When the exiles returned from Babylon, they rebuilt the temple before they rebuilt the city wall. It seems illogical—wouldn’t security come first? But this bold act of faith speaks volumes: they put worship before safety. Faith before fortress.

This week, we’re asking:
• What walls have we built in our lives or churches—walls that were meant to protect but now isolate?
• What structures are missing that might bring healthy boundaries, identity, and strength to our faith?

Join us as we dive into the story of Nehemiah and explore how true worship often happens in the middle of life’s mess, before everything feels secure. Let’s reflect on what needs to be torn down, what needs to be rebuilt, and how to place connection before protection.

Additional Resources:

Thread Podcast on Rebuilding the temple. Topics include: They discuss the human instinct to restore the past and the importance of reimagining the future.  The role of home in spirituality, the significance of the exile and return, and the challenges of resistance and stalled efforts in rebuilding the temple.