Getting People to Work Together
A Rick Warren Sermon Summary
When God gives you a dream, clearly communicate it to others and enlist them to fulfill it. A lack of communication and cooperation will get us fired. But getting people to work together leads to promotion.
Nehemiah gathered volunteers to work together to build the Jerusalem wall in two months, a task failed by many for decades (Nehemiah 3). Let’s learn from Nehemiah.
First, divide the dream into smaller tasks. To make the work manageable, Nehemiah separated the wall into more than twenty sections. He used the existing ten gates as markers, starting from the Sheep Gate and going counter-clockwise.
Second, share ownership of the dream with others. Nehemiah always used the word “we.” Ownership increases motivation. He also showed how the dream would benefit others, for example having people build wall next to their own house (v10, 23, 28, and 29).
Third, develop a cohesive team to build something bigger than yourself. Nehemiah used the words “next to him/them” 20 times. Typically, two is better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Jesus had a team, and Paul worked with partners (1 Corinthians 3:9). Strive side-by-side with others to bring glory to God (Philippians 1:27).
Fourth, create workgroups around pre-existing relationships. Nehemiah organized workgroups based on priest ministry (v1), geography (v2), family (v3, 12), and profession (v32). There was no mention of any professional builders.
Fifth, love your neighbors, but invest more in those who bear more responsibility. Nehemiah didn’t waste time on those refusing to join (v5). He didn’t speculate why. We don’t even know our own motivation, let alone others’. Christ had twelve disciples but focused on Peter, James, and John (Galatians 2:8-9).
Sixth, never stop saying “thank you.” Live in gratitude and appreciation (Ephesians 1:16). When you recognize others, be specific with their names and tasks done. Nehemiah mentioned 71 names (Nehemiah 3), even the volunteers’ parents. People love to hear their names, and parents love to be proud of their children. Nehemiah recognized detailed work (v6) and great attitudes (v20).
Our work in the Lord is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are remembered by serving and giving. God rewards by how we serve and give (Proverbs 14:14, 22:9).
Work together to bring glory to God and be a great witness to the world.
Summarized a sermon by Rick Warren:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39BbUJDBvyE, starting at 14 minutes.
Nehemiah gathered volunteers to work together to build the Jerusalem wall in two months, a task failed by many for decades (Nehemiah 3). Let’s learn from Nehemiah.
First, divide the dream into smaller tasks. To make the work manageable, Nehemiah separated the wall into more than twenty sections. He used the existing ten gates as markers, starting from the Sheep Gate and going counter-clockwise.
Second, share ownership of the dream with others. Nehemiah always used the word “we.” Ownership increases motivation. He also showed how the dream would benefit others, for example having people build wall next to their own house (v10, 23, 28, and 29).
Third, develop a cohesive team to build something bigger than yourself. Nehemiah used the words “next to him/them” 20 times. Typically, two is better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Jesus had a team, and Paul worked with partners (1 Corinthians 3:9). Strive side-by-side with others to bring glory to God (Philippians 1:27).
Fourth, create workgroups around pre-existing relationships. Nehemiah organized workgroups based on priest ministry (v1), geography (v2), family (v3, 12), and profession (v32). There was no mention of any professional builders.
Fifth, love your neighbors, but invest more in those who bear more responsibility. Nehemiah didn’t waste time on those refusing to join (v5). He didn’t speculate why. We don’t even know our own motivation, let alone others’. Christ had twelve disciples but focused on Peter, James, and John (Galatians 2:8-9).
Sixth, never stop saying “thank you.” Live in gratitude and appreciation (Ephesians 1:16). When you recognize others, be specific with their names and tasks done. Nehemiah mentioned 71 names (Nehemiah 3), even the volunteers’ parents. People love to hear their names, and parents love to be proud of their children. Nehemiah recognized detailed work (v6) and great attitudes (v20).
Our work in the Lord is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are remembered by serving and giving. God rewards by how we serve and give (Proverbs 14:14, 22:9).
Work together to bring glory to God and be a great witness to the world.
Summarized a sermon by Rick Warren:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39BbUJDBvyE, starting at 14 minutes.