonymous notes, open letters, false accusations; and much more. None of that daunted him. No leader can survive if he can not be patient and persevering in the face of criticism. It is important to be firm in purpose without becoming cantankerous, vindictive or cruel. Anger expressed for the right reason at the right time is appropriate and healthy, but holding grudges is not.

The fifth

stone to put in its place is a practical, balanced notion of reality. While the leader may have dreams and ideas, he does not live in an illusory world with his mind fixed on the ideal. The real data, the firm evidence, are in your clear focus. When Nehemiah began his opening speech, it was obvious that he was not at all a cheerleader with a head full of smoke: "You see the evil in which we are" (Nehemiah 2:17). He told the workers to persevere in their work, but wisely placed others to protect from the attack on the wall. Astute, discerning, firm; He acted without reacting in an exaggerated way. He expressed grace and yet remained firm without bowing. Good leaders maintain that necessary balance between being positive and realizing the negative.

The sixth

is a willingness to work hard and remain selfless. All believing leaders have at least one thing in common: diligence. They also know the value of closing for the day (diligence and work addiction are not synonymous). Due to his hard work, Nehemiah was named "governor of the land of Judah" (Nehemiah 5:14) even before the wall is finished. He accepted his appointment with humility, refusing special treatment and being willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the people. Nehemiah dictated a workshop on servant leadership.

Finally, leaders must have the discipline to finish the job. Good leaders finish things. They know how to concentrate on the essentials without allowing perfectionist details to interrupt the march. I am sure that some of the stones of Nehemiah were a bit bent and a few of the joints were perhaps somewhat loose. Maybe a door or two were not perfectly level, and no doubt a couple of hinges squeaked. . . but he finished the task. Mission accomplished

And when the task is finished, the good leaders celebrate. . . They are having fun! In the case of Nehemiah, they made a party walking on the wall, marching, singing and shouting; they even invited a couple of choirs whose "songs and praises and thanksgiving to God" (Nehemiah 12:46) could be heard from afar. What a great party!

Let's decide to be the men and women that God is looking for to be put in the gap. Let's be the Nehemiahs of this generation: leaders who make things happen for the glory of God, staying strong on the building stones of leadership.

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