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 6 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 6 Discussion Guide
Summary
Today’s sermon focused on the concept of biblical rest and trust, as introduced through the story of Exodus and the Ten Commandments. The pastor emphasized that God is not interested in our productivity or ‘bricks,’ but in our relationship with Him and others. The sermon highlighted the importance of moving away from a culture of hurry and performance to one of trust and rest in God. The key message was that true rest and peace come from trusting in God’s provision and love, and this rest is essential for authentic relationships with God and others.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds. We ask that You help us to be receptive to Your word and to understand the true meaning of rest and trust in You. Guide our discussion and let Your Holy Spirit move among us, revealing the areas in our lives where we need to let go and trust You more. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite way to relax and unwind after a busy day?
Key Verses
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Exodus 20:1-3
- Psalm 23:1-3
- Hebrews 4:9-11
Questions
- What does biblical rest mean to you?
- How does our culture of hurry and productivity affect your daily life?
- Why do you think God emphasized rest in the Ten Commandments?
- How can we balance work and rest in our modern lives?
- What are some practical ways to incorporate rest and trust in God into your daily routine?
- How does trusting God help you to experience true rest?
- Can you share a time when you felt God’s peace and rest in a stressful situation?
- What steps can you take this week to move away from a performance-driven mindset to one of trust and rest in God?
Life Application
This week, take at least ten minutes each day to disconnect from all distractions and spend time in quiet reflection and prayer. Focus on trusting God and finding rest in His presence. Reflect on areas in your life where you are still ‘stuck in Egypt’ and ask God to help you let go and trust Him more.
Key Takeaways
- God values our relationship with Him more than our productivity.
- Biblical rest is essential for authentic relationships with God and others.
- Our culture of hurry and performance can hinder our ability to trust and rest in God.
- True rest comes from trusting in God’s provision and love.
- God’s commandments are given to guide us in living a life of trust and rest in Him.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the time we’ve spent together today. Help us to carry the lessons we’ve learned into our daily lives. Teach us to trust You more and to find true rest in Your presence. May we experience Your peace and share it with those around us. 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 5 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 5 Discussion Guide
Summary
In today’s sermon, we explored the theme of trusting in the Lord, as illustrated through the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God’s powerful acts, the Israelites struggled with trust, often grumbling about their immediate needs. God provided for them miraculously with manna and water, teaching them to rely on Him daily. This lesson is echoed in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6, where He encourages us not to worry about our basic needs but to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will provide for us.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your word. Help us to trust in Your provision and guidance, just as You provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. May we learn to rely on You daily and seek Your kingdom first in all that we do. Open our hearts to the lessons You have for us today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are thankful for this week?
Key Verses
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Exodus 16:4
- Exodus 15:22-25
- John 6:48-51
- John 4:13-14
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- Why do you think the Israelites struggled to trust God despite witnessing His miracles?
- How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 relate to the story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
- Can you share a time when you had to trust God for your daily needs?
- What are some practical ways we can seek God’s kingdom first in our daily lives?
- How do you handle worry and anxiety in your life? What role does your faith play in this?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the ‘bread of life’ and the ‘living water’?
- How can we support each other in our journey to trust God more fully?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to trust God with one specific area of your life where you tend to worry. Pray daily for His guidance and provision, and take a step of faith in that area, believing that He will take care of you.
Key Takeaways
- Trusting in God is essential for experiencing the fullness of life He offers.
- God provides for our needs, often in ways we do not expect.
- Jesus teaches us not to worry about our basic needs but to seek His kingdom first.
- Faith in God’s provision helps us overcome anxiety and live more peacefully.
- God’s miracles in the past remind us of His faithfulness in the present.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the lessons we have learned today about trusting in Your provision and guidance. Help us to apply these truths to our lives and to seek Your kingdom first in all that we do. May we grow in our faith and trust in You, knowing that You are always with us and will provide for our needs. Bless our week ahead and help us to be a light to those around us. 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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