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 5 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 5 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3, highlighting their unwavering faith in God despite facing a fiery ordeal. The narrative emphasizes the pressure to conform to societal norms and the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith. The sermon also draws parallels between the biblical story and modern-day challenges, encouraging believers to trust God unconditionally, even when circumstances are difficult. The presence of a fourth figure in the furnace, identified as Jesus, underscores the message that believers are never alone in their trials.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to be receptive to Your message today and to understand the depth of Your love and presence in our lives. May we be inspired by the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and may we learn to trust You more deeply. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you enjoy doing that helps you relax and unwind?
Key Verses
- Daniel 3:16-18
- 1 Peter 4:12
- Isaiah 43:2-3
Questions
- What stood out to you the most in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
- How do you handle pressure to conform to societal norms that conflict with your faith?
- What does it mean to have genuine faith in God, even when things don’t go as planned?
- Can you share a time when you experienced a ‘fiery ordeal’ and how you saw God at work in that situation?
- How does the presence of the fourth man in the furnace encourage you in your own trials?
- In what ways can we support each other in remaining steadfast in our faith?
- What are some practical steps we can take to deepen our trust in God?
- How can we be more compassionate towards others who are going through difficult times?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you feel pressured to conform. Pray for strength and wisdom to stand firm in your faith, and seek ways to demonstrate God’s love and truth in that situation.
Key Takeaways
- Faith in God should be unconditional, trusting Him even when outcomes are uncertain.
- Believers face pressure to conform, but are called to stand firm in their faith.
- God is present with us in our trials, as demonstrated by the fourth man in the furnace.
- Fiery ordeals can strengthen our faith and deepen our trust in God’s wisdom.
- Jesus is our constant companion, offering hope and deliverance in every situation.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the reminder that we are never alone in our trials. Help us to trust You more deeply and to stand firm in our faith, regardless of the pressures we face. May we be a light to those around us, showing Your love and truth in all 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.
Kingdom Coming Part 4 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 4 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the concept of covenant in the Bible, particularly the new covenant introduced in Jeremiah 31. It emphasizes the importance of trusting God, who is always faithful, even when we are not. The sermon explores the tension between law and love, highlighting how the new covenant reconciles these through Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This empowerment allows believers to live rightly, not out of obligation, but because it is where true life is found. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and to live in the balance of law and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the power of Your new covenant. May we be open to what You want to teach us today, and may Your Holy Spirit guide our discussion and transform our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you enjoy doing that helps you feel connected to God?
Key Verses
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Galatians 3:13-14
- Deuteronomy 7:9
- Deuteronomy 7:12-14
Questions
- What does the concept of a covenant mean to you personally?
- How do you see the balance of law and love in your own life?
- In what ways do you struggle with trusting God, and how can you overcome these struggles?
- How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit change the way you live your life?
- Can you share a time when you felt God’s presence in a tangible way?
- What are some practical ways to keep ‘water in the pool’ of your relationship with God?
- How can we show empowered compassion to those around us?
- What does it mean to live in the tension between law and love, and how can we do it effectively?
Life Application
This week, focus on trusting God in a specific area of your life where you have struggled. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment to live in the balance of law and love.
Key Takeaways
- God is always faithful, even when we are not.
- The new covenant reconciles law and love through Jesus Christ.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to live rightly and trust in God.
- Living in the tension between law and love requires a relationship with God.
- Empowered compassion and discernment are key aspects of a Spirit-filled life.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your new covenant and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Help us to live in the balance of law and love, trusting in Your faithfulness. May we be compassionate and discerning as we walk in Your ways. Guide us this week as we apply what we’ve learned today. 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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