This is the second of two posts by two of my D.Min. students’ Discussion Board responses to the question “How can Pastors Follow Nehemiah’s Example” that he set in Nehemiah Five. The first was by Heath Faircloth and this post is by Tim Stallings.
As a pastor and leader in the church, we are constantly being observed in our approach to leadership. One of the areas to show unselfish leadership is to humbly be transparent and vulnerable about our own personal journey of faith. One of my favorite verses for ministry is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." I believe when a pastor/leader is transparent/vulnerable and shares about his own personal struggles and how he has received comfort, the congregation can see his humility and he can make a connection with the congregation.
In Chapter 5 Nehemiah was firm in his leadership but showed compassion and care for his people as they worked on the wall. He confronted the nobles and addressed their wrongdoings. He provided comfort and care for those who had been harmed.
Another area that a pastor/leader can be unselfish is by occasionally sharing his pulpit with others and allowing them to speak before the church. Personal testimonies from our congregation can be a powerful addition to our preaching. God uses these times greatly. Revelation 12 states that the enemy "is conquered by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."