Lesson Material

Phase #3: PROMOTION

How to Raise Resources and Recruit Partners

(Nehemiah 2)

       God prepares the way as you pray (1:11-2:4).

       For months, Nehemiah has been praying that God would unlock the king’s heart and open the door for him to begin his ministry in Jerusalem. And then, one day – one very special day – it happened. When it did, Nehemiah was ready for it. He had been expecting this day and planning for it. Nehemiah knew that he would not only need the king’s permission but also a number of other resources. So, he used this day to make some key appeals. Most likely, you are going to need to raise funds, materials, or partners for your God-given ministry. What can you learn from Nehemiah?

      The wine was being served when suddenly the king said, “I can tell something is bothering you, what is it?” Now, this doesn’t mean that Nehemiah had been walking around all gloomy. Though we sometimes play that manipulative game to seek attention, Nehemiah was more mature than that (plus the fact that despondency in the king’s presence would be a career-ender or worse!). No, for all these months, he has been keeping his emotions in check. He states, “I had not been sad in his presence before.” But then the perceptive king picked up on Nehemiah’s burden and kindly asked about the source of his sadness. When Nehemiah gave a frank answer, the king asked, “What is it you want?”

This is the moment Nehemiah had been waiting for. And my guess is that he had a response ready that he had practiced many times. But before he spoke, he immediately prayed to the God of heaven. And here is another lesson we can learn about prayer. When we abide with God, spontaneous prayer is natural.

Can you picture Nehemiah waving off the king and getting down on his knees for a time of prayer? You can’t? Me neither. Obviously, this was an immediate, internal, keep-your-eyes-open spontaneous prayer that wasn’t even noticed by the royal couple. Those who spend much time in systematic prayer become comfortable in the Lord’s presence and, although there are times of silence, keep the conversation going. I think that is what the New Testament admonition means to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:19).

When I was a teen, Pastor Dan Gelatt showed me a picture of Billy Sunday on the wall behind his desk. It had been given to him by Sunday’s former dentist. The dentist had told my pastor that when he walked down the street with Billy, the famous evangelist would talk out loud with him and God. He practiced the Lord’s presence in a walking, talking, always-in-the-moment manner.

Nehemiah had been praying systematically, dependently, patiently, and now, spontaneously. With the invisible Spirit of God by his side, the cupbearer was now ready to answer the king. His specific responses show that he had also been planning all this time. Those who pray in faith believe that God will answer them. Thus, they plan in anticipation of what they expect God will do. Those who aren’t planning need to reassess the quality of their prayer lives.

When King Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah what was bothering him, Nehemiah, though afraid, still boldly said, ³“May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

This was a crucial moment. The king could have exploded with rage over the impertinence of his servant. But instead, the emperor asked, “What is it you want?”

As a result of careful planning, Nehemiah knew what he needed, and as a good leader, he grasped this opportunity to make some “big asks.” As you make requests to donors, you will want to pattern them after those given by Nehemiah.

HOW TO RAISE RESOURCES

       Your Requests Should Include the Approvals Needed (2:5)

       Nehemiah could do nothing without Artaxerxes’ approval. Like him, we all have those key people who need to sign off on our projects. A board. A person of influence. A spouse. Someone.

Though we are tempted to go around them or walk right over them, we need to pray and wait for God to soften their hearts. Proverbs 21:1 says, “In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.”

As I mentioned in chapter one, my cousin Gary is a missionary in Mexico. He is the director of the Mexican School of Church Leadership. Being the same age, we’ve spent a lifetime enjoying our special friendship. And the bond remains strong today as I often meet him in various towns in Mexico to teach courses to pastors and church leaders. But his ministry to Mexico was delayed for a couple of years by his decision to wait for his wife, Pam, to hear the same call from God that he’d first heard. In hindsight, he sees his wife’s wisdom in wanting their youngest daughter to finish high school before they went. It might have led to bitterness in his family if he’d pushed his agenda. But instead, his wife is an enthusiastic partner. And guess what? His daughter Angie is now a missionary herself!

       Your Requests Should Include the Time Needed (2:5-6)

      The king said, “How long will this project take?”  And Nehemiah said, “I gave him a definite time.”  I love that reply; I weary of people who call it “faith” when they can’t tell you their plans. In a hyper-spiritual voice, they say, “We’re not going to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit with organization. We’re going it on faith.”

When we study God’s creation, or His plan through the ages, or his precepts, or His anything and everything, we discover that God has everything arranged in an organized way. As His image bearers, we need to reflect that in our planning. We need to ask, “How will we do it? How long will it take? What are the costs? What are the possible pitfalls?” Planning is hard work, but God is not pleased with haphazard confusion. Make a time chart specifying how long it will take to complete the various tasks, and then get your calendar cleared with those involved.

       Your Requests Should Include the Donations Needed (2:7-9)

      Nehemiah wasn’t being presumptuous, just practical. As he planned, he made a list of the things he would need. They included letters to key governors so he could travel safely through their territories and timber for the gates and his residence.

What resources do you need for your ministry project? A few years ago, as I was preparing for mission trips to Mexico and Nepal, I created two lists: one for needs and the other for wants. Some of my needs included money for plane tickets and teaching materials for my students. But then the list grew larger when Nepal suffered a series of devastating earthquakes. Thousands of people died, and others desperately needed food, shelter, and assistance. Even though my support level was low, I knew I must bring additional funds for national church leaders to direct those suffering. And through the generosity of God’s people, that goal was reached.

       Your Requests Should Be Dependent Upon God’s Generosity (2:8)

         Artaxerxes fulfilled all of Nehemiah’s requests. And the reason is that our generous God caused the king’s heart to be generous. In verse eight, Nehemiah says, “And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.”

Artaxerxes not only filled Nehemiah’s requests, but he also threw in some army officers and cavalry. This is another example of how God provides above and beyond what we ask or think. Here are some promise verses for you to claim:

• Ephesians 3:20-21“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
• Philippians 4:19“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:8“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

When making requests, you must start by petitioning God and then appealing to others. As a missionary, I found that raising support may be the most difficult part of my job, but no one can be a strong leader until they have the fortitude to give “the big ask.”

One thing that makes it easier for me is the full confidence that my mission isn’t really “mine.” It’s God’s. He assigned Me to this great project. Secondly, when I ask, I am giving people the opportunity to invest in something that will have eternal dividends and rewards. I’m really helping the donors. Third, I can have the confidence of knowing that if donations are made; it is not due to my persuasiveness but God’s blessing to the givers with generous hearts. Finally, I remind myself that the true beneficiaries are the ones that I minister to. I have had the joy of watching God transform many lives and bring forth bushels of good fruit. This was also Nehemiah’s motivation. It was all for the “welfare of the Jews.” Other than joy, he wasn’t in it for personal gain.

So, determine what resources you will need, and then give an invitation to others to participate with their gifts. Afterwards, treat these ministry partners with honor and appreciation. In Philippians 1:3-5, Paul said this to his donors in Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Speaking of partners, you are going to need some. Most great projects are better accomplished with a team. How are you going to expand your group of fellow workers?

HOW TO RECRUIT MINISTRY PARTNERS

The year was 1940. Hitler had just captured France and was now steering his military machine toward the United Kingdom. The experts predicted that the poorly armed and poorly prepared British Isles would topple within weeks. But their estimation did not factor in a sixty-five-year-old politician who, after a frustrating up-down career, had finally obtained the post of Prime Minister just one month before. Historians record that Winston Churchill’s ability to motivate a frightened and beleaguered nation may have saved not only Britain but also the whole Western world. Imagine your family huddled around a radio in a London living room. Your hope is inspired, and your will is strengthened by words such as these:

The Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us on the island or lose the war….

Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say: ^“This was their finest hour.”

It may well have been Britain’s finest hour.

      We’ve been studying Nehemiah’s book to learn how to successfully carry out a great endeavor for God. As we have seen, the crucial first step is to catch a burden by personally exploring the existing needs (1:1-4). Secondly, we share that burden with God in prayer and allow Him to transform that passion into a vision of what we can do to meet the need (1:4-11). To then transform the “vision” into a “mission,” we pray and plan, believing that God will miraculously clear away the obstacles (2:1-10).

Let’s suggest that you have reached this level. You are to be congratulated, for many Christians really don’t come to the point where they are fully committed to a God-given mission. But are you at the place where you can tackle one of God’s big assignments? Probably not. Look around you, and you will discover that you are an army of one. Don’t get me wrong, with God’s power, a one-man force is unstoppable. And yet, it seems to be the Lord’s pattern to use a team of believers—whether that be a church or a particular group of Christians—to do great projects. Dr. Ralph Winter, of the U.S. Center for World Missions, asked, “Wouldn’t it be better to awaken one hundred sleeping firemen than to hopelessly throw your own little bucket of water on a huge fire yourself?”

That leads us to the tough question that has knocked on the door of every visionary for God: How do you recruit and motivate Christians to become co-partners with you in undertaking a significant task for the Lord?

      But first, Nehemiah had to get to Jerusalem. The group that went back with him was quite different than Ezra’s. They had far fewer people, they didn’t transport a lot of valuables, and unlike Ezra’s expedition, Nehemiah had a military escort—it was something the king insisted on.

Because of our streamlined nature, Nehemiah took a shorter route. They cut through Damascus to Tadmore, followed the Jordan Valley to Jericho, and then bee-lined to Jerusalem.

When I said, “It was a shorter trip,” I didn’t mean that it was a short trip. It wasn’t; it took two long grueling months.

Before he did anything else, Nehemiah inspected the situation. So late at night, while the rest of the city was sleeping, Nehemiah and some companions quietly inspected the condition of the walls. He had observed the Northern wall on his way into Jerusalem and studied the Western wall from his residence in the southwestern part of the city. So, this night, he restricted his moonlight evaluation to the southern and eastern walls.

He went out of the Valley Gate into the Valley of Hinnom. He then turned left and worked his way along the South wall. He couldn’t believe the devastation I saw when I got to the Dung Gate. The stones that had made up the wall were strewn everywhere, and the gates were completely consumed. As he kept going, the scenario only got worse. Near the King’s Pool and the Fountain Gate, the rubble was piled so high that he couldn’t even get my horse through!

And then came the pivotal moment when Nehemiah gathered the people of Jerusalem together to deliver a recruitment speech. It marked the beginning of Nehemiah’s governance role in their midst. It provides a masterclass in leadership and motivation. He starts by acknowledging the dire situation they are in, highlighting the broken state of the walls and gates. This sets the stage for the emotional appeal that follows, as Nehemiah expresses his own grief and sorrow over the condition of Jerusalem. It gives the assurance of God’s direction and provision, and invites them to become his partners in the building project. Here are the main four parts of his address:

 He Helped the People Grasp the Problem that Exists.

1. He Displayed a Plan that Would Solve the Problem.
2. He Described the Provisions that Are Available in God.
3. He Boldly Invited Participation.

       Let’s give deeper attention to each of these.

 First, Help People Grasp the Problem that Exists.

    “So I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down.’”

       He needed to really let them see the need that exists. When he was told about the danger and disgrace that Jerusalem is under, he became very burdened and passionate about the situation. For his heartache to be contagious, he must adequately communicate this same problem. So, he probably pointed to the wall and reminded them that this was the cause of their danger and disgrace.

Second, Display a Plan That Will Solve the Problem.

 “Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”

In some situations, a plan is not obvious. In this case, however, the only solution is to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah doesn’t pretend that this will be an easy job. It will not be! For 150 years no one has been able to restore the protective barriers. But now they must try.

Some leaders try to recruit volunteers in an attempt to persuade them that the work is easier than it really is. This is not only dishonest; it is also unwise. There is an element deep in the human spirit that is stimulated by big challenges. It is that element I must touch.

Third, Describe the Provisions that Are Available in God

“I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me.”

The problem was huge, but Nehemiah didn’t make the challenge impossible to reach. People must believe that the project is attainable. This particular task can be accomplished because God was behind them. To convince the Israelites of this fact, he told them of how God’s gracious hand had been upon me and how He had already moved in mighty ways.

      Fourth, Boldly Invite Participation.

 “Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.”

You will never be a strong leader until you can look people in the eye and ask them to participate. Don’t hint. Don’t just put out pleas in the church bulletin. ASK.

Did Nehemiah’s strategy work? Yes, it did! In an open public step of commitment, they joined their voices together and shouted, ^“Let^‘s start rebuilding!” Has God assigned you a building project that needs a few more workers? You should try Nehemiah’s approach. It could lead to your finest hour.

I encourage you to pull out a notebook, reflect on your ministry project, and write out your own motivational appeal. Consider using Nehemiah’s outline.

Don’t Expect Everyone to Be Supportive

       Make it your goal to build a team big enough to do the job, and don’t be discouraged if everyone doesn’t choose to join up. Due to circumstances and temperament, some aren’t available now, and others are already invested in their own unique missions.

And there are still others who not only won’t enlist but will also oppose what you are trying to accomplish. Verses ten and nineteen introduce Nehemiah’s biggest nemeses: Sanballet the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Horonite. The rest of the book shows these “three stooges” continuously causing major problems for Nehemiah and his team. Though we will profile them later, let’s just note that it is rare for everyone to want to be part of your team. You will normally have some adversaries or resistors. John Maxwell once said, “Every ministry will have some winners and some whiners.” Since it is hard to keep both groups happy, which ones will get your primary attention?

In summary, Nehemiah has demonstrated how to raise resources and recruit ministry partners. In the next section, we will learn how to organize the work and mobilize the workers.