Hardship Leadership: February 1, 2026
Leading Like Jesus: Lessons from Nehemiah
This Sunday, Pastor Michael shared a powerful message on what it truly means to be a leader. If you’ve ever felt like you aren't "leader material" because you aren't on a stage, this sermon was a beautiful reminder that every one of us is called to lead in whatever season we are in—whether as a parent, a neighbor, or a friend.
Using Nehemiah 5 as a guide, we looked at how Nehemiah handled a crisis of injustice and debt among his people. Here are the four leadership principles that can transform how we influence others:
1. Leaders Listen to the Oppressed
Nehemiah didn't just focus on the "big mission" of building the wall; he stopped to listen when people were hurting. He became "extremely angry" at the injustice he saw, reminding us that a true leader cares deeply about the struggles and burdens of those around them.
2. Leaders Call for Repentance
It’s never easy to tell someone they’re wrong, but Nehemiah had the courage to tell the nobles, "What you are doing isn't right". A godly leader cares more about righteousness and truth than avoiding "drama" or being liked.
3. Leaders Lead by Example
This was perhaps the most convicting part of the message: Nehemiah didn't just point fingers; he took accountability for his own part in the system. He stopped charging interest himself and refused to take the governor’s food allotment to avoid burdening the people. As Pastor Michael said, the quality of a leader isn't how much they sin, but how well they repent.
4. Leaders Remember Justice and Mission
Nehemiah stayed devoted to the work of the wall, but he never did it at the expense of the lowly. He balanced the "big goal" with a heart of incredible generosity, even feeding 150 people at his own table for 12 years.
Ultimately, Nehemiah is just a "faint picture" of the perfect leader: Jesus. Jesus satisfied the need for justice by dying for us, while completing His mission to give us life and freedom.
This Week’s Challenge: Take some time to assess your own leadership. Are you following the example of Jesus by listening to the needy and living a life of integrity? Let’s pray for the Spirit's power to lead our families and our city with that same servant heart.
