Church Encourager
Our hope at Church Encourager is to provide practical support to help pastors, churches and lay leaders have greater confidence, enthusiasm and strength in their lives and walk with God. Use the button below to set up a free Zoom meeting with Church Encourager.
Hello! I’m Steve Lawes
Our desire at Church Encourager is pretty well summed up in our name. We want to encourage the church.
For Believers
We have a wide full range of Bible Studies, Spiritual Growth and Discipleship Tools.
For Churches
Utilizing a process we call “Virtual Church Consulting” we work with you through a series of steps to help pinpoint problems and offer solutions.
For Pastors
The weight of ministry can be overwhelming. You don’t have to carry it alone. There are times when pastors need to have someone come alongside them on their ministry journey.
My Qualifications and Certifications
Education
- AA General Studies (FKCC)
- BA Bible/Theology (Berean)
- MA Pastoral Ministries (ACTS)
- MDiv Ministry (JMBIS)
- PhD Pastoral Ministry (ACTS)
Experience
- Lead Pastor 30+ Years
- County & State Prison Chaplain
- Mission Team Leader 10 Years
- AVC Area Leader 10+ Years
- Bible Institute Founder (JMBIS)
Certifications
- Certified Church Consultant
- NCD America Coach
- Certified Church Revitalization
- Coaching for Clergy
- Chirstian DISC Facilitator
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 7 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 7 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the theme of hope as part of the Advent season, drawing from the book of Isaiah. It emphasizes the importance of hope in the lives of believers, especially as we navigate the challenges of living in a fallen world. The message highlights the prophetic vision of a future where God’s kingdom is fully realized, and all nations come together in peace. The sermon encourages believers to anchor their hope in the promises of God and to live as people of hope, reflecting the light of Jesus in the world.
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 hope You offer. Help us to be receptive to Your guidance and to understand the depth of Your love and promises. May we leave this place encouraged and ready to share Your hope with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are hopeful for this holiday season?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Revelation 21:22-27
- John 1:4-5
Questions
- What does hope mean to you personally?
- How does the promise of Jesus’ return influence your daily life?
- In what ways can we reflect the light of Jesus in our communities?
- How can understanding the biblical story enhance our celebration of Christmas?
- What are some practical ways to maintain hope during difficult times?
- How does the vision of peace in Isaiah 2 inspire you?
- What role does patience play in our walk with God?
- How can we support each other in being people of hope?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you need to hold onto hope. Pray and ask God to help you see His promises in that situation, and share your journey with a friend or family member.
Key Takeaways
- Hope is essential for navigating life’s challenges.
- The prophets spoke of a future where God’s kingdom is fully realized.
- Jesus’ first coming fulfilled many promises, giving us hope for His return.
- Living in hope means reflecting Jesus’ light in a dark world.
- Understanding the biblical narrative enriches our celebration of Advent.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the hope we have in You. As we go from this place, may Your light shine through us, bringing hope to those around us. Help us to live with the assurance of Your promises and to be a beacon of hope in our communities. 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 6 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 6 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the theme of living in exile, as illustrated through the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with the culture without being assimilated by it, maintaining one’s faith and identity as a child of God. The sermon draws parallels between Daniel’s story and the life of Jesus, highlighting the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite cultural pressures and challenges. The message encourages believers to be ‘salt and light’ in the world, preserving their distinctiveness while positively impacting their surroundings.
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 be attentive to Your voice and to learn from the example of Daniel. May we be inspired to live out our faith boldly, even in the face of challenges. Guide our discussion and let Your Spirit move among us, drawing us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition or dish?
Key Verses
- Daniel 6:19-23
- Matthew 5:13-16
- 1 Peter 5:8
- Jeremiah 29:4-7
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from the story of Daniel in the lion’s den?
- How can we engage with our culture without being assimilated by it?
- What does it mean to be ‘salt and light’ in today’s world?
- Have you ever experienced ‘pushback’ for your faith? How did you handle it?
- In what ways can we support each other in maintaining our faith in challenging environments?
- How does the story of Daniel foreshadow the life and mission of Jesus?
- What role does prayer play in your daily life, and how can it be a response to cultural pressures?
- How can we be good neighbors and positively impact our communities as followers of Christ?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you feel cultural pressure to conform. Commit to praying about it daily and seek ways to stand firm in your faith while engaging positively with those around you.
Key Takeaways
- Engage with culture without losing your identity in Christ.
- Prayer is a powerful response to life’s challenges.
- Being ‘salt and light’ means preserving and enhancing the world around us with God’s love.
- Expect pushback when living out your faith, but remain steadfast.
- Daniel’s story points to the greater story of Jesus, who is with us in all circumstances.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of Daniel and the reminder that You are with us in every situation. Help us to be bold in our faith and to shine Your light in the world. As we go from here, may we carry Your love and truth into our communities, being good neighbors and faithful witnesses of Your kingdom. 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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