1. Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2. He identified with the problem (1:2-4) Nehemiah first inquired about the status of the Jews and the wall around Jerusalem. When he heard that the wall remained a rubble and that GODS name was being mocked, he wept. The peoples problem became his problem and burden to bear.

3. He spent time in prayer (1:4-11) Almost immediately Nehemiah went to his knees to pray. He confessed his wrongdoing and that of the people and he interceded for them. Then he asked for GODS favor. No doubt he got the vision and plan to rebuild the wall during his time of connection with GOD.

4. He approached the key influencers (2:1-9) In any leadership endeavor, key people of influence can make or break the whole undertaking. In this case, it was the Persian King Artaxerxes. From him, Nehemiah received not permission to rebuild the wall, but also resources and support. Nehemiah undoubtedly also selected and approached other key people to take with him.

5. He assessed the situation (2:11-15) When he finally arrived in Jerusalem, Nehemiah surveyed firsthand the challenge facing him. He did it quietly, at night, personally assessing the damage and planning the project without interference or unwanted advice.

6. He met with the people and cast the vision (2:16, 17) We dont know exactly how Nehemiah approached the people or with whom he met first, but we do know he spoke with the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the people who did the work. He described his vision for rebuilding the wall and the spiritual ramifications of the project.

8. 6. He encouraged them with past success (2:18) With a task as daunting as the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah knew he needed to encourage the people. So he told them of the hand of (his) GOD which had been good upon (him), and also of he kings words that he had spoken to (him) (2:18).

9. He received buy-in from the people (2:18) Two short sentences record the turning point for the whole rebuilding process: So they said, Let us rise up and build. Then they set their hands to this good work (2:18). The people had bought in. They dedicated themselves to Nehemiahs leadership and vision.

10. He organized the people and got them working (3:1-32) The people didnt work haphazardly. Nehemiah organized them by family and set them to work according to planned priorities, beginning with the citys gates.

11. Nehemiah recognized principles that make organizations progress: 1. Motivation without organization equals frustration. 2. The strongest organizations are the simplest. 3. Leaders love everybody, but move with movers. 4. Good organizations establish clear lines of authority. 5. People do what you inspect, not what you expect. 6. Leaders provide a supportive climate of trust and teamwork. 7. Successful organizations recognize and reward effort.

12. What is the VISION? 1.Establish the Ministry from within 2.Fix the GATE 3.Reach out to the people around the GATE 4.Become a model Gatekeeper for others to follow