CathoLeak - Getting People to Work Together

Script PDF

If you want to know God's way to build or re-build anything, you need to read Néhémie (ch. 3). One of the biggest building project in history.

Remember (last talk) : to reach whatever dream God put in your heart, you are going to need others.

But then, you need to know how to make them work together. One of the biggest issues in the world nowadays !

Studies : lack of people skill is first reason to be promoted, lack is first to reason to be fired. So you are going to need this...

Néhémie has the dream to build a wall so that the city can flourish again. As a pastor my dream is that you can flourish again after Covid.

Néhémie : looks like a passage you want to skip, "with hard to read names, and funny sounding gates". But if you dig...

See map of the city. All 10 gates are named in ch. 3, starting with Sheep Gate, and the counterclockwise. "How in the world does this chapter relate to me today ?" Gives us 6 principles. It will affect everything else, deciding wether it's a success, or a failure.

1. Divide the dream into smaller goals and tasks

Something you can manage. 28 times the word "section".

2. Let others share ownership of the dream

Your dream must become our dream. Use "we", not "I". Shared ownership.

If you pay people to build the dream, they don't need to own it. But if you rely on volunteers, you need to give them ownership. And you do so by showing them how the dream benefits them. Ownership is the greatest motivator.

At this stage, people will start to work in their own area of influence (near my house).

3. Organize around natural relationships

Create work groups that use relationships that already exist. Ministry-based group. Geography-based group. Family-based group. Profession-based group. Saddleback uses all 4. If you are not in a small group, what are you waiting for ?? You are missing everything !

4. Develop a team spirit

Focus on cooperation, not competition. Emphasize that we are doing this together. Spell "success" : T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K. Cultivate community.

How ? By bringing attention to those working alongside them. By making people feel part of something bigger.

God's work is always done in partnership.

God never wanted you to go through life alone. See Ph 1, 27 : it's the together that gives glory to God.

5. Love everyone but invest in the willing

Jesus loved everybody, he fed the 5000, he trained the 70, he discipled 12, he mentored 3. Jesus spent the maximum amount of time with thos baring the maximum responsability. "The pilars of the Church." Love everyone, but give your life for those who invest in the dream. And not everyone is going to want to be part of it. And don't worry about it ! Néhémie just didn't focus on them. Even Jesus, who was perfect, didn't convince everyone, and had some people (Judas!) turning their back on him.

6. Never stop saying thank you

First duty : communicate your dream. Second : never stop saying thank you. Eph 1, 16. What does God want you to appreciate :

Recognize individuals by name. Don't say "I want to thank everybody that helped." Be specific. Call them by name.
Recognize specific work. Point out the details.
Recognize great attitude. When you see a great attitude, value it. Who is it around you that has a great attitude ?
Recognize extra effort. When people do more than expected, do the second mile.

Homework

Write a note of appreciation everyday this week, using those four points.

Three kinds of work described in this chapter : NO work, SOME work, ENTHUSIASTIC work.

Which phrase describes my involvment in God's work ?
Which section of the Church am I building ?

1 Co 15, 58

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