Vision 2021 - Nehemiah's Strategy for Rebuilding

 

Last Sunday, I used the story of Nehemiah to cast the 2021 vision for our church. Nehemiah saw the need and motivated the people to “rebuild.”  Rebuilding is exactly what pastors and local churches will be doing in 2021.  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges and difficulties to the Church world-wide; BUT God is faithful and will reward the efforts of HIS people.

Consider the story of Nehemiah as an example for rebuilding in 2021.

 First, Nehemiah went to the people & was moved with compassion (1:2-4).  We cannot know the personal needs of people, unless we spend time with them. In the post-COVID era, pastors will find it essential to move away from the CEO model and return to a pastoral care model.  The pandemic has left people anxious, with both general and spiritual questions. In a time of uncertainty, people need stability and pastors (and all believers) have a great opportunity to meet this need.

Second, Nehemiah went to God in prayer seeking direction and blessing (1:4-11). Too often, we act first then pray later. Nehemiah took time to seek God’s heart, before he started. Too often, ministries and ministers find themselves in trouble because they did not seek the Lord. In a rush to meet physical needs, spiritual needs are often overlooked. With God’s help and guidance, we can make an eternal impact, rather than just a temporary one.

Third, Nehemiah went to the King (his boss) for help with the mission (2:1-3). His testimony and relationship with the King made it possible for him to ask his employer for help and to receive even more than he asked for. Christians should always be the hardest working, most ethical and most reliable employees! I guarantee you that others are watching.

Fourth, Nehemiah went to the local authorities where he encountered opposition (2:9-10). Jews have always been a target for the opposition and now Christian churches are experiencing some of that same resistance and opposition.  Our local & state leaders here in South Florida have been wonderful to work with and they have been very supportive of the faith community.  Other states & countries have not experienced such good leadership, so we need to keep them in prayer.

Fifth, Nehemiah went back to the drawing board (Chap 3).  COVID-19 has caused ministries to evaluate budgets and spending. It has also caused churches to evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency.  As a result of the pandemic, ministries are reshaping their organization chart and restructuring for success.  Many ministry teams are being down-sized and dead limbs are being pruned.  Lazy preachers (a pet peeve of mine) will be applying to work at local retailers, rather than living lazily from the financial gifts of God’s people.  Many ministries will be restructuring and adding new positions to meet the needs of online audiences and creative teams to help recreate the “look” of the church in a post-COVID era.  Thank God that the Gospel is once again the focal point for most churches!

Finally, Nehemiah went for deeper commitment and got people personally involved (3:23-24). Nehemiah assigned people the task of rebuilding the section of wall nearest their homes. Nehemiah knew that people work best when they are personally invested. Over the last 30 years, the Church has lost its moorings. We forgot that we don’t go to church… we are the church!  We are engaged in a spiritual war and we must put on the armor of God, just as those building the wall worked with a sword near their side. Christianity is not about comfort… it is about commitment!

I see the Church of 2021 returning to its God-given mission. Here at Grace we have and will continue to Exalt the Lord… to Equip the saints (Eph. 4:12)… and to Evangelize the world.  The souls of men are hanging in the balance and the day of Christ’s return has never been closer!

As I close, please realize that I do NOT believe a magical switch will be flipped at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2021 and Coronavirus, racism, rioting, political differences, and the other nonsense of 2020 will magically disappear. I do, however, believe that 2021 will bring great opportunities to advance the Gospel and will be a great year to do ministry! I hope you will join me and let’s do all we can to IMPACT ETERNITY in 2021.