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 3 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Covenant Part 3 Discussion Guide
1 Title
“Kingdom Covenant: The Faithfulness of God and Our Miracle Identity”
2 Sermon Summary
In this sermon, we explore the theme of God’s faithfulness as seen through His covenant with Abram, who is later named Abraham. Despite Abraham and Sarai’s failure to trust God, leading to the mistreatment of Hagar and the birth of Ishmael, God remains faithful to His promises. The sermon highlights the significance of circumcision as a sign of covenant and mercy, and a reminder of the value of every person. The focus then shifts to the miraculous nature of God’s promises, particularly the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, and ultimately, the virgin birth of Jesus. The sermon concludes by reminding us that as followers of Jesus, we are miracle children, born again into eternal life, a transformation only possible through God’s power.
3 Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we have heard, we ask for open hearts and minds. Help us to see Your faithfulness in our lives and to recognize the miracle of our new identity in Christ. May our discussion be guided by Your Spirit, and may we be receptive to the lessons You have for us today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
4 Ice Breaker
What is one small thing that you are grateful for today?
5 Key Verses
- Genesis 17:4-5 (NIV): “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.”
- John 1:12 (NIV): “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
6 Questions
- How does the story of Abraham and Sarai’s failure to trust God challenge your own faith journey?
- In what ways have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life, even when you have made mistakes?
- What does the sign of circumcision teach us about God’s view of personhood and value?
- How does the concept of being a “miracle child” change your perspective on your identity in Christ?
- Can you share a time when you witnessed a “kingdom breakthrough” in your life or someone else’s?
- How can we better trust God’s promises, even when they seem impossible by human standards?
- What does it mean to you to be part of the “royal priesthood” as a follower of Jesus?
- How can we support each other in our group to live out our identities as miracle children of God?
7 Life Application
This week, let’s each take time to meditate on the truth that we are miracle children of God. Let’s look for opportunities to share this miraculous identity with others, whether through our words, actions, or simply by living out the joy of our salvation. Consider one specific way you can demonstrate God’s love to a neighbor or someone in need.
8 Ending Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion. As we go forth from here, may we carry with us the assurance of Your unending faithfulness and the wonder of our miraculous birth into Your family. Help us to live out our identity as Your children, to bless others as we have been blessed, and to walk in the confidence of Your promises. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and the ultimate Miracle Child, 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 Covenant Part 2 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Covenant Part 2 Discussion Guide
1 Title
Kingdom Covenant: Embracing Our Royal Priesthood
2 Sermon Summary
In this sermon, we explore the concept of the royal priesthood, beginning with the figure of Melchizedek, who appears in Genesis as both a king and a priest, blessing Abram with bread and wine. This idea of a royal priesthood is traced through Scripture, from King David to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Royal Priest. The sermon emphasizes that, as followers of Christ, we too are part of this royal priesthood, called to serve, bless, and love God and others. The message concludes with the reminder that our failures do not define us; rather, God works through our failures for His glory and our benefit.
3 Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to delve into Your Word and the message we have heard, we ask for Your Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. May we be open to the lessons You have for us, and may our discussion be fruitful and honoring to You. Help us to embrace our identity as part of Your royal priesthood, to serve and love as You have called us to. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
4 Ice Breaker
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
5 Key Verses
- Genesis 14:18-19 (NIV): “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.'”
- 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
6 Questions
- What does the figure of Melchizedek teach us about the role of a royal priest?
- How does the concept of a royal priesthood challenge our understanding of leadership and service?
- In what ways did Jesus embody the role of the ultimate Royal Priest?
- How can we, as modern believers, live out our calling as a royal priesthood in our daily lives?
- What are some practical ways we can bless others as part of our priestly service?
- How does understanding our identity as God’s chosen people and royal priesthood affect our self-perception and actions?
- Can you share a time when you felt you were a blessing to someone else?
- How can we maintain humility while embracing our royal priesthood?
7 Life Application
This week, let’s each find one way to serve someone in our community as an act of royal priesthood. Whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or a prayer, let’s intentionally bless someone else and reflect God’s love to them.
8 Ending Prayer
Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the privilege of being Your royal priesthood. May the discussions we’ve had today resonate in our hearts throughout the week. Help us to live out our calling with humility and love, serving You by serving others. Guide us as we seek to be a blessing in our communities, and may Your light shine through 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
Ask a question or schedule a free thirty minute Zoom chat below.
