Running Head: BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW ON NEHEMIAH 1
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah
Crystal Akwaowo
School of Education, Liberty University
EDAS 741
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 2
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah
Leadership Journal 1: Discuss how Nehemiah, as a leader, clarified values for the people and set
an example. Based upon this reading and literature on the topic of Christian philosophy of
education, convey a basic understanding of the elements of an educational philosophy that is
based distinctively on a perspective drawn from Judeo-Christian scriptures. Address axiological
issues.
Summary
Throughout the Bible, there is a multitude of examples that educators see examples of
educational leaders. The Prophet Nehemiah is one of those examples. Rather than using his role
as the royal cupbearer, he sought to help his people and was untimely made a governor. Whether
using prayer to lift his people, receiving his vision, or being a role model for his people,
Nehemiah was a stellar example of Christian faith and values. He motivated his people by
working with his people, setting the example by working and learning about them. Nehemiah
understood the importance of authority and honor. He knew that he wanted to go to Jerusalem to
help rebuild the city, but he knew that all things were possible through God. He prayed, and
through that prayer, God opened the door and provided him with much-needed supplies and with
the rite of passage. Moreover, Nehemiah had a clear understanding of God's purpose, which was
gained through prayers. Through this, he was able to act with the power of his purpose to
motivate others to complete Jerusalem's rebuilding and not be intimated when opposition came.
Nehemiah was able to use his speaking skills to encourage the people of Jerusalem to
rebuild the city. Through his speeches, Nehemiah reminded the people that for the city to bring
back to glory, it needed to be rebuilt and needed to keep their faith in God first. He talks about
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 3
why having a rebuilt city is essential. First, to have a beautiful city, then to ensure the safety of
the people who live there, and finally, it was important to rebuild the city people; it was the word
of God as told to Nehemiah. These actions brought in axiology, the study of the values of an
item or task. In this case, the purpose was clear: God told Nehemiah to do these tasks. As good
followers, the people needed to follow Nehemiah.
Reflection
While having a vision is paramount when leading, communicating that vision is of utmost
importance. Articulating what your vision is and how/what each role the team plays is critical.
In a school, this is perhaps an essential part of leadership. As schools have many working parts,
team members need to remember the vision. What role they play in achieving the picture—
taking a Christian worldview and philosophy of education, one has to understand the truth of
God and how that truth can be found in all aspects of education. Using character building,
academics, the word, and the work of God are some of the main points. Being able to answer the
question "Would this be right or wrong according to God's word/teachings?" allows an educator
to lead with a Christian worldview.
Journal Entry Two
Analyze the specific leadership actions Nehemiah took to protect his enlisted workers who had
bought into the vision. Draw from this text practical applications to leadership within the field of
education.
Summary
Nehemiah was a great leader to his people. Not only was he able to physically lead them,
but he also led them spiritually as well. Nehemiah knew there was significant opposition to the
wall in Jerusalem from the Samaritans. They had become the self-appointed rulers of Jerusalem
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 4
and did not relish giving that up. Nehemiah did several things to secure his people's safety
physically. He gave his people weapons to protect themselves. He had his people work in shifts
(half would work, and the other half would stand guard, and then they would switch). Nehemiah
also had a trumpeter sound if there was danger. Not only was he concerned with their physical
safety, but Nehemiah was also concerned about the high amount of taxes his people were paying.
Families had become overburdened with the high taxes they had to pay. Nehemiah was able to
convince the nobles to let the taxes fall to the wayside.
Reflection
Nehemiah shows several traits that are necessary for any leader, not just one in education.
As a leader, you must put your people or staff's needs before your own. While Nehemiah saw a
need and filled it, he did not ask someone else to do it. He showed his conviction to his people
by being willing to work with them on the front lines to complete the work. Another aspect an
educational leader will face is the need for protection from adversity. With the current trend in
education, we are in uncharted waters. Teachers and staff need to know that their leader will
support them, be there for the hard work, and support them. Another great trait Nehemiah
exhibited that is beneficial to educational leaders is balancing the workload and making sure
people can rest and refocus. Many times, educators and staff will neglect their self-care.
Nehemiah showed that he cared about his people because he ensured they all had time to rest.
Journal Entry Three
Discuss how the teaching of the law by Ezra fostered shared knowledge, built community, and
strengthened others. Draw from this text practical applications to leadership within the field of
education.
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 5
Summary
Throughout the reading, we meet Nehemiah at different points in his life and career. For
this reflection, Nehemiah, the governor, and the finisher will be discussed. Nehemiah was a
great leader. He leads with wisdom and removed barriers with his faith and wisdom. He was able
to model leadership by getting the elders to stop charging interest on grain and wine. He showed
his actual ethical values but not stealing from the lower classes as many other governors did. He
further showed what a great leader he was by setting the bar dealing with accountability,
removing opportunities for cheaters to take advantage of slaves, and requiring an oath to be
signed stating they would no longer steal or charge unfair taxes.
We meet Nehemiah, the finisher; later in the readings, we find him towards the end of his
building days, where a strong wall replaces the ruins previously there. During this time,
Nehemiah's enemies tried to get him to come to a meeting, and he refused to meet with them and
stayed in Jerusalem. Rather than accepting his answer, his enemies began fabricating lies, and
Nehemiah tells them to stop making things up. Because Nehemiah was unmoving in his duty to
God, he did not allow anything to challenge his faith and believe in his mission. No matter what
obstacle was thrown his way, he was able to hold on to his faith and persevere.
Reflection
All Christians are called to lead with a biblical worldview. In the education world, that
means advocating for the objective truth. Meaning it is vital for all decisions to come from the
team, not just the leader. While working in small groups does show a sampling of the teaching
staff and allows the group to make decisions rather than having the leader make them all.
Nehemiah does a great job of leading by example. Ranging from working right next to his
people, advocating for their needs, and helping make their lives easier. While Education leaders
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 6
will not do the same things, educational leaders need to be present and visible in the school's
culture and events. Leadership needs to show a strong presence so that all stakeholders know
that leadership is invested in the school's success.
Journal Entry Four
Discuss how the teaching of the law by Ezra fostered shared knowledge, built community, and
strengthened others. Draw from this text practical applications to leadership within the field of
education.
Summary
It would be effortless to assume Nehemiah's primary goal was to rebuild the wall, but it
was not. The central part of the mission was to reaffirm the Jew's faith in God. Ezra, the priest,
was asked to read the Law of Moses to the people. He began reading to them in the morning and
continued to read until midday. Once the people started to hear the Law of Moses's they wept at
the word and celebrated the next day with food and drink. The Law of Moses told them to
"dwell in booths" (Nehemiah 8:14). It was during this time that they truly began to understand
what God asked of them. Due to this, they vowed to follow God's laws and observe the Sabbath.
Reflection
It was during this time that (Nehemiah and Ezra worked together to foster their
knowledge by sharing the Law of Moses' with the people. They could teach the people the true
meaning of God's laws and what was honestly expected of them. By encouraging the people to
work together, create booths, eat and relax together, they could facilitate the building of a
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 7
community. People finally were able to talk freely and share information. This is a vital part of
being a leader.
The more stakeholders understand the vision, the more invested they are, especially when
given tasks to carry out the vision. As Nehemiah and Ezra created a community, an educational
leader must do the same. By fostering a community where the members feel free to collaborate
and develop relationships, the educational leader will continue moving towards their educational
goal. Once a team can collaborate and expand relationships, the team can continue working as a
team and moving forward.
Journal Entry Five
Discuss the importance of personal contribution and celebration in the life of organizations.
Summary
Personal contributions play a huge role in an organization. Kouzes and Posner (2017)
state that knowing who you are and your goals are one of the most important steps that a leader
can undertake- you cannot lead if you do not know what your morals or values are. Knowing
what you stand for and your support allows you to continue to build on your vision. To be able
to communicate your vision to your staff, you must know what you stand for. As a leader,
developing values like employee loyalty is another way to further your vision.
Another important factor is being able to recognize the contribution made by employees.
Those contributions are vital to creating a community where employees are valued and want to
be there. When people feel appreciated and wanted, the organization becomes more successful
and people will be willing to work together, enabling further collaboration for all involved.
Reflection
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 8
As an educator, I find that my class as a whole is more successful after I have given
praise/compliments. When I congratulate them on a correct answer, raising their hands,
attempting a guess, taking "an educational leap," all of these things build their confidence in my
classroom, which allows them to take educational risks for my students that are almost unheard
of as they are Special Education students and often are as unmotivated as they come. I try to
give them positive praise no matter what their grade is. I find something positive to give them,
and while it may not help academically, socially, and emotionally is sure does. I hope to bring
that same value to my staff when I am an educational leader. Teachers are often some of the
hardest working, underpaid professionals out there. So while as an administrator, I may not
alleviate their finical struggle, I can make sure that they feel apricated, valued, and seen.
Journal Entry Six
Discuss specific leadership dangers that you face. Identify specific action steps to deal with these
dangers/pitfalls. Clearly state how these actions support you as an educational leader.
Summary
I have several weaknesses that can quickly derail my best intentions. I often worry about
being liked, as do most people. But while most people will stand up for themselves, I usually
wait until a point where I cannot deal with the issues at hand. Often, while I can articulate my
feelings and thoughts, I chose not to do so because I am worried that I will not be liked. I know
that I know my subject material, I am very confident in my knowledge, but I will sometimes
allow things to happen that are not the best choice, and afterward, I regret my actions and then
try to fix the issue.
Reflection
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 9
One of the best things I can do is to address the feeling I have at that time. In the past,
when I have brought up the issues that are concerning to me, I am not the only one in the group
that has the same concern. I need to learn that while we all want to be liked, I am not here to be
liked. I am here to do my job, which means doing what is best for the student, even if it puts me
at odds with other staff. I can always speak with them later, explain why I feel the way I do, and
move on from there.
Biblical Worldview on Nehemiah 10
References
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary
things happen in organizations (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
