Building Like Nehemiah: Faith-Driven Leadership for Coaches and Captains

When you think about leadership in sports, names like John Wooden or Tony Dungy may come to mind. But some of the greatest lessons for leaders—coaches, captains, and athletes—are found in Scripture. When most people think of heroes in the Bible, they might name Moses, Joshua, Samson, Esther, or Judas Maccabeus (Catholic and Orthodox). I just finished the Book of Nehemiah in my Bible in a Year podcast (Fr. Mike Schmidt). Nehemiah is the Old Testament leader who rallied God’s people to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. His story gives us a roadmap for leaders in athletics who want to lead with both conviction and purpose.

Nehemiah’s Vision: Seeing the Bigger Picture

When Nehemiah learned about the devastated walls in Jerusalem, he didn’t just see rubble—he saw God’s people left exposed and vulnerable. His heart broke for the condition of the city, and he felt convicted to do something about it (Nehemiah 1:3-4). Authentic leadership starts with vision, the ability to see past what is and what could be. For coaches and team captains, this is the difference between focusing on the starting line and the finish line. Leaders are called to see past immediate obstacles and keep their eyes fixed on the “30 thousand foot view” of building a team that’s gritty, united, and resilient.

Nehemiah’s Prayer

Before Nehemiah picked up a tool or concocted a plan, he prayed. His first response to the burden on his heart was to seek God’s wisdom, courage, and strength (Nehemiah 1:5-11). Leadership often carries pressure—the expectation to win, to develop athletes, to manage a variety of personalities. Nehemiah’s example displays that honest leadership doesn’t begin with strategy— it begins with surrender. Coaches and captains who pause to seek God’s direction find themselves leading from a place of humility and strength that no playbook can provide.

Nehemiah’s Organization: Planning with Purpose

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he quietly inspected the wall to feel out the scope of the work (Nehemiah 2:11-15). He made a plan, assigned roles, and convoked the people to contribute in their own way (Nehemiah 3:1-32). His leadership was not reckless or hasty; it was intentional and ordered. Likewise, great teams are built through structure, preparation, and shared purpose. Efficient leaders communicate with conviction and equip others to create an environment where everyone knows their role and works together toward a common goal.

Nehemiah’s Courage: Standing Against Opposition

As the wall began to rise, Nehemiah faced ridicule, threats, and intimidation from surrounding enemies (Nehemiah 4:7-9). Yet he refused to let fear derail the mission. He armed his people with both tools and weapons—ready to build with one hand and defend with the other (Nehemiah 4:17). Leadership in sports requires the same balance of grit and fortitude. Whether facing external criticism, hard losses, or internal conflict, the strength of a leader is revealed in their ability to stay the course, powered by courage and faith.

Nehemiah’s Unity: Building Together

One of the most remarkable aspects of Nehemiah’s leadership was how he inspired unity. Families, priests, nobles, and artisans all worked side by side to complete the wall in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Each person had a role, and together they accomplished what no one could have done alone. This spirit of unity is the pulse of any successful team. Just as Nehemiah understood that God’s people had to stand shoulder to shoulder, coaches and captains understand that victories are earned through trust, sacrifice, and shared commitment.

Closing Thoughts

Nehemiah’s leadership wasn’t about titles or position or credit. It was about remaining faithful to the vision God placed on his heart, prayerful dependence on the Lord, thoughtful planning, perseverance, and unshakable unity. Coaches and captains who follow his example will lead with a more profound sense of purpose—one that shapes character and builds something lasting beyond the game itself.

As you lead this season, remember the words of Nehemiah 2:18: “Let us rise up and build.” Leadership powered by faith can do more than win games—it can build communities, strengthen character, and honor God.