Church Encourager
Our hope at Church Encourager is to provide practical support to help pastors, churches and lay leaders have greater confidence, enthusiasm and strength in their lives and walk with God. Use the button below to set up a free Zoom meeting with Church Encourager.
Hello! I’m Steve Lawes
Our desire at Church Encourager is pretty well summed up in our name. We want to encourage the church.
For Believers
We have a wide full range of Bible Studies, Spiritual Growth and Discipleship Tools.
For Churches
Utilizing a process we call “Virtual Church Consulting” we work with you through a series of steps to help pinpoint problems and offer solutions.
For Pastors
The weight of ministry can be overwhelming. You don’t have to carry it alone. There are times when pastors need to have someone come alongside them on their ministry journey.
My Qualifications and Certifications
Education
- AA General Studies (FKCC)
- BA Bible/Theology (Berean)
- MA Pastoral Ministries (ACTS)
- MDiv Ministry (JMBIS)
- PhD Pastoral Ministry (ACTS)
Experience
- Lead Pastor 30+ Years
- County & State Prison Chaplain
- Mission Team Leader 10 Years
- AVC Area Leader 10+ Years
- Bible Institute Founder (JMBIS)
Certifications
- Certified Church Consultant
- NCD America Coach
- Certified Church Revitalization
- Coaching for Clergy
- Chirstian DISC Facilitator
Books & Publications
Establishing a daily life of prayer and meditation on the Word of God are vital to the life and health of every believer. My devotional books help to incorporate proven Spiritual disciplines into your daily life.
Discipleship Training
Daily Psalt Intake
From the beginning, the church has used the Book fof Psalms (Psalter) as the center of its daily practice.
Discipleship Training
Daily Sage Intake
The Proverbs help to develop the way that we live our life “in Christ” in a fallen world on a broken planet.
Discipleship Training
Daily Strength Training
Have you prayed today? That is a question of four simple words that can help us to become a people of prayer.
Recent Church Encourager Posts
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 17 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 17 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focused on the concept of the temple in the Bible, tracing its significance from the tabernacle period to the establishment of the temple by Solomon. It highlighted the promise God made to David about building a house and a family, which ultimately points to Jesus as the true temple and king. The sermon emphasized that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, a place where heaven and earth meet, and encouraged living in the reality of God’s presence within us.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and understand the depth of Your love and presence in our lives. Help us to be attentive to what You want to teach us through this discussion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite fall activity or tradition?
Key Verses
- 2 Samuel 7:11-13
- 1 Kings 8:22-30
- John 2:19-21
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from the sermon?
- How does the concept of being a ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ impact your daily life?
- What are some ways we can be more aware of God’s presence in our lives?
- Why do you think God chose to dwell among His people in the form of a temple?
- How can we apply the lessons from the story of David and Solomon to our own lives?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the ultimate temple?
- In what ways can we show others that we are a place where heaven and earth meet?
- How can we support those affected by natural disasters, as mentioned in the sermon?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to consciously acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Reflect on how you can be a living temple, showing God’s love and grace to those around you.
Key Takeaways
- God’s promise to David about building a house and a family points to Jesus.
- Jesus is the ultimate temple, where heaven and earth meet.
- Believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- God’s presence is with us, guiding and nurturing us.
- We are called to live in the reality of God’s presence within us.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the reminder that we are Your temple, filled with Your Spirit. Help us to live in a way that honors You and reflects Your love to the world. Guide us as we go about our week, and may we be ever aware of Your presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 16 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 16 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon delves into the Book of Judges, highlighting the recurring theme of Israel’s disobedience and the resulting chaos when people choose to follow their own desires instead of God’s guidance. Pastor Doug emphasizes the sin cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, deliverance, and rest, which the Israelites repeatedly fall into. Despite the darkness and moral decay depicted in Judges, there is a glimmer of hope pointing to the coming of a true King, Jesus Christ, who would ultimately deliver humanity from sin and death.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, eager to receive Your wisdom and guidance. We ask that You help us to be attentive to Your voice and open to the lessons You have for us today. May Your Holy Spirit move among us, bringing clarity and understanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you remember doing as a child that you still find yourself doing today?
Key Verses
- Judges 2:18-19
- Judges 17:6
- Deuteronomy 12:8
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from the sermon?
- How do you see the sin cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, deliverance, and rest in your own life?
- Why do you think the Israelites kept forgetting God’s faithfulness?
- What are some modern-day ‘idols’ that people might turn to instead of God?
- How can we ensure the next generation knows about God’s love and faithfulness?
- In what ways can we avoid doing what is right in our own eyes and instead follow God’s guidance?
- How does the hope of Jesus as our true King impact your daily life?
- What steps can you take this week to break any negative cycles in your life?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you might be doing what is right in your own eyes. Pray for guidance and take a step towards aligning that area with God’s will.
Key Takeaways
- Living for ourselves leads to chaos and destruction.
- The sin cycle is a recurring pattern that can be broken by turning to God.
- God’s mercy is evident even in times of rebellion.
- Jesus is the ultimate deliverer and King who brings hope and salvation.
- We must ensure the next generation knows and follows God.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the lessons from the Book of Judges and the hope we have in Jesus. Help us to break free from any cycles of sin and to live according to Your will. May we be a light to others, showing them Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Church Encourager
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