Join the Ranks

Leadership is a lonely job. Sure, everybody may say they want it, but when it comes down to it few are willing to make the sacrifice, make the cut, make the changes necessary to really be effective leaders.

The story of Nehemiah showcases an appropriate overview of the victories as well as the battles of a leader's life - so often we see a leader who has succeeded without hearing about his years of struggle and fighting to get there.

When I read the story looking at it from Nehemiah's perspective I get frustrated for the guy - it's a little like Moses in the dessert for 40 years with the whiny people. Here is a guy with a vision from God - an idea this crazy could only come from God - and yet he has to enlist the help of many others in order to get it done. I bet he wished many times that God had give him a task he could complete on his own. But God doesn't like us to work in isolation - we get so much more accomplished when we work together.

So Nehemiah, a cup servant to the king is now in charge of "rallying the troops" around this crazy, God-breathed idea of rebuilding the walls - and he does it but not without many battles along the way. Opposition comes from everywhere - within his own "troop" and from outsiders who don't get the vision. But I think the key character strength of Nehemiah shines best in these situations and each time he stands with conviction on what God asked him to do - he is faithful to the vision.

We at MCAG have the incredible opportunity to support our local "Nehemiahs" in the form of our pastors. Pastor's Appreciation is only one week out of the year, but I would encourage you to catch the vision and truly understand what dreams God has given our leaders. These "crazy" dreams, the "audacious" visions that they have aren't selfishly inspired - they can only be from God and I want to be one of the faithful troops that helps get the wall, the dream, the vision for MCAG built. I invite you to join the ranks.

Justin Fratt

Adult Ministries Director