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 Incarnate Part 14 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 14 Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on grace and celebration through Jesus’s parables in Luke 15. The pastor discusses three stories – the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son – which all demonstrate God’s heart for seeking and celebrating those who are lost and return to Him. The message emphasizes how God’s grace enables restoration and reconciliation, rather than strict rule-following that the Pharisees promoted.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss your amazing grace, open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of your love for us. Help us to see how you celebrate when the lost are found and guide our discussion to reflect your heart of compassion and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the most memorable celebration or party you’ve ever attended and what made it so special?
Key Verses
Luke 15:7
Luke 15:10
Luke 15:20
Luke 15:31-32
Questions
How does the father’s response to his prodigal son demonstrate God’s grace toward us?
Why do you think the older brother struggled to celebrate his brother’s return?
In what ways can we sometimes slip into a Pharisaical mindset after experiencing God’s grace?
How does understanding God’s grace change the way we view and treat others who are ‘lost’?
What prevents us from celebrating God’s work in others’ lives?
How can we maintain an attitude of gratitude for God’s grace in our daily lives?
What’s the difference between trying to earn God’s favor through rules versus living in response to His grace?
How can we avoid becoming like the ‘grumpy’ Pharisees in our own spiritual walk?
Life Application
This week, identify one situation where you tend to become judgmental or irritated with others. Practice responding with grace instead, remembering how God has shown grace to you. Look for opportunities to celebrate God’s work in others’ lives.
Key Takeaways
God actively seeks and values those who are lost
Heaven celebrates when the lost are found and restored
Grace, not rule-following, is the path to restoration with God
We should maintain an attitude of celebration rather than judgment
Living in God’s grace should transform how we treat others
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank you for your amazing grace that seeks us out and celebrates our return to you. Help us to live as people transformed by your grace, extending the same mercy and celebration to others that you have shown to us. Keep us from becoming judgmental and help us maintain the joy of our salvation. 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 Incarnate Part 13 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 13 Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on generosity and breaking free from what the pastor calls the ‘Mammon trap.’ The message emphasizes that generosity is not just about money, but a way of living that helps move people from ownership to stewardship. The pastor explains how credit card debt and poor financial management can keep people in bondage, while providing practical steps for achieving financial freedom through budgeting, saving, and giving.
Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss generosity and stewardship, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to Your wisdom. Help us to see money and possessions through Your eyes, and guide our discussion to reveal the freedom that comes from living generously. Give us the courage to examine our own hearts and make changes where needed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received and why was it meaningful to you?
Key Verses
Luke 12:29-32
Matthew 6:19-21
Proverbs 21:20
2 Corinthians 9:7
Questions
How do you think the ‘love of money’ differs from money itself?
What are some ways you’ve seen money become a master in people’s lives?
How does living beyond our means through credit cards affect our spiritual and emotional well-being?
What practical steps could you take to move from ownership to stewardship in your life?
How might developing a budget actually lead to more freedom rather than restriction?
What prevents people from being generous with their resources?
How does saving money relate to trusting God?
In what ways can generosity transform our character and relationship with God?
Life Application
This week, create a simple budget tracking your expenses and identify areas where you might be overspending. Then, prayerfully consider one way you can practice generosity, whether through giving money, time, or resources to someone in need.
Key Takeaways
Generosity is about moving from ownership to stewardship
Living beyond our means through credit creates bondage
A budget brings freedom by telling your money where to go
Saving is biblical and necessary for financial health
True generosity flows from understanding God’s generosity toward us
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your generous heart toward us. Help us to break free from any financial bondage and live in the freedom of wise stewardship. Give us the courage to make necessary changes in our financial habits and the wisdom to be generous as You have been generous with 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.
Church Encourager
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