Leaders who want to revitalize churches are wise to examine their natural characteristics and abilities. We want to focus on the characteristics of the Biblical change agent by the name of Nehemiah.

A Catalyst – Nehemiah was a catalyst for change when he led the Jews in Jerusalem during a dark time in Israel’s history. He not only lead them through change, he initiated much of that change. He was not a spectator but an initiator. He proved to be proactive, not passive.

An Outsider – Nehemiah, when he heard about the desperate situation of the Jews who had escaped and survived the captivity in Jerusalem, he was living in Susa, located about 250 miles east of Babylon. He came in from the outside and brought a fresh perspective to their situation.

A Problem Solver – Nehemiah was a problem solver. However, the problems were overwhelming. The walls to the city were broken down, and the gates were burned to the ground. Even more important was the Jew’s emotional and spiritual response to their circumstances.

A Visionary – Nehemiah carried a picture of the rebuilt walls and gates of Jerusalem and his mental wallet from the time God gave him the vision until they were all in place. Visionaries have the innate ability to see what others do not or cannot see.

A Motivator – Nehemiah knew how to motivate people. He cast a strong vision in which he exhorted the Jews to rebuild the walls.

A Persuader – Nehemiah knew how to motivate and persuade people. The King asked what he might want from him. His reply is a masterful example of how with God’s help, Nehemiah was able to persuade a pagan in a high position to be sympathetic to his cause.

A Risk Taker – There’s no question that Nehemiah was a risk taker. When he appeared before the King with a sad presence, he possibly risked his life.

An Empathizer – As soon as Nehemiah heard of the Jews tragic circumstances in Jerusalem he responded with empathy and compassion for them. He spent a period of days weeping, fasting, and mourning for them. This response revealed the heart of integrity that loved and cared about people.

A Perseverer – Nehemiah displayed an insatiable desire to persevere in spite of overwhelming odds. His ability to “hang tough” was clearly demonstrated.

A Planner – Nehemiah displayed administrative abilities as a planner. His response to the King revealed that he had a plan in mind prior to his risky encounter with the King. His inspection of the walls was a step in a plan to rebuild and the gates in walls of Jerusalem.

A Recruiter – Nehemiah had the ability to recruit the Allies necessary to implement his plan. This was wrapped up in his abilities as a vision caster, motivator, and encourager. Without these people, he realized, there would be no rebuilding of the walls or gates of the city.

An Organizer – Nehemiah displayed his administrative skills as an organizer when the Jews began to building project. The text reveals that the families were well organized and assigned specific responsibilities.

A Delegator – It is fact that Nehemiah did not rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and gates. He was instrumental in the accomplishment of the project. But he did not nor did he even attempt to by himself.

Pouring New Wine Into Old Wineskins by Aubrey Malphurs Pg 70-76