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 1 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 1 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon introduces a new series titled ‘Kingdom Coming,’ which explores the biblical narrative from the Chronicles through Malachi. The focus is on understanding the storyline of the Bible and its significance in enhancing our relationship with Jesus. The sermon discusses the departure of God’s glory from the temple due to the corruption of the people, leading to exile. It emphasizes the longing for home that exists within each of us, a longing that can only be fulfilled through Jesus, our Redeemer. The sermon encourages believers to live as signposts pointing others to the way home, which is found in Jesus.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and understand the deeper story of Your love and pursuit of us. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite way to make your home feel cozy and welcoming?
Key Verses
- Jeremiah 31:31-33
- Ezekiel 10:3-4
- Psalm 90:1-2
- Ephesians 1:7-10
Questions
- What does the concept of exile mean to you personally?
- How do you experience the longing for ‘home’ in your life?
- In what ways do you see yourself as a signpost pointing others to Jesus?
- How does understanding the storyline of the Bible enhance your relationship with Jesus?
- What are some ways you can ‘visit’ your future home with God through worship and prayer?
- How does the promise of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31 encourage you?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is our Redeemer?
- How can we support each other in living out our faith as we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises?
Life Application
This week, focus on being a signpost for others by living out the love and grace of Jesus in your daily interactions. Share your faith story with someone who may be seeking direction.
Key Takeaways
- The glory of God departed from the temple due to the people’s corruption.
- We all have a deep longing for our true home with God.
- Jesus is our Redeemer, providing a way back to God.
- Understanding the Bible’s storyline enhances our relationship with Jesus.
- As believers, we are signposts pointing others to the way home in Jesus.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the hope and promise of a future with You. Help us to live as signposts, guiding others to Your love and grace. Strengthen us as we wait for the fulfillment of Your promises. 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.
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 17 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 17 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focused on the concept of the temple in the Bible, tracing its significance from the tabernacle period to the establishment of the temple by Solomon. It highlighted the promise God made to David about building a house and a family, which ultimately points to Jesus as the true temple and king. The sermon emphasized that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, a place where heaven and earth meet, and encouraged living in the reality of God’s presence within us.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and understand the depth of Your love and presence in our lives. Help us to be attentive to what You want to teach us through this discussion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite fall activity or tradition?
Key Verses
- 2 Samuel 7:11-13
- 1 Kings 8:22-30
- John 2:19-21
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from the sermon?
- How does the concept of being a ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ impact your daily life?
- What are some ways we can be more aware of God’s presence in our lives?
- Why do you think God chose to dwell among His people in the form of a temple?
- How can we apply the lessons from the story of David and Solomon to our own lives?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the ultimate temple?
- In what ways can we show others that we are a place where heaven and earth meet?
- How can we support those affected by natural disasters, as mentioned in the sermon?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to consciously acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Reflect on how you can be a living temple, showing God’s love and grace to those around you.
Key Takeaways
- God’s promise to David about building a house and a family points to Jesus.
- Jesus is the ultimate temple, where heaven and earth meet.
- Believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- God’s presence is with us, guiding and nurturing us.
- We are called to live in the reality of God’s presence within us.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the reminder that we are Your temple, filled with Your Spirit. Help us to live in a way that honors You and reflects Your love to the world. Guide us as we go about our week, and may we be ever aware of Your presence in our lives. 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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