How can we apply Nehemiah 3:11's teamwork to our church projects today? The Verse in Focus “Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens.” (Nehemiah 3:11) Snapshot of Ancient Teamwork • Two named men, from two different family lines, join forces. • They tackle “another section”—not the glamorous gate, but a stretch of wall that still mattered. • Their task includes a strategic feature, “the Tower of the Ovens,” vital for the city’s protection and daily life. • Their names are forever recorded in God’s Word—a testimony that every faithful labor counts. Timeless Principles for Today’s Church Projects Shared Vision Anchored in Scripture • Like Jerusalem’s wall, our projects must advance God’s revealed purposes (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:12). • Agreement on the biblical goal unites hearts beyond personalities or preferences. Defined Yet Connected Assignments • Each crew in Nehemiah 3 handled a specific portion, but every section joined the next. • Modern parallel: assign clear roles (planning, financing, construction, prayer support) while keeping everyone aware of the big picture (1 Corinthians 12:14-18). Affirmation of Every Laborer • God recorded bricklayers and goldsmiths alike (Nehemiah 3:8). • Publicly recognize volunteers, administrators, donors, and behind-the-scenes servants (Romans 12:3-8). Integration of Diverse Backgrounds • Malchijah and Hasshub came from different family groups; unity overrode lineage. • Blend ages, ethnicities, and giftings in committee seats and work crews (Galatians 3:28). Focus on Strategic Points • The “Tower of the Ovens” guarded a critical resource. • Identify and prioritize key aspects of your project—safety features in a children’s wing, acoustic treatment for worship, reliable technology for outreach. Model of Faithful Record Keeping • Nehemiah preserved names; we keep minutes, photos, and testimonies. • Documenting God’s work encourages future generations (Psalm 78:4). Practical Steps for Implementation 1. Clarify the mission statement of the project with supporting Scriptures. 2. Break the project into manageable “sections,” assigning coordinators for each. 3. Pair volunteers intentionally—mix experience levels and backgrounds. 4. Schedule regular cross-team updates so every group sees progress on the “wall.” 5. Celebrate milestones publicly, quoting passages like Ecclesiastes 4:9—“Two are better than one…”. 6. Archive stories of God’s provision; read them aloud at completion ceremonies. Expected Outcomes • Heightened unity as members labor side by side (Psalm 133:1). • Greater efficiency because tasks are well defined and covered. • Spiritual growth as individuals discover and exercise gifts. • A lasting testimony that proclaims, “God’s people, when obedient, can accomplish great things together” (Ephesians 3:20-21). |
    |