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 8 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 8 Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbors as ourselves. He explains the significance of the Ten Commandments, referring to them as ‘ten words’ that guide us in our relationship with God and others. The sermon highlights the need for genuine relationship with God rather than mere rule-following, and underscores that Jesus is the ultimate representation of God’s truth and love.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. As we delve into Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive the message You have for us. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the importance of loving You and our neighbors. Guide our discussion and let Your Holy Spirit lead us in truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one fun activity you enjoyed doing as a child that you haven’t done in a long time?
Key Verses
- Matthew 22:36-40
- Exodus 20:3-4
- John 14:6
- Colossians 1:15-20
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you understand the difference between the first and second commandments?
- Why is it important to see Jesus as the visible representation of the invisible God?
- How can we avoid creating a ‘God of our imagination’ in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to take God’s name in vain, beyond using it as a curse word?
- How does understanding Jesus as ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ impact your faith?
- In what ways can we deepen our relationship with God rather than just following rules?
- How can we better love our neighbors as ourselves in practical ways this week?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to spend intentional time in prayer and reading the Bible to deepen your relationship with God. Look for opportunities to show love to your neighbors in practical ways, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for them.
Key Takeaways
- Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
- Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God.
- Avoid creating a ‘God of your imagination’ and seek the true God revealed in Jesus.
- True relationship with God goes beyond rule-following; it requires genuine commitment and love.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the time we’ve spent together discussing Your Word. Help us to take these lessons to heart and apply them in our daily lives. Strengthen our relationship with You and guide us in loving our neighbors as ourselves. May we always seek Your truth and live out Your commandments with genuine love and commitment. 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 7 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 7 Discussion Guide
Summary
In today’s sermon, we explored the theme of ‘Kingdom Foreshadowed,’ focusing on the importance of trust and rest in our relationship with God. We delved into the story of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt, highlighting their moments of celebration and restlessness. The sermon emphasized the significance of the Ten Words (Commandments) as a love document given to a rescued people, not as a set of rules for salvation. We also discussed the concept of Sabbath as a time for rest and reset, allowing us to trust God more deeply and love others more fully.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us today. Help us to trust in Your goodness and find rest in Your presence. Guide our discussion and let Your Holy Spirit move among us, revealing Your truths and drawing us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you enjoy doing to relax and unwind?
Key Verses
- Exodus 15:19-21
- Exodus 20:1-17
- Deuteronomy 15:1-2
- Matthew 11:28-30
- 2 Kings 6:1-7
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you understand the concept of ‘rest’ in your spiritual life?
- Why do you think trust is so crucial in our relationship with God?
- Can you share a time when you felt restless and how you overcame it?
- What are some modern-day ‘idols’ that people might turn to when they are restless?
- How can we incorporate the idea of Sabbath rest into our busy lives?
- What does it mean to you that God is a God who restores?
- How can we better love God and others by trusting and resting in Him?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to set aside a specific time for Sabbath rest. Use this time to focus on God, enjoy His presence, and reflect on His goodness. Trust that He can handle all your concerns and allow yourself to truly rest in Him.
Key Takeaways
- Trusting God is essential for entering His rest.
- Sabbath is a time for rest and reset, reminding us of God’s provision and care.
- The Ten Words (Commandments) are a love document for a rescued people.
- Restlessness can lead to the creation of idols in our lives.
- God is a God who restores and desires freedom from indebtedness and slavery for His people.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the truths revealed in today’s sermon. Help us to trust You more deeply and find rest in Your presence. As we go about our week, remind us of the importance of Sabbath and the joy of loving You and others. Restore what is broken in our lives and lead us into Your peace. 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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