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 5 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 5 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focused on the story from John 5, where Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. The central question posed by Jesus, ‘Do you want to get well?’ serves as a profound inquiry into our willingness to step out of the familiar and into the life God has for us. The sermon emphasized the importance of choosing God’s way over our own, and the necessity of taking that first step of faith, trusting in Jesus’ guidance.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and guidance. Help us to be receptive to the changes You want to make in our lives. May we be willing to step out in faith and trust in Your perfect plan for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are looking forward to this week?
Key Verses
John 5:1-9
John 10:10
1 Peter 3:15
Questions
What does the question ‘Do you want to get well?’ mean to you personally?
Why do you think Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well?
What are some ‘familiar’ things in your life that might be holding you back from spiritual growth?
How can we discern between God’s way and our own way in daily decisions?
What are some excuses we often make that prevent us from following God’s guidance?
How can we support each other in taking steps of faith?
What role does community play in helping us ‘get well’ spiritually?
How can we present the message of Jesus with gentleness and respect to those around us?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you feel ‘stuck’ and take a step of faith towards change, trusting in God’s guidance.
Key Takeaways
Jesus pursues us and offers us the opportunity for healing and transformation.
The question ‘Do you want to get well?’ challenges us to examine our willingness to change.
Choosing God’s way over our own leads to true life and peace.
Excuses can keep us from experiencing the fullness of life God offers.
Faith requires action, often starting with a small step towards God’s direction.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the time we’ve spent together discussing Your word. Help us to carry the lessons we’ve learned into our daily lives. Give us the courage to take steps of faith and to trust in Your perfect plan. May we always seek Your guidance and choose Your way over our own. 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 4 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 4 Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, the focus is on the encounters Jesus has with different individuals in the Gospel of John, highlighting the importance of faith and the grace of God. The sermon explores Jesus’ interactions with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and a royal official, emphasizing how Jesus speaks to the specific needs of each person. The key takeaway is that faith in Jesus is not just about knowing who He is, but about trusting Him and taking action based on that trust, akin to getting into a wheelbarrow on a tightrope, fully relying on Him.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and grace, and to trust in You more fully. May we be open to the lessons You want to teach us through this discussion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you did this week that made you smile?
Key Verses
John 3:16
John 4:46-54
John 20:30-31
Questions
What stood out to you the most from the sermon?
How do you relate to Nicodemus’ struggle with understanding spiritual rebirth?
What does the story of the Samaritan woman teach us about grace?
Why do you think Jesus responded the way He did to the royal official?
How can we apply the concept of ‘getting in the wheelbarrow’ to our faith journey?
What are some areas in your life where you need to trust Jesus more?
How does understanding Jesus as the Word impact your view of His teachings?
In what ways can we avoid labeling others and see them as Jesus does?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you need to trust Jesus more and take a step of faith, even if it’s a small one. Reflect on how you can rely on His word and promises.
Key Takeaways
Faith in Jesus requires action, not just belief.
Jesus meets us at our point of need, offering grace and truth.
Understanding and accepting God’s grace is crucial for spiritual rebirth.
Jesus’ words are powerful and transformative.
Trusting Jesus involves stepping out in faith, even when it’s challenging.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the time we’ve spent together today. Help us to carry the lessons we’ve learned into our daily lives. May we trust You more deeply and live out our faith with courage and conviction. Guide us as we seek to follow You and share Your love with others. 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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