NEH 4 It’s OK to be afraid, but don’t allow fear to silence your vision

Lesson 4 from Nehemiah for church communicators

Fear can be crippling. You might have a vision for what your communications could do to change your church. You might have a vision of a new website, one that is up-to-date and one that in-depth answers the questions of seekers and members; you might want to start a mobile phone daily devotional; you might want to totally redo the bulletin so it clearly explains your liturgical service; you might want to recruit and train a team of communication volunteers. Or maybe you simply want to figure out how to use the computer software you've been given without a mental meltdown each time you open it.

Whatever your vision and dream in church communications, don't be surprised if you experience fear as you contemplate making your dream reality. Also to carry out the next step in your communication ministry often takes the permission and support of church leadership who may not seem to have church communications as a priority in their view of the church. Maybe you have been told "no" in the past and it's scary to even think about bringing up a costly or controversial topic.

Nehemiah experienced that fear when the king asked him what was going on because he looked so sad and the Bible records Nehemiah's response:

"I was very much afraid (Neh. 2:2)."

Lessons we learn from Nehemiah's admission of fear:

1. He was afraid; he was very afraid. Fear is a natural response to a scary situation. Sometimes if you aren't afraid when you approach making changes or suggesting a new ministry, you aren't paying attention to reality.

2.Though it is normal and sometimes even healthy to feel fear, it is never OK to let our fear keep us from pressing ahead. Nehemiah told the king that he was sad because of the situation in Jerusalem. Fear can keep us from bringing up problems we see because we are afraid of a reaction from those in charge.

We always must make certain that we express concerns "with gentleness and respect," but simply because we are afraid of a reaction is never a reason not to express valid concerns.

Because Nehemiah expressed his concern in spite of his fear, the king replied:

"What is it you want? (Neh. 2:4)"

There are never any guarantees to positive answers, but no matter what the outcome, don't let fear cripple your vision of serving God with your church communications.