Notes based on 6:30 pm sermon series
5. Nehemiah 4:10-23 - Leadership

In your relationship with your partner or close friend, are you generally the one who is more in control, or are you the one who generally fits in to keep things on an even keel to make life less of a hassle?

Ask a volunteer to talk briefly about a skill they have and how they learned it. Reflect on the importance of learning and doing. Jesus spent three years with his disciples so they could learn from him. Thank God for wanting to use us and for the example of Jesus.

Read chapter 4:10-23

Do you agree that if we are to build our church up we need more people willing to take on leadership? Is good leadership the key to making our witness more effective?

1. Nehemiah was a wonderful example of a great leader. Here are some of the key things he did.
a) He spotted weaknesses (v 13). How can we look out for weaknesses?
b) He reassured people (v 14). How can we encourage people?
c) He promoted unity and co-operation (vv 16-17). How can we do the same?
d) He oversaw the work and communicated with the workers (vv 19-20).
Is God calling you to a leadership or pastoral role in the group or elsewhere? If not are you willing to learn?

2. What do you think of the statement "The leader of the orchestra must turn his back on the audience" in relationship to the loneliness of leadership?

3. Read Isaiah 9:1-7. What do these verses tell us about Jesus and his leadership?

Pray that God will give you a desire to see his kingdom grow. Pray that he will give you the gifts you need and the willingness to follow him whatever the personal cost.