I first encountered the word nemawashi while working for a Japanese company, spending time in Japan, and collaborating with Japanese integration teams. It’s one of those words that doesn’t have a direct English equivalent, but it’s become a staple in my vocabulary ever since—even if people sometimes give me a puzzled look when I say it. Nemawashi is all about quietly laying the groundwork for change: talking to everyone involved, getting their input, and building consensus before any big decision is made. It’s the opposite of being sesquipedalian (which, ironically, is a big word for people who use unnecessarily big words).
This concept isn’t just useful in the boardroom or in public policy—it’s something I started to see everywhere, even in the stories I grew up with. So I began to wonder: is there a story in the Bible that really shows what nemawashi looks like in action? The answer is yes—and it’s found in the story of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.
The Jerusalem Council: Nemawashi in the Early Church
Let me put this story in plain English, as if it happened today:
Imagine a rapidly growing organization with people joining from all sorts of backgrounds. Suddenly, a big issue pops up: some long-time members insist that all the new people have to follow the old rules—dress a certain way, eat certain foods, even undergo some pretty personal rituals—if they want to really belong.
The leadership team realizes this is a make-or-break moment. If they get it wrong, the whole organization could split in two. So, they call a meeting at headquarters. Everyone who has a stake in the issue is invited—those who want to keep the old rules, those who think it’s time for change, and everyone in between.
The meeting isn’t easy. There’s a lot of debate, even some heated arguments. But instead of shutting down disagreement, the leaders make space for everyone to share their perspective. Peter stands up and tells stories about what he’s seen—how the new members are thriving, even without following all the old customs. Paul and Barnabas share their experiences too, talking about the amazing things happening in new communities.
Then James, one of the most respected leaders, listens to everything and points back to their shared values and history. He finds a way to honor both tradition and the new reality, proposing a solution that asks everyone to make some compromises.
The group talks it over, and—amazingly—they reach a consensus. They put their decision in writing and send it out to everyone, making sure the message is clear: you belong, and here’s how we can all move forward together.
Why This Matters
The Jerusalem Council is a textbook example of nemawashi. The early church leaders didn’t rush to a decision or ignore the voices of those who disagreed. They:
- Involved all key stakeholders in the discussion, even those who were upset or resistant to change.
- It created space for the open sharing of information, stories, and perspectives.
- Worked toward a consensus that, while not perfect for everyone, allowed the whole community to move forward together.
This wasn’t just about solving a theological debate—it was about building a community where everyone could belong, despite their differences. That’s the power of nemawashi, and it’s a lesson I try to carry with me, whether I’m working across cultures, leading a team, or just trying to get my family on the same page.
So next time you face a big decision, remember the Jerusalem Council. Take the time to talk, listen, and build consensus. It might not be quick, but it’s almost always worth it.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zQJRgVXBp0
https://www.regent.edu/journal/journal-of-biblical-perspectives-in-leadership/jerusalem-council-discourses-table-fellowship-and-theology-of-salvation/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Jerusalem
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jerusalem-Council.html
https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/how-is-disagreement-resolved-in-the-council-of-acts-15/