Daniel Hope

The five-part series of sermons from the book of Nehemiah is now a part of the past, but the work of rebuilding continues. The walls of Jerusalem were not rebuilt by Nehemiah preaching and the people listening to him as they sat on the rubble. Likewise, a congregation cannot be built or rebuilt simply by a preacher preaching and the people listening to him while they warm the padded pews. Rebuilding occurs as a result of people possessing a mind to work (Nehemiah 6:4).

The purpose of this series of lessons was to teach us how to rebuild a congregation by applying principles used by Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Rebuilding begins by people inspecting themselves to see how much they really care about the proposed project. Keep in mind—to start caring is to start curing. Rebuilding continues by individuals investigating the situation prior to taking action. Remember—investigation precedes improvement. Churches must tap into the tremendous strength that is found in incorporating teamwork. Never forget—together everyone achieves more. Problems that threaten to put a stop to the work will be overcome by people insisting that the work continue. Like William Roebling, who build the Brooklyn Bridge, we must never give up. What an encouragement to those involved in rebuilding a congregation to realize that by participating in this noble effort they are investing in the future! If we forget to consider the future ramifications of our present work, we are destined to regret it.

Consider the following fifteen very practical ways that we can help rebuild Great Oaks. Place a check in the box by the things that you are willing to do to help rebuild this fine congregation.

I will care enough about this congregation to ask someone about an area of ministry with which I am unfamiliar (Nehemiah 1:2).

I will care enough about this congregation to allow my sorrows to be stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks (Nehemiah 1:4).

I will care enough about this congregation to pray daily for it (Nehemiah 1:5-11).

I will care enough about this congregation to be involved in at least one area of ministry at Great Oaks (Nehemiah 2:5).

I will investigate the situation so that I will be in a position to determine a goal either for this congregation as a whole or for a specific area of ministry here (Nehemiah 2:5).

I will investigate the situation so that I will be in a position to declare a deadline by which to attain the goal (Nehemiah 2:6).

I will investigate the situation so that I will be in a position to develop a plan to achieve the goal in the allotted time (Nehemiah 2:12-16).

I will incorporate teamwork by sharing the blame when things to wrong (Nehemiah 2:17).

I will incorporate teamwork by sharing the work (Nehemiah 2:17).

I will incorporate teamwork by being willing to do more than my fair share of the work (Nehemiah 3:20, 21, 27).

I will possess a mind to work, which will enable me to insist that the work continue (Nehemiah 4:6).

I will realize that God will help us with the work, which will enable me to insist that the work continue (Nehemiah 4:20).

I will develop a godly perspective of the work, which will enable me to insist that the work continue (Nehemiah 6:3).

I will remember the joy set before us, which will motivate me to invest in the future (Nehemiah 12:43).

I will remember that I will be remembered, which will motivate me to invest in the future (Nehemiah 13:31).

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