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 Coming Part 9 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 9 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focused on the theme of joy, particularly in the context of the Advent season. It emphasized the difference between happiness, which is circumstantial, and joy, which is a deep, durable delight in God. The message highlighted the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus to experience true joy, regardless of our circumstances. The sermon also encouraged the congregation to engage in worship, prayer, and acts of kindness as ways to cultivate joy in their lives.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. As we delve into Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive the joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to focus on Your presence and promises, and let Your joy fill our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing that brings you joy during the Christmas season?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 12:2-6
- Luke 2:8-14
- Psalm 16:11
- Nehemiah 8:10
- Romans 15:13
Questions
- What is the difference between happiness and joy, according to the sermon?
- How can we cultivate joy in our daily lives?
- Why is it important to focus on Jesus during the Advent season?
- How does the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrate the joy of the Christmas message?
- What role does worship and music play in experiencing joy?
- How can we share the joy of the Lord with others during this season?
- What are some practical ways to anchor our hearts in God’s promises?
- How can we find joy even in difficult circumstances?
Life Application
This week, focus on cultivating joy by spending time in worship and prayer each day. Look for opportunities to share kindness and the joy of the Lord with those around you.
Key Takeaways
- Joy is a deep, durable delight in God that surpasses circumstances.
- Focusing on Jesus is essential for experiencing true joy.
- Worship and music are powerful ways to connect with God’s joy.
- Sharing kindness and the message of Jesus spreads joy to others.
- Anchoring our hearts in God’s promises helps us maintain joy.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. As we leave this place, help us to carry Your joy into our daily lives and share it with those around us. May Your presence be our strength and our song. 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 Coming Part 8 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 8 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the theme of peace as part of the Advent series, exploring how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings peace into our lives. It emphasizes the importance of having peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others. The sermon draws from Isaiah 9:6-7, highlighting the prophecy of Jesus’ birth and His role in establishing everlasting peace. It encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God to experience true peace, which transcends circumstances and conflicts.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your word. We ask for Your presence to fill this space and for Your peace to settle in our hearts. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us today and guide our discussion to bring us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite Christmas tradition and why?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Colossians 1:19-20
- John 14:27
- Philippians 4:7
Questions
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is called the Prince of Peace?
- How can we experience peace with God in our daily lives?
- In what ways can we find peace within ourselves amidst life’s challenges?
- Why is it often difficult to maintain peace with others, and how can we overcome these challenges?
- How does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7 give us hope for the future?
- What role does prayer play in achieving peace in our lives?
- How can we be peacemakers in our communities and families?
- What steps can we take this week to pursue peace in a specific relationship?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you lack peace. Spend time in prayer, asking God to guide you in finding peace in that area. Take a practical step towards resolving any conflict or anxiety you may have.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus is the Prince of Peace, bringing reconciliation and harmony to all creation.
- True peace begins with a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
- Inner peace is achieved by anchoring our hearts and minds in God’s presence.
- Peace with others requires forgiveness and compassion, reflecting God’s love.
- Advent is a time to focus on the peace that Jesus brings and to prepare our hearts for His coming.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. As we leave this place, may Your peace guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Help us to be instruments of Your peace in the world, sharing Your love and grace with everyone we meet. 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.
Church Encourager
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