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 14 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 14 Discussion Guide
Summary
Today’s sermon focused on the importance of having a transformed heart, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 6 and 30. The Shema, a central prayer in Judaism, calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. However, the sermon emphasized that merely hearing God’s commands is not enough; we must also act on them. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own but requires a new heart given by God, as prophesied by Ezekiel and Jeremiah. The sermon also connected this transformation to the work of Jesus on the cross, who fulfilled the covenant and made it possible for us to have a renewed heart and live a life fully devoted to God.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your word. We ask that You help us to not only hear Your commands but to act on them. Transform our hearts, Lord, so that we may love You fully and live according to Your will. Guide our discussion today and help us to be receptive to what You want us to learn. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one activity or hobby that makes you feel most alive and why?
Key Verses
- Deuteronomy 6:4-7
- Deuteronomy 30:1-10
- Ezekiel 36:26-27
- Jeremiah 24:7
- John 3:3
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you understand the concept of a ‘transformed heart’?
- Why do you think it’s easier to hear God’s commands than to act on them?
- How does the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) apply to our lives today?
- What are some practical ways we can love God with all our heart, soul, and strength?
- How has Jesus’ work on the cross made it possible for us to have a transformed heart?
- Can you share a time when you felt God was transforming your heart?
- What steps can we take this week to ensure we are not just hearers of the word but doers as well?
Life Application
This week, focus on one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to act on His word. Make a conscious effort to not only hear but also do what He is asking of you. Share your experience with the group next week.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing God’s word is important, but acting on it is crucial.
- A transformed heart is necessary to fully love and obey God.
- Jesus’ work on the cross makes it possible for us to have a renewed heart.
- God desires a relationship with us where we live fully for Him.
- The Shema calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for this time of discussion and reflection. We ask that You continue to work in our hearts, transforming us to be more like You. Help us to not only hear Your word but to live it out in our daily lives. Guide us in loving You with all our heart, soul, and strength. 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 13 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 13 Discussion Guide
Summary
In today’s sermon, we explored the significance of the priestly blessing from Numbers 6 and its connection to God’s desire to dwell with His people. We also delved into the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in our daily lives, as illustrated by the Israelites’ need to consult Moses when they were ceremonially unclean during Passover. Finally, we examined the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 and its foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion, highlighting the necessity of looking to Jesus for salvation and eternal life.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today to delve into Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to receive the wisdom and guidance You have for us. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the significance of Your presence in our lives. May we be attentive to Your voice and seek Your direction in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite fruit and why?
Key Verses
- Numbers 6:24-26
- Numbers 9:1-5
- Numbers 21:4-9
- John 3:14-15
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How does the priestly blessing in Numbers 6 resonate with you personally?
- Why do you think it was important for the Israelites to celebrate Passover, even if they were ceremonially unclean?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where you needed to seek God’s wisdom for a decision? How did you go about it?
- What do you think the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 symbolizes in the context of Jesus’ crucifixion?
- How does understanding the connection between the Old Testament stories and Jesus’ life impact your faith?
- In what ways can we be more intentional about seeking God’s guidance in our daily lives?
- How can we support each other in our spiritual journeys and in seeking God’s wisdom?
Life Application
This week, make a conscious effort to seek God’s wisdom in your daily decisions. Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Reflect on the areas of your life where you may be relying on your own understanding and invite God to lead you in His ways.
Key Takeaways
- The priestly blessing reminds us of God’s desire to dwell with His people and bless them.
- Seeking God’s wisdom is crucial for navigating life’s challenges and decisions.
- The story of the bronze serpent foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion and the salvation He offers.
- Understanding the connections between Old Testament stories and Jesus’ life deepens our faith.
- God’s presence and guidance are available to us through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the insights and revelations You’ve given us today. As we go forth, help us to remember the importance of seeking Your wisdom and guidance in all that we do. May we be ever mindful of Your presence and the incredible access we have to You through Jesus. Strengthen our faith and help us to support one another in our spiritual journeys. 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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