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 Foreshadowed Part 16 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 16 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon delves into the Book of Judges, highlighting the recurring theme of Israel’s disobedience and the resulting chaos when people choose to follow their own desires instead of God’s guidance. Pastor Doug emphasizes the sin cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, deliverance, and rest, which the Israelites repeatedly fall into. Despite the darkness and moral decay depicted in Judges, there is a glimmer of hope pointing to the coming of a true King, Jesus Christ, who would ultimately deliver humanity from sin and death.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, eager to receive Your wisdom and guidance. We ask that You help us to be attentive to Your voice and open to the lessons You have for us today. May Your Holy Spirit move among us, bringing clarity and understanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you remember doing as a child that you still find yourself doing today?
Key Verses
- Judges 2:18-19
- Judges 17:6
- Deuteronomy 12:8
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from the sermon?
- How do you see the sin cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, deliverance, and rest in your own life?
- Why do you think the Israelites kept forgetting God’s faithfulness?
- What are some modern-day ‘idols’ that people might turn to instead of God?
- How can we ensure the next generation knows about God’s love and faithfulness?
- In what ways can we avoid doing what is right in our own eyes and instead follow God’s guidance?
- How does the hope of Jesus as our true King impact your daily life?
- What steps can you take this week to break any negative cycles in your life?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you might be doing what is right in your own eyes. Pray for guidance and take a step towards aligning that area with God’s will.
Key Takeaways
- Living for ourselves leads to chaos and destruction.
- The sin cycle is a recurring pattern that can be broken by turning to God.
- God’s mercy is evident even in times of rebellion.
- Jesus is the ultimate deliverer and King who brings hope and salvation.
- We must ensure the next generation knows and follows God.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the lessons from the Book of Judges and the hope we have in Jesus. Help us to break free from any cycles of sin and to live according to Your will. May we be a light to others, showing them Your love and faithfulness. 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.
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 15 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 15 Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, we explore the story of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, focusing on his encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army, who is revealed to be a theophany of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous, trusting in God’s strength rather than our own, and choosing to follow God’s way for true life. The narrative also draws parallels between Joshua’s leadership and Moses’ earlier journey, highlighting the continuous foreshadowing of Jesus throughout the Old Testament.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your word. We ask that You guide our discussion today and help us to be receptive to the lessons You want us to learn. May we be strong and courageous, trusting in Your strength and wisdom. Bless our time together and let Your presence be felt among us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are grateful for this week?
Key Verses
- Joshua 1:5-9
- Joshua 5:13-15
- Exodus 3:2-5
- Malachi 3:1
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you interpret the encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord’s army?
- Why do you think God repeatedly told Joshua to be ‘strong and courageous’?
- How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God’s strength rather than our own in our daily lives?
- What are some modern-day ‘Jerichos’ that we face, and how can we overcome them with God’s help?
- How does the concept of a theophany deepen your understanding of Jesus’ presence in the Old Testament?
- In what ways can we ensure that we are choosing God’s way in our lives?
- How can we support and pray for our neighbors and community, especially in times of crisis?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you need to be ‘strong and courageous.’ Pray for God’s strength and guidance in that area, and take a step of faith to trust in His plan.
Key Takeaways
- Trust in God’s strength and be courageous.
- Jesus appears throughout the Old Testament, foreshadowing His ultimate role as our Savior.
- Choosing God’s way leads to true life and fulfillment.
- God’s presence and guidance are always with us, even in challenging times.
- Being a good neighbor and showing grace to others is a reflection of God’s love.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the insights and lessons we’ve gained today. Help us to be strong and courageous as we face the challenges in our lives. May we always choose Your way and trust in Your strength. Guide us to be good neighbors and to show grace and love to those around us. As we go forth this week, let Your presence be our constant companion. 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
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