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 Incarnate Part 15 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 15 Discussion Guide
Summary
This Palm Sunday sermon focuses on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as recorded in Luke 19:37-40. The pastor emphasizes how Jesus entered Jerusalem as the sovereign king, but in an unexpected way – riding on a donkey, displaying humility rather than military might. This entrance fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated Jesus’ ‘upside-down’ kingdom values, challenging societal expectations of how a king should appear and act.
Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand the significance of Your humble entry into Jerusalem. Help us to respond to Your presence with proper praise and worship, just as those who welcomed You that first Palm Sunday. Guide our discussion and reveal what You want us to learn. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the most memorable welcome or celebration you’ve ever experienced or witnessed?
Key Verses
Luke 19:37-40
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 24:7-10
Questions
Why do you think Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem on a donkey rather than a war horse?
How do you think you would have responded if you were present at Jesus’ triumphal entry?
What does it mean that ‘even the stones will cry out’ if people don’t praise Jesus?
How can we ensure our praise comes from a place of joy rather than obligation?
What are some ways we can make worship a part of our daily lives?
Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus despite the fulfillment of prophecy?
How does Jesus’ humble entry reflect His character and mission?
What areas of your life might need to be surrendered to Jesus as King?
Life Application
This week, intentionally set aside time each day to praise and worship Jesus as King. Look for opportunities to acknowledge His lordship in your daily activities and respond with joyful praise, whether through prayer, song, or acts of service.
Key Takeaways
Jesus comes as the sovereign king, but in unexpected humility
Praise is the proper response to Jesus’ presence
Worship should capture both our imagination and intellect
Jesus desires not just momentary celebration but lifetime transformation
We must choose whether to welcome or reject Jesus as King
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus as our humble King who came to save us. Help us to respond to Your presence with genuine praise and complete surrender. May we carry the joy of Palm Sunday in our hearts throughout the week ahead, remembering that You are worthy of all our worship. 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 Incarnate Part 14 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 14 Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on grace and celebration through Jesus’s parables in Luke 15. The pastor discusses three stories – the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son – which all demonstrate God’s heart for seeking and celebrating those who are lost and return to Him. The message emphasizes how God’s grace enables restoration and reconciliation, rather than strict rule-following that the Pharisees promoted.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss your amazing grace, open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of your love for us. Help us to see how you celebrate when the lost are found and guide our discussion to reflect your heart of compassion and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the most memorable celebration or party you’ve ever attended and what made it so special?
Key Verses
Luke 15:7
Luke 15:10
Luke 15:20
Luke 15:31-32
Questions
How does the father’s response to his prodigal son demonstrate God’s grace toward us?
Why do you think the older brother struggled to celebrate his brother’s return?
In what ways can we sometimes slip into a Pharisaical mindset after experiencing God’s grace?
How does understanding God’s grace change the way we view and treat others who are ‘lost’?
What prevents us from celebrating God’s work in others’ lives?
How can we maintain an attitude of gratitude for God’s grace in our daily lives?
What’s the difference between trying to earn God’s favor through rules versus living in response to His grace?
How can we avoid becoming like the ‘grumpy’ Pharisees in our own spiritual walk?
Life Application
This week, identify one situation where you tend to become judgmental or irritated with others. Practice responding with grace instead, remembering how God has shown grace to you. Look for opportunities to celebrate God’s work in others’ lives.
Key Takeaways
God actively seeks and values those who are lost
Heaven celebrates when the lost are found and restored
Grace, not rule-following, is the path to restoration with God
We should maintain an attitude of celebration rather than judgment
Living in God’s grace should transform how we treat others
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank you for your amazing grace that seeks us out and celebrates our return to you. Help us to live as people transformed by your grace, extending the same mercy and celebration to others that you have shown to us. Keep us from becoming judgmental and help us maintain the joy of our salvation. 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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