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 Foreshadowed Part 15 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 15 Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, we explore the story of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, focusing on his encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army, who is revealed to be a theophany of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous, trusting in God’s strength rather than our own, and choosing to follow God’s way for true life. The narrative also draws parallels between Joshua’s leadership and Moses’ earlier journey, highlighting the continuous foreshadowing of Jesus throughout the Old Testament.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your word. We ask that You guide our discussion today and help us to be receptive to the lessons You want us to learn. May we be strong and courageous, trusting in Your strength and wisdom. Bless our time together and let Your presence be felt among us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are grateful for this week?
Key Verses
- Joshua 1:5-9
- Joshua 5:13-15
- Exodus 3:2-5
- Malachi 3:1
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you interpret the encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord’s army?
- Why do you think God repeatedly told Joshua to be ‘strong and courageous’?
- How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God’s strength rather than our own in our daily lives?
- What are some modern-day ‘Jerichos’ that we face, and how can we overcome them with God’s help?
- How does the concept of a theophany deepen your understanding of Jesus’ presence in the Old Testament?
- In what ways can we ensure that we are choosing God’s way in our lives?
- How can we support and pray for our neighbors and community, especially in times of crisis?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you need to be ‘strong and courageous.’ Pray for God’s strength and guidance in that area, and take a step of faith to trust in His plan.
Key Takeaways
- Trust in God’s strength and be courageous.
- Jesus appears throughout the Old Testament, foreshadowing His ultimate role as our Savior.
- Choosing God’s way leads to true life and fulfillment.
- God’s presence and guidance are always with us, even in challenging times.
- Being a good neighbor and showing grace to others is a reflection of God’s love.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the insights and lessons we’ve gained today. Help us to be strong and courageous as we face the challenges in our lives. May we always choose Your way and trust in Your strength. Guide us to be good neighbors and to show grace and love to those around us. As we go forth this week, let Your presence be our constant companion. 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.
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 14 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 14 Discussion Guide
Summary
Today’s sermon focused on the importance of having a transformed heart, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 6 and 30. The Shema, a central prayer in Judaism, calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. However, the sermon emphasized that merely hearing God’s commands is not enough; we must also act on them. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own but requires a new heart given by God, as prophesied by Ezekiel and Jeremiah. The sermon also connected this transformation to the work of Jesus on the cross, who fulfilled the covenant and made it possible for us to have a renewed heart and live a life fully devoted to God.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your word. We ask that You help us to not only hear Your commands but to act on them. Transform our hearts, Lord, so that we may love You fully and live according to Your will. Guide our discussion today and help us to be receptive to what You want us to learn. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one activity or hobby that makes you feel most alive and why?
Key Verses
- Deuteronomy 6:4-7
- Deuteronomy 30:1-10
- Ezekiel 36:26-27
- Jeremiah 24:7
- John 3:3
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you understand the concept of a ‘transformed heart’?
- Why do you think it’s easier to hear God’s commands than to act on them?
- How does the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) apply to our lives today?
- What are some practical ways we can love God with all our heart, soul, and strength?
- How has Jesus’ work on the cross made it possible for us to have a transformed heart?
- Can you share a time when you felt God was transforming your heart?
- What steps can we take this week to ensure we are not just hearers of the word but doers as well?
Life Application
This week, focus on one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to act on His word. Make a conscious effort to not only hear but also do what He is asking of you. Share your experience with the group next week.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing God’s word is important, but acting on it is crucial.
- A transformed heart is necessary to fully love and obey God.
- Jesus’ work on the cross makes it possible for us to have a renewed heart.
- God desires a relationship with us where we live fully for Him.
- The Shema calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for this time of discussion and reflection. We ask that You continue to work in our hearts, transforming us to be more like You. Help us to not only hear Your word but to live it out in our daily lives. Guide us in loving You with all our heart, soul, and strength. 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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