New Year and New Opportunities
“And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’” — Nehemiah 2:18
As we step into 2026, I’ve been reflecting on Nehemiah 2 and the leadership journey of a man called by God into a moment of great need. Nehemiah had inspected the ruined walls of Jerusalem. He saw—up close—the devastation that dishonored God and left His people vulnerable. And standing before the people, Nehemiah shared both the burden he carried and the evidence of God’s good hand at work. What follows is a pivotal moment of unified, Spirit-led resolve: “Let us rise up and build.”
Two leadership principles from this moment feel especially fitting for the new year ahead for our Converge Great Lakes churches.
1. Nehemiah Allowed the Problem to Move Him Deeply
Nehemiah didn’t minimize the challenges before him. The broken wall was a spiritual and communal crisis, and he allowed the weight of that reality to stir him to prayer, emotion, and decisive action. He could not look at the problem and walk away untouched—God’s Spirit “wrecked” him in the best possible way.
This is a model of excellent leadership. Every church and every community faces real challenges. Gospel-centered leaders do not ignore them; they allow God to burden their hearts with what must be addressed.
What substantial challenges does your church and community face?
Are you allowing God to move you deeply enough to lead with clarity and conviction?
Every church needs a “problem to solve” mentality. What is yours, and can you articulate it clearly and compellingly?
2. Nehemiah Remembered God’s Provision—and Still Prepared for Opposition
As Nehemiah called the people to rise up and build, he reminded them of how God had already provided. But in the very next verses, opposition forms immediately. This is another essential leadership principle: God’s provision does not eliminate resistance; it often precedes it.
Pastors must regularly call their people to remember God’s faithful hand, but also prepare them for the inevitable challenges that come with movement. Progress invites pushback. Renewal invites resistance. Mission invites hardship.
So as you look to 2026, ask yourself:
Are you reminding your church of God’s consistent, faithful provision?
Are you preparing your people for difficulty when God begins moving them in new directions?
Reflect on God’s goodness, and prepare for the challenges that will surely accompany gospel advancement.
Looking Ahead Together
What does this new year hold for your congregation? What new opportunities and callings will God place before you? My prayer is that you will lead your people in prayerful dependence, courageous obedience, and unwavering confidence in the truth of God’s Word.
At Converge Great Lakes, we stand ready to support you as you pursue the mission God has entrusted to you. The gospel remains the greatest news worth sharing, and Jesus still transforms every heart surrendered to Him by faith.
You have been called to a mission. Let us rise up and build—together.
Reflection Questions for 2026 Leaders
Where do I see the “broken walls” in my church and community, and am I allowing God to burden me deeply enough to lead with conviction and courage?
How consistently am I reminding my congregation of God’s faithfulness and provision as we pursue mission in the coming year?
Have I prepared myself and my people for the inevitable challenges, resistance, and spiritual opposition that accompany forward movement?