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 2 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 2 Discussion Guide
1 Title
“Who is the Lord? Understanding God’s Sovereignty Through the Plagues”
2 Summary
In this sermon, we explore the ten plagues of Egypt as a response to Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him?” Each plague serves as a demonstration of God’s power over the false gods of Egypt, revealing Him as the one true God. The plagues also symbolize a reversal from order to chaos, reminiscent of the creation narrative in Genesis, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God’s authority. Furthermore, the plagues foreshadow the ultimate act of salvation through Jesus Christ, who on the cross took upon Himself the judgment meant for humanity, offering a way back to God.
3 Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to delve into Your Word and the lessons from the sermon, we ask for Your guidance. Open our hearts and minds to the truths You want us to grasp, and help us to see Your sovereignty and love even in the midst of judgment. May our discussion be fruitful and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
4 Ice Breaker
What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
5 Key Verses
- Exodus 7:17 (NIV): “This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood.”
- Exodus 9:14 (NIV): “or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth.”
6 Questions
- How did Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him?” set the stage for the plagues?
- In what ways do the plagues demonstrate God’s power over the Egyptian gods?
- How do the plagues reflect the reversal of creation from order to chaos?
- Can you identify moments in your life where God has shown His sovereignty in a powerful way?
- How do the plagues point us to the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ?
- What does the response of the Egyptians to the plagues teach us about the importance of heeding God’s warnings?
- How can we reconcile the God of the plagues with the God of love we know through Jesus?
- How does understanding the purpose behind the plagues change your perspective on God’s character?
7 Life Application
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to recognize and turn away from any “little gods” we may be inadvertently placing before the one true God. Whether it’s material possessions, status, or personal desires, let’s commit to seeking God first in all aspects of our lives.
8 Key Takeaways
Title: God’s Sovereignty Over False Gods
The plagues were a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, showcasing God’s supreme power. Each plague targeted a specific deity worshipped by the Egyptians, proving that the Lord is the one true God above all.
Title: The Consequences of Rejecting God
The progression of the plagues from the Nile to darkness illustrates the descent into chaos that occurs when humanity rejects God’s authority. It serves as a reminder that life apart from God leads to disorder and destruction.
Title: The Plagues as a Foreshadowing of Salvation
The plagues, particularly the darkness and the death of the firstborn, point to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Through His death, Jesus took upon Himself the judgment and chaos of sin, offering us redemption and a return to order.
Title: The Importance of Heeding God’s Word
The Egyptians who listened to God’s warnings were spared from some effects of the plagues. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the protection it offers.
Title: God’s Desire for Relationship
Despite the severity of the plagues, God’s ultimate desire was not destruction but to bring people into relationship with Him. The plagues were a means to demonstrate His power and to call people back to Himself.
9 Ending Prayer
Lord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the insights we’ve gained from the sermon and our discussion. Help us to carry these lessons into our daily lives, to honor You as the one true God, and to live in the light of Your salvation. May we be a testament to Your love and grace in a world that often questions Your sovereignty. 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 1 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 1 Discussion Guide
1 Title
Kingdom Foreshadowed: Encountering God in the Ordinary
2 Summary
In this sermon, we explore the story of Moses and his encounter with God through the burning bush. We are reminded of the importance of being attentive to God’s presence in our daily lives, even amidst routine tasks. The sermon connects Moses’ experience to the broader biblical narrative, highlighting themes from the Garden of Eden, Noah, and Abraham. Emphasizing the accessibility of God’s presence through Jesus Christ, the message encourages us to take time out of our busyness to meet with God and to respond to His call with openness and willingness.
3 Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we’ve heard, we ask for Your Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. Help us to be attentive to Your presence in the ordinary moments of our lives, just as Moses was at the burning bush. May our discussion be fruitful, and may we be open to the lessons You want us to learn and apply in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
4 Ice Breaker
If you could have any job for just one day, what would it be and why?
5 Key Verses
- Exodus 3:5 – “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
- John 14:6 – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
6 Questions
- What does Moses’ encounter with the burning bush teach us about recognizing God’s presence?
- How can we make space in our busy lives to be attentive to God’s call?
- In what ways does the story of Moses connect to the broader narrative of the Bible?
- How does Jesus’ role as the way, the truth, and the life impact our relationship with God?
- Can you share a time when you felt God calling you to something unexpected? How did you respond?
- What fears or hesitations might we have in approaching God, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we encourage each other to seek encounters with God in our daily routines?
- What practical steps can we take this week to be more open to God’s presence and guidance?
7 Life Application
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to be more like Moses, attentive and responsive to God’s presence in our lives. Set aside a specific time each day to be still and listen for God’s voice, whether it’s through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply being aware of the divine in the ordinary moments.
8 Key Takeaways
Title: Attentiveness to God’s Presence
Moses’ encounter with the burning bush is a powerful reminder to be attentive to God’s presence in our daily lives. By being open and responsive, we can experience God’s guidance and calling, even in the most mundane tasks.
Title: The Continuity of God’s Story
The story of Moses is intricately connected to the larger biblical narrative, drawing parallels to the Garden of Eden, Noah, and Abraham. Understanding these connections enriches our comprehension of God’s ongoing work in history and in our lives.
Title: Accessibility Through Christ
Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to approach God without fear. His sacrifice and resurrection have bridged the gap between humanity and the divine, allowing us to have a personal relationship with God and to encounter His presence freely.
9 Ending Prayer
Gracious God, as we conclude our time together, we thank You for the insights and revelations You have provided through our discussion. May the lessons we’ve learned from Moses’ encounter with You at the burning bush inspire us to seek You in every aspect of our lives. Help us to carry the truths of Your word into our week, looking for Your presence in the ordinary and responding to Your call with courage and faith. 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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