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 3 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 3 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana, where He turned water into wine. This miracle is not just about meeting a practical need but carries profound spiritual significance. It symbolizes the transformation from old religious rituals to a new covenant of grace and abundance. Jesus’ act of turning water into wine at a wedding feast highlights His mission to bring joy, abundance, and a new way of life through His sacrificial love. The sermon encourages believers to find joy in Jesus, obey His instructions, and reflect on the eternal joy that awaits in His kingdom.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. We ask for Your presence to fill this space and for Your Spirit to guide our discussion. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the joy You bring into our lives. May we be open to the transformation You offer, and may our time together be fruitful and enriching. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite celebration or event to attend, and why?
Key Verses
John 2:6-11
John 10:10
Isaiah 25:6
Questions
What does the miracle at Cana reveal about Jesus’ character and mission?
How does the transformation of water into wine symbolize the new covenant?
In what ways can we find joy in Jesus in our daily lives?
What are some ‘stone pots’ in your life that need transformation?
How can we shift our focus from temporary happiness to lasting joy in Christ?
What does it mean to obey Jesus in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense?
How does the concept of an eternal wedding feast encourage you?
What practical steps can you take this week to experience the abundant life Jesus offers?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you rely on your own efforts rather than on Jesus. Surrender this area to Him and ask for His transformative power to bring joy and abundance.
Key Takeaways
Jesus’ first miracle at Cana reveals His glory and sets the tone for His ministry.
The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the new covenant of grace.
Jesus provides abundant joy and life, replacing old rituals with new life.
Obedience to Jesus, even when it seems illogical, leads to greater blessings.
The eternal joy and abundance in Jesus surpass any temporary satisfaction.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the joy and abundance You bring into our lives. Help us to trust in Your transformative power and to live in the fullness of life that You offer. May we carry the lessons from today into our week, seeking Your guidance and sharing 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.
Kingdom Incarnate Part 2 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 2 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing his humility and understanding of his identity as a voice pointing to the Messiah. Despite his significant role, John saw himself as merely a preparer, while Jesus described him as the greatest born of women up to that time. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ as received, not achieved, and encourages believers to be a voice pointing others to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and understand the identity You have given us in Christ. Help us to be receptive to Your guidance and to be a voice that points others to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Key Verses
John 1:29-34
Mark 1:1-11
Matthew 11:7-11
Isaiah 40:3
Questions
What stood out to you about John the Baptist’s role in the sermon?
How does understanding that our identity is received, not achieved, impact your daily life?
What does it mean to you to be a ‘voice in the wilderness’ today?
How can we balance humility and boldness in our faith journey?
In what ways can we point others to Jesus in our everyday interactions?
How does the concept of Jesus as the Lamb of God resonate with you?
What are some practical ways to ‘hang out’ with Jesus during a busy week?
How can we support each other in living out our God-given identity?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to reflect on your identity in Christ. Consider how you can be a voice pointing others to Jesus in your interactions, and seek opportunities to share His love and hope.
Key Takeaways
John the Baptist saw himself as a humble preparer for Jesus.
Our identity in Christ is received, not achieved.
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Being a voice for Jesus involves both humility and boldness.
We are called to point others to the hope and love found in Jesus.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the time we’ve spent together discussing Your word. Help us to embrace our identity in You and to be bold voices for Your kingdom. Guide us as we seek to love others and point them to the hope we have in Jesus. In Your precious 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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