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 1 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Incarnate Part 1 Discussion Guide
Summary
The main focus of the sermon is the introduction of a new series exploring the New Testament, particularly the Gospel of John. The pastor highlights the significance of Jesus as the Word, who fulfills Old Testament prophecies and brings light into the world. The sermon encourages believers to engage deeply with the Bible, seeing it as a source of life and guidance, and to understand their role in God’s story as part of His rescue mission.
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 guide our discussion and for Your Spirit to open our eyes to see and know Jesus more deeply. Help us to be attentive to Your Word and to apply it in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite book or story, and why does it resonate with you?
Key Verses
John 1:1-5
John 1:14
Isaiah 55:10-11
Malachi 3:1
Questions
What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
How does understanding Jesus as the Word change your perspective on the Bible?
In what ways can we see Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies?
Why do you think it’s important to see the Bible as a unified story?
How can we better engage with the Bible in our daily lives?
What does it mean to you to be part of God’s rescue mission?
How can we support each other in our spiritual journeys?
What role does prayer play in understanding and applying God’s Word?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to read at least two chapters from the Gospel of John. Reflect on how Jesus is revealed as the Word and how this impacts your understanding of His role in your life.
Key Takeaways
Jesus is the Word, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and bringing light to the world.
The Bible is a unified story that points to Jesus and His mission.
Engaging with Scripture is vital for spiritual growth and understanding God’s plan.
Believers are part of God’s rescue mission, called to bring light to others.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the time we’ve spent together in Your Word. Help us to carry the truths we’ve learned into our daily lives. May we see and know Jesus more deeply and be empowered to live out our part in Your story. Bless our community and guide us in Your love and truth. 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 Coming Part 11 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 11 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon reflects on the journey through the Old Testament and the anticipation of moving into the New Testament, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the scriptures and how they point to Jesus. The pastor discusses the themes of exile, restoration, and the coming of God’s kingdom, highlighting the prophetic visions of Isaiah and their fulfillment in Jesus. The message encourages believers to see the unfolding story of God’s plan and to find joy in the journey, as well as to invite God into the dry places of their lives for renewal.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. As we delve into Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us. Help us to see the bigger picture of Your story and our place in it. May Your Spirit guide us and fill us with joy and understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing that brought you joy this past week?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 35:8-10
- John 14:6
- Revelation 21:4
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- How do you see the Old Testament pointing towards Jesus?
- What does the ‘highway of holiness’ mean to you?
- In what ways can we invite God into the dry places of our lives?
- How does understanding the bigger story of the Bible impact your faith?
- What are some ways you can get to know Jesus better this year?
- How do you experience the ‘now and not yet’ tension of God’s kingdom?
- What role does community play in your spiritual journey?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life that feels dry or barren and invite God into that space. Ask Him to bring His living water and renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the New Testament.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophetic visions of restoration.
- God’s kingdom is here in part, and we live in the tension of the now and not yet.
- Inviting God into our lives brings transformation and joy.
- Our journey with God is part of a larger, unfolding story.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the time we’ve spent together today. As we go from here, help us to carry the truths we’ve learned into our daily lives. May we walk on the path of holiness with You, experiencing Your joy and peace. Guide us in the coming week and draw us closer to You. 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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