Church Encourager
Our hope at Church Encourager is to provide practical support to help pastors, churches and leaders have greater confidence, enthusiasm and strength in their lives and walk with God.
We are excited to announce that we are launching the Church Encourager Initiative to enhance leadership effectiveness, improve team dynamics, and reduce burnout among faith leaders. Use the button below to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
For Pastors and CHurch Leaders
Pastors and church leaders often experience high levels of stress and burnout, with limited access to personalized coaching and development tools. Many struggle with team conflicts, leadership challenges, and personal discouragement, leading to ineffective ministry and, in some cases, early resignation. We are launching the Church Encourager Initiative to enhance leadership effectiveness, improve team dynamics, and reduce burnout among faith leaders.
For Churches
Utilizing a process we call Virtual Church Spark we work with you through a series of steps to help pinpoint problems and offer solutions.
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 2 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 2 Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, the focus is on the journey through the Bible, specifically the section involving the prophets, with a particular emphasis on Ezekiel. The sermon highlights the themes of hope and restoration, as seen in Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones, which symbolizes the revival and renewal that God promises to His people. The message underscores the importance of placing our hope in God rather than temporary things, and it points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ and the future restoration of all things.
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 message You have for us. Help us to understand the hope and restoration You promise through Your prophets and through Jesus. May we be receptive to Your Spirit and grow in our faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are hopeful for in the coming year?
Key Verses
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Romans 8:10-14
- Philippians 1:6
- Psalm 103:12
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from the sermon?
- How do you interpret the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37?
- In what ways can we misplace our hope in temporary things today?
- How does the promise of restoration in Ezekiel relate to our lives now?
- What does it mean to have the Spirit of God living in us?
- How can we ensure our hope is grounded in God and not in worldly things?
- How does the message of hope in Ezekiel encourage you in your current circumstances?
- What practical steps can we take to live as ‘new creations’ in Christ?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you may have misplaced hope in temporary things. Pray and ask God to help you shift your hope to Him and His promises. Reflect on how this change in perspective can impact your daily life.
Key Takeaways
- The prophets’ messages often pointed to Jesus and the ultimate restoration of God’s people.
- Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones symbolizes hope and renewal through God’s Spirit.
- Placing hope in temporary things leads to despair; true hope is found in God.
- The Spirit of God brings life and empowers us to live as new creations.
- Our ultimate hope is in the future restoration and renewal promised in Revelation.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the hope and life You offer us through Your Word and Spirit. As we leave this place, help us to carry this message of hope into our daily lives. May we be reminded of Your promises and live in anticipation of the restoration You have planned for us. Guide us to place our trust in You and to be a light to those around us. 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 1 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 1 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon introduces a new series titled ‘Kingdom Coming,’ which explores the biblical narrative from the Chronicles through Malachi. The focus is on understanding the storyline of the Bible and its significance in enhancing our relationship with Jesus. The sermon discusses the departure of God’s glory from the temple due to the corruption of the people, leading to exile. It emphasizes the longing for home that exists within each of us, a longing that can only be fulfilled through Jesus, our Redeemer. The sermon encourages believers to live as signposts pointing others to the way home, which is found in Jesus.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and understand the deeper story of Your love and pursuit of us. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite way to make your home feel cozy and welcoming?
Key Verses
- Jeremiah 31:31-33
- Ezekiel 10:3-4
- Psalm 90:1-2
- Ephesians 1:7-10
Questions
- What does the concept of exile mean to you personally?
- How do you experience the longing for ‘home’ in your life?
- In what ways do you see yourself as a signpost pointing others to Jesus?
- How does understanding the storyline of the Bible enhance your relationship with Jesus?
- What are some ways you can ‘visit’ your future home with God through worship and prayer?
- How does the promise of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31 encourage you?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is our Redeemer?
- How can we support each other in living out our faith as we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises?
Life Application
This week, focus on being a signpost for others by living out the love and grace of Jesus in your daily interactions. Share your faith story with someone who may be seeking direction.
Key Takeaways
- The glory of God departed from the temple due to the people’s corruption.
- We all have a deep longing for our true home with God.
- Jesus is our Redeemer, providing a way back to God.
- Understanding the Bible’s storyline enhances our relationship with Jesus.
- As believers, we are signposts pointing others to the way home in Jesus.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the hope and promise of a future with You. Help us to live as signposts, guiding others to Your love and grace. Strengthen us as we wait for the fulfillment of Your promises. 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.
Church Encourager
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