Biblical Principles for Leadership and Ministry
The Trowel
by Nicholas Renfroe
A examination of leadership through the book of Nehemiah, written for ministers, emerging leaders, young professionals, and others seeking to understand how biblical principles can inform their approach to leadership.
$19.99
Hardcover · In stock
Accepting a leadership position does not automatically prepare someone for the responsibilities that come with it.
Many emerging leaders enter ministry, business, and organizational leadership with a genuine sense of purpose but limited experience managing people, making difficult decisions, navigating institutional challenges, or translating a vision into measurable progress.
These challenges are especially significant for young leaders who must establish credibility, exercise judgment, and accept responsibility while continuing to develop their own skills and understanding.
The Trowel examines these issues through the biblical account of Nehemiah.
When Nehemiah learned about the condition of Jerusalem, he recognized a problem that demanded more than concern. His response involved prayerful consideration, careful preparation, political awareness, financial resources, strategic organization, and the ability to lead people with different backgrounds and responsibilities.
His leadership was also tested by external opposition, internal conflict, economic injustice, and the temptation to become distracted from his assignment.
Drawing from these experiences, The Trowel explores the relationship between calling and capability, considering how Christian leaders can develop the practical skills necessary to carry out their responsibilities without compromising their spiritual convictions.
- Format
- 6 x 9 in.
- Pages
- 198
- ISBN
- 979-8-1829-5367-2
A look inside
Excerpt
Nehemiah understands that not everyone wants Jerusalem rebuilt. As the story will show, there are powerful voices ready to oppose any movement toward restoration. He may also recognize that speaking before he has assessed the damage could invite objections before he can present a credible path forward. A half-formed plan exposed too early can be killed before it begins.
So he walks.
He slips out by the Valley Gate, past the Jackal Well and on toward the Dung Gate, inspecting the broken walls and burned gates under moonlight, then moves toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool. At one point the rubble lies so deep that the animal beneath him cannot pass, and the obstruction forces him to change course through the valley and confront, physically, how extensive the ruin has become. He continues examining the wall before returning the way he came.
Leadership is as much about when you say a thing as about what you say. And it depends on whether your listening, your presence, and your understanding have prepared the people to trust what you say once you finally say it.
Advice offered without first-hand knowledge is cheap. Vision offered without examining context is dangerous.
Also by Nicholas
A 52-Day Devotional Through Nehemiah: The Sword
Fifty-two days of biblical reflection, prayer, and practical application drawn from the book of Nehemiah.
View The Sword