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 Coming Part 10 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 10 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on the theme of restoration and reconciliation through Jesus Christ, particularly during the Advent season. It highlights the significance of Jesus’ birth as part of God’s grand plan of redemption, emphasizing the restoration of our relationship with God, peace within ourselves, and the ultimate restoration of all creation. The message encourages believers to see themselves as part of God’s ongoing story and to live in the hope and assurance of His promises.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for this time together. As we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the hope we have in Jesus. May we be transformed by Your truth and live out Your love in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite Christmas tradition and why?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Revelation 21:3-4
- John 3:16
Questions
- What does the term ‘Emmanuel’ mean to you personally?
- How does the promise of restoration in Revelation 21 and 22 give you hope?
- In what ways can we experience God’s peace in our daily lives?
- How can we be part of God’s story of redemption in our communities?
- What are some practical ways to demonstrate God’s love during the Advent season?
- How does understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan affect your view of Christmas?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in our journey of faith?
- How can we encourage others to see themselves as part of God’s story?
Life Application
This week, take time to reflect on how you can be a part of God’s story of love and redemption. Consider reaching out to a neighbor or friend to share the hope and peace you have in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ birth is part of God’s grand plan of redemption.
- Restoration involves our relationship with God, inner peace, and the renewal of creation.
- Believers are invited to be part of God’s ongoing story.
- The Advent season is a time to reflect on both the first and second coming of Christ.
- God’s love and promises bring hope and assurance to our lives.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the gift of Jesus and the hope of restoration. As we leave this place, may we carry Your love and peace into the world. Help us to live as part of Your story, sharing Your light with those around us. 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 9 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Coming Part 9 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focused on the theme of joy, particularly in the context of the Advent season. It emphasized the difference between happiness, which is circumstantial, and joy, which is a deep, durable delight in God. The message highlighted the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus to experience true joy, regardless of our circumstances. The sermon also encouraged the congregation to engage in worship, prayer, and acts of kindness as ways to cultivate joy in their lives.
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 the joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to focus on Your presence and promises, and let Your joy fill our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing that brings you joy during the Christmas season?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 12:2-6
- Luke 2:8-14
- Psalm 16:11
- Nehemiah 8:10
- Romans 15:13
Questions
- What is the difference between happiness and joy, according to the sermon?
- How can we cultivate joy in our daily lives?
- Why is it important to focus on Jesus during the Advent season?
- How does the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrate the joy of the Christmas message?
- What role does worship and music play in experiencing joy?
- How can we share the joy of the Lord with others during this season?
- What are some practical ways to anchor our hearts in God’s promises?
- How can we find joy even in difficult circumstances?
Life Application
This week, focus on cultivating joy by spending time in worship and prayer each day. Look for opportunities to share kindness and the joy of the Lord with those around you.
Key Takeaways
- Joy is a deep, durable delight in God that surpasses circumstances.
- Focusing on Jesus is essential for experiencing true joy.
- Worship and music are powerful ways to connect with God’s joy.
- Sharing kindness and the message of Jesus spreads joy to others.
- Anchoring our hearts in God’s promises helps us maintain joy.
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. As we leave this place, help us to carry Your joy into our daily lives and share it with those around us. May Your presence be our strength and our song. 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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