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 Covenant Part 11 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Covenant Part 11 Discussion Guide
1 Title
Navigating Life’s Journey: Understanding God’s Sovereignty and Providence
2 Summary
In this sermon, we explore the intricate relationship between God’s sovereignty and providence as exemplified in the life of Joseph. We learn that while God is sovereign and His ultimate plan will prevail, His providence allows Him to work through our circumstances, including adversity, to fulfill His purposes. Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace serves as a powerful reminder that our trials are not pointless but are often the pathway God uses to shape us and accomplish His will.
3 Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we’ve heard, we ask for open hearts and minds. Help us to see Your hand at work in our lives, even during times of struggle. May we trust in Your sovereignty and providence, knowing that You are weaving a greater narrative for our good and Your glory. Guide our discussion and let us be receptive to the lessons You have for us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4 Ice Breaker
What is one thing you’re looking forward to this week? It could be something small or significant, but share something that brings a sense of anticipation or joy to your life right now.
5 Key Verses
- Genesis 50:20 (NIV): “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
- Romans 8:28 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
6 Questions
- How have you seen God’s providence at work in difficult situations in your own life?
- What does the story of Joseph teach us about God’s sovereignty?
- How can we develop patience and trust in God’s timing, especially during trials?
- In what ways can we actively trust God while waiting for His plans to unfold?
- How does understanding God’s sovereignty and providence change the way we view our circumstances?
- Can you share a time when a negative event in your life was used by God for a greater purpose?
- How can we encourage others who are struggling to see God’s hand in their lives?
- What role does prayer play in aligning ourselves with God’s sovereignty and providence?
7 Life Application
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to actively trust in God’s timing. When faced with a situation that requires patience, take a moment to pray and reaffirm your trust in God’s plan. Seek to do the next right thing, using your gifts and talents to serve others, even as you wait on God’s providence.
8 Key Takeaways
Title: Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Adversity
Adversity is not an indication of God’s absence but can be a tool He uses to fulfill His purposes. Like Joseph, we may face hardships, but these experiences can lead us to the exact place God intends for us to be. Embracing this truth helps us to maintain faith during life’s challenges.
Title: Patience Cultivates Spiritual Growth
Patience is a virtue that is developed through trials. As we learn to wait on God’s timing, we grow in perseverance, character, and hope. This growth is essential for spiritual maturity and prepares us for the roles God has in store for us.
Title: Active Trust Leads to Peace
An active trust in God involves continuing to do good and serve others while waiting on His plans. By focusing on what we can do rather than what we can’t control, we find peace and purpose in the waiting, knowing that God is working all things for our good.
9 Ending Prayer
Lord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the lessons learned and the fellowship shared. We pray for the courage to trust in Your sovereignty and the grace to recognize Your providence in our lives. Help us to apply what we’ve discussed to our daily walk with You. May we leave here today with renewed faith and a commitment to trust Your perfect timing. 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 Covenant Part 10 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Covenant Part 10 Discussion Guide
1 Title
Embracing Forgiveness: The Power of Letting Go
2 Sermon Summary
In this sermon, we explore the transformative power of forgiveness as exemplified in the story of Joseph from Genesis. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to a position of power in Egypt. When faced with the opportunity for retribution, Joseph chooses forgiveness, recognizing God’s greater plan at work. This act of forgiveness not only liberates his brothers from guilt but also frees Joseph from bitterness, allowing him to fulfill his role in God’s redemptive story.
The sermon emphasizes that forgiveness is not about condoning wrongs or immediately restoring trust, but about releasing the desire for revenge to God. It is a reflection of a changed heart and a step towards freedom. The message challenges us to consider our own lives, the areas where we may need to extend forgiveness, and the freedom that comes from trusting God’s justice and love.
3 Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message of forgiveness, we ask for open hearts and minds. Help us to see beyond our pain and the wrongs done to us, and to trust in Your greater purpose. May we embrace the freedom that comes from forgiveness, just as Joseph did, and may we experience Your love and grace in a new way. Guide our discussion and lead us to a deeper understanding of how to live out forgiveness in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4 Ice Breaker
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
5 Key Verses
Genesis 50:19-20 (NIV) – “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'”
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
6 Questions
- How do you think Joseph felt when he first saw his brothers in Egypt?
- What does Joseph’s response to his brothers teach us about the nature of forgiveness?
- Can you share a time when you found it difficult to forgive someone? How did you handle it?
- How does holding onto unforgiveness affect our relationship with God and others?
- What are some practical steps we can take to work towards forgiveness, even when it’s hard?
- How can we discern the difference between forgiveness and trust in relationships?
- In what ways does forgiveness free us, as it did Joseph?
- How can we apply the principle of forgiving others as Christ has forgiven us in our daily lives?
7 Life Application
This week, identify someone you may be holding a grudge against or struggling to forgive. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you release any bitterness and to begin the process of forgiveness. If you’re ready, take a step towards reconciliation, keeping in mind that trust may need to be rebuilt over time.
8 Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for the time we’ve spent together discussing Your word and the powerful example of forgiveness in Joseph’s life. As we go from here, help us to carry the message of forgiveness into our own lives. Give us the strength to let go of past hurts, to trust in Your perfect justice, and to extend grace to others as You have graciously done for us. May our lives reflect Your love and forgiveness in all that we do. 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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