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 Incarnate Part 2 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 2 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing his humility and understanding of his identity as a voice pointing to the Messiah. Despite his significant role, John saw himself as merely a preparer, while Jesus described him as the greatest born of women up to that time. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ as received, not achieved, and encourages believers to be a voice pointing others to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and understand the identity You have given us in Christ. Help us to be receptive to Your guidance and to be a voice that points others to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Key Verses
John 1:29-34
Mark 1:1-11
Matthew 11:7-11
Isaiah 40:3
Questions
What stood out to you about John the Baptist’s role in the sermon?
How does understanding that our identity is received, not achieved, impact your daily life?
What does it mean to you to be a ‘voice in the wilderness’ today?
How can we balance humility and boldness in our faith journey?
In what ways can we point others to Jesus in our everyday interactions?
How does the concept of Jesus as the Lamb of God resonate with you?
What are some practical ways to ‘hang out’ with Jesus during a busy week?
How can we support each other in living out our God-given identity?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to reflect on your identity in Christ. Consider how you can be a voice pointing others to Jesus in your interactions, and seek opportunities to share His love and hope.
Key Takeaways
John the Baptist saw himself as a humble preparer for Jesus.
Our identity in Christ is received, not achieved.
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Being a voice for Jesus involves both humility and boldness.
We are called to point others to the hope and love found in Jesus.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the time we’ve spent together discussing Your word. Help us to embrace our identity in You and to be bold voices for Your kingdom. Guide us as we seek to love others and point them to the hope we have in Jesus. In Your precious 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 Incarnate Part 1 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 1 Discussion Guide
Summary
The main focus of the sermon is the introduction of a new series exploring the New Testament, particularly the Gospel of John. The pastor highlights the significance of Jesus as the Word, who fulfills Old Testament prophecies and brings light into the world. The sermon encourages believers to engage deeply with the Bible, seeing it as a source of life and guidance, and to understand their role in God’s story as part of His rescue mission.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. We ask for Your presence to guide our discussion and for Your Spirit to open our eyes to see and know Jesus more deeply. Help us to be attentive to Your Word and to apply it in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite book or story, and why does it resonate with you?
Key Verses
John 1:1-5
John 1:14
Isaiah 55:10-11
Malachi 3:1
Questions
What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
How does understanding Jesus as the Word change your perspective on the Bible?
In what ways can we see Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies?
Why do you think it’s important to see the Bible as a unified story?
How can we better engage with the Bible in our daily lives?
What does it mean to you to be part of God’s rescue mission?
How can we support each other in our spiritual journeys?
What role does prayer play in understanding and applying God’s Word?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to read at least two chapters from the Gospel of John. Reflect on how Jesus is revealed as the Word and how this impacts your understanding of His role in your life.
Key Takeaways
Jesus is the Word, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and bringing light to the world.
The Bible is a unified story that points to Jesus and His mission.
Engaging with Scripture is vital for spiritual growth and understanding God’s plan.
Believers are part of God’s rescue mission, called to bring light to others.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the time we’ve spent together in Your Word. Help us to carry the truths we’ve learned into our daily lives. May we see and know Jesus more deeply and be empowered to live out our part in Your story. Bless our community and guide us in Your love and truth. 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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