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 17 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 17 Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on the story of Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. Pastor Steve explores the connections between suffering and glory, particularly how Jesus’ cross and throne are interconnected rather than opposite concepts. He draws parallels between three significant ‘suppers’ in Scripture: the Fall in Genesis, the Last Supper, and the meal at Emmaus, showing how Jesus reverses the consequences of the Fall through similar but redemptive actions.
Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand the deep connections in Your story. Help us see how You work in both the grand narrative of Scripture and in our personal lives. Guide our discussion and reveal Your truth to us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever shared with someone and why was it significant?
Key Verses
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 23:39-43
Genesis 3:6-7
Matthew 25:31-34
1 Corinthians 15:22
Questions
Why do you think the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first on the road to Emmaus?
How does Jesus’ willingness to walk with the discouraged disciples demonstrate His character?
What does it mean that Jesus is both ‘fully God and fully man’? How does this impact our understanding of Him?
How do you see the connection between suffering and glory in your own spiritual journey?
What parallels do you see between the three ‘suppers’ discussed in the sermon?
How does understanding Jesus as the ‘new Adam’ change your perspective on redemption?
In what ways do you sometimes miss Jesus walking beside you in your daily life?
How can we better recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives today?
Life Application
This week, practice intentionally looking for Jesus’ presence in your daily life. Each evening, reflect on where you saw Him working, whether in moments of difficulty or joy. Write down these instances and share them with someone in your life.
Key Takeaways
Jesus prioritizes being present with those who are discouraged and hopeless
The cross and throne of Jesus are connected, showing both His suffering and glory
Jesus reverses the consequences of the Fall through His redemptive actions
God’s story is intricately connected throughout Scripture, revealing His detailed plan for redemption
Jesus is never too busy to walk alongside us in our struggles
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your intricate plan of redemption and for Jesus who walks beside us even when we don’t recognize Him. Help us to see You more clearly in our daily lives and to remember that You are never too busy for us. Give us eyes to see and hearts to understand Your presence 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.
Kingdom Incarnate Part 16 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 16 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance. The pastor presents three main questions: Does Jesus live? What difference does it make? And does He live in you? He provides evidence for the resurrection, including Jesus’ own predictions, the empty tomb, the transformation of the disciples, and numerous eyewitnesses. The pastor then shares his personal testimony of coming to faith, describing how he went from being agnostic to accepting Christ after a near-death experience and years of feeling spiritual emptiness.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the power of Your resurrection, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand its significance in our lives. Help us to be receptive to Your truth and guide our discussion to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Can you share about a time when someone’s kindness (like Bob Miller’s daily sandwich in the sermon) made a lasting impression on you?
Key Verses
1 Corinthians 15:17
Isaiah 59:2
Galatians 2:20
Romans 10:9-10
Questions
What evidence for the resurrection of Jesus do you find most compelling and why?
How would you explain the significance of Jesus’ resurrection to someone who doesn’t understand why it matters?
What does it mean to have Christ ‘living in you,’ as mentioned in Galatians 2:20?
How has your understanding of ‘true happiness’ changed since knowing Christ?
Why do you think the disciples were willing to die for their belief in the risen Jesus?
What role do you think personal testimony plays in sharing the gospel with others?
How does the reality of the resurrection impact your daily life?
What empty things do people try to fill their God-shaped void with today?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you might be trying to fill a God-shaped void with something else. Commit to intentionally turning to God instead, through prayer and Scripture, when you feel that emptiness.
Key Takeaways
The resurrection of Jesus is supported by multiple pieces of evidence including eyewitness accounts
Without the resurrection, our faith would be futile and we would still be in our sins
Jesus’ resurrection makes reconciliation with God possible
True fulfillment can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus
Saying yes to Jesus is the most important decision anyone can make
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your death and resurrection that makes our salvation possible. Help us to live as people transformed by Your resurrection power, sharing Your love with others who are still searching for meaning. Fill every void in our lives with Your presence and truth. In Your 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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