I’m Steve Lawes
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Your website is the “digital foyer” for the church. It is the first impression for almost everyone that visits your church.
Community Statistics
Demographic information is helpful in getting an overview of what is happening in your community.
Church Marketing
Church marketing is a tool to help people who are in need of what your church offers to be able to connect with you.
Effective Outreach Ideas
An outreach strategy is a specific set of tactics intended to ultimately attract new people to your church.
Meet Steve Lawes
Steve Lawes is a Certified Church Consultant. He has been the lead Pastor of Keys Vineyard Church in Big Pine Key since 1992. He has a Bachelors Degree in Bible and Theology from Berean University and Masters and PhD Degrees from Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary. He lead the Cuba Missions Team for Vineyard Missions from 1995-2005 and traveled to Cuba more than twenty times helping to plant churches and build up local leaders. He served as the South Florida Area Leader for the Association of Vineyard Churches for ten years. He also founded the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary in 2014 which has a student enrollment of over 2000. He has written three devotional books, Daily Psalt Intake, Daily Sage Intake and Daily Strength Training which are now out of print but are currently available as free e-books.
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Recent Posts from Church Consultant
Embracing Forgiveness: A Path to Healing and Freedom
Introduction
In our journey through life, we often encounter situations that test our ability to forgive. Forgiveness is not just a lofty ideal but a practical pathway to healing and freedom. Today, we delve into the transformative power of forgiveness as demonstrated in the life of Joseph, a key figure in the biblical narrative.
The Power of Forgiveness in Joseph’s Story
Joseph’s life was marked by betrayal and suffering, yet it culminated in a powerful act of forgiveness that not only liberated his brothers from guilt but also freed Joseph from the chains of bitterness. His ability to see God’s hand in his circumstances transformed him from a victim into a victor within God’s redemptive plan.
Understanding Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about dismissing the wrongs done to us or immediately restoring trust. It’s about releasing the desire for retribution and allowing God to right the wrongs in His time. It’s crucial to distinguish between forgiveness and reconciliation, as the latter requires genuine repentance and a demonstrated change over time.
The Impact of Forgiveness
Forgiveness has a profound impact on both the forgiver and the forgiven. For the forgiver, it brings liberation from the burden of carrying the offense, leading to personal freedom and peace. For the forgiven, it offers a chance for restoration and a new beginning within the community.
God’s Place in Forgiveness
Joseph’s response to his brothers’ betrayal reflects a deep understanding of God’s sovereignty. By asking, “Am I in the place of God?” Joseph acknowledges that vengeance is not his to take. This perspective is essential for anyone struggling with forgiveness, as it shifts the focus from our pain to God’s greater purpose.
God’s Viewpoint: The Throne Room Perspective
From a human standpoint, it’s easy to get caught up in the pain of our circumstances. However, adopting a “throne room perspective” allows us to see that God can work through even the most challenging situations to bring about good. This viewpoint is key to embracing forgiveness and trusting in God’s plan.
God’s Love and Forgiveness
Joseph’s act of kindness towards his brothers is a reflection of divine forgiveness. It demonstrates the power of responding to wrongdoing with love, a concept that aligns with Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies. This kind of love is only possible when we understand and accept the forgiveness we have received through Christ.
Life Application
Forgiveness is a courageous step towards experiencing the fullness of God’s love and the love of safe people in our lives. It’s not about condoning the wrong or immediately restoring a broken relationship, but about freeing ourselves from the grip of past hurts to live fully in the present.
Questions for Reflection:
- Have I put myself in the place of God by holding onto unforgiveness?
- Can I adopt a “throne room perspective” to see God’s hand in my situation?
- Am I willing to trust God with the outcome as I choose to forgive?
This week, challenge yourself to take a step towards forgiveness. Identify someone you’ve struggled to forgive and bring that person before God in prayer. Release them into His care and ask for the strength to let go of the desire for retribution. Embrace the freedom that comes with forgiveness and allow God’s love to heal and transform your heart.
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.
Understanding the Kingdom Covenant: Embracing Integrity in the Life of Joseph
Embracing Integrity Through Adversity
In the journey of faith, integrity stands as a beacon, guiding us through the tumultuous waves of life’s challenges. The story of Joseph, a young man of 17, unfolds as a testament to this truth. Despite being favored by his father, Jacob, and adorned with an ornate robe, Joseph’s life was far from easy. His brothers’ hatred led to his descent into adversity, from being thrown into a pit to being sold into slavery.
The Pit to Potiphar’s House: A Test of Character
Joseph’s trials did not end with his sale into slavery. He found himself in Potiphar’s house, where his integrity was put to the test. Potiphar’s wife, a predator in her own right, sought to seduce Joseph. Yet, he stood firm, refusing to betray his master or his God. This refusal, while upholding his integrity, led to false accusations and imprisonment. Even in the depths of prison, Joseph’s steadfastness never wavered.
Power, Sex, and Despair: Overcoming Temptation
Joseph’s story is not just a historical account; it speaks to the common temptations we face today: the misuse of power, sexual immorality, and the depths of despair. In the Kingdom of God, power is meant for service to others, not self-promotion. Joseph’s handling of power in Potiphar’s house exemplifies this kingdom principle.
Sexual temptation, as seen in the advances of Potiphar’s wife, is a battle that requires a deep desire for God above all else. Joseph’s resistance reminds us that our longing for intimacy is ultimately fulfilled in our relationship with God.
Despair can lead us to take matters into our own hands, but Joseph’s life encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty. Even when we cannot see the way forward, we can rest in the assurance that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
Life Application
As we reflect on Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace, we are reminded that integrity is a choice to align our beliefs with our actions, even when faced with adversity. This week, let us challenge ourselves to:
- Use any power or influence we have to serve others, not ourselves.
- Guard our hearts against sexual temptation by seeking fulfillment in God.
- Resist despair by trusting in God’s plan, even when it’s not immediately apparent.
Consider these questions as you apply the lessons from Joseph’s life:
- How can I use my resources or influence to bless others this week?
- What steps can I take to ensure that my deepest desire remains for God?
- In moments of despair, how can I remind myself of God’s faithfulness and love?
Let us walk in integrity, trusting that God is with us through every trial, ready to give us a new start whenever we need it.
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.
Embracing Our Struggles: The Transformation of Jacob
Introduction
In our journey through life, we often encounter moments that challenge us to the core, reshaping our identity and faith. One such transformative event is vividly depicted in the biblical account of Jacob, a man who wrestled with God and emerged with a new name and a changed heart. This story offers profound insights into the nature of our struggles and the path to spiritual growth.
Meeting God in Solitude
Jacob’s encounter with God occurred in a moment of solitude. It’s essential to cultivate a personal relationship with God, one that stands firm even when we’re stripped of all support systems. Like Jacob, who sent his family and possessions across the Jabbok, we too must find time to be alone with God, allowing for an unfiltered and honest dialogue with our Creator.
Wrestling with God in Our Brokenness
Jacob’s story teaches us that God doesn’t shy away from our brokenness; in fact, He meets us there. It’s not about presenting a polished version of ourselves but coming to God with our flaws and fears. Jacob, despite his past deceptions, approached God in obedience and prayer, setting the stage for a life-altering confrontation.
The Struggle That Leads to Blessing
The mysterious wrestling match by the Jabbok River wasn’t just a physical battle; it was a spiritual turning point for Jacob. He clung to God, refusing to let go without a blessing. This persistence in the face of struggle is a powerful lesson for us. It’s in the tenacious grip on God’s presence that we find our true strength and receive the blessings meant for us.
Embracing Our Limp as a Badge of Honor
Jacob walked away from his divine encounter with a limp—a permanent reminder of his transformation. Our own struggles often leave us with scars, but these should be seen as badges of honor, testaments to our encounters with God. They remind us that our reliance should be on God’s strength, not our own.
The Paradox of Overcoming
In the wrestling match, God allowed Jacob to “overcome,” a paradox that speaks volumes about divine love. God’s willingness to engage with Jacob on his level, to the point of vulnerability, foreshadows the ultimate act of love on the cross. It’s a reminder that our victories are often found in surrender to God’s will.
Conclusion: The Challenge of Transformation
Jacob’s transformation was not an isolated event but a call to continuous growth and reliance on God. As we reflect on this story, let’s challenge ourselves to seek God in our solitude, meet Him in our brokenness, and embrace the struggles that lead to our spiritual evolution. This week, consider these questions:
- How can I create intentional moments of solitude to deepen my relationship with God?
- In what areas of my life do I need to wrestle with God to receive His blessing and transformation?
- What “limps” in my life can I embrace as reminders of God’s faithfulness and my growth in Him?
Let us walk in the footsteps of Jacob, holding onto God through our struggles, and watch as He transforms us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
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.
Testimonials
“Steve and his team at Keys Vineyard Church have built a church that has done an inspiring job reaching their community. Steve is a treasure trove of experience and has continued to prioritize learning and growth throughout his more than 30 years of ministry in a way few pastors have. You’ll get a lot out of connecting with him!”
“I watched first hand as Steve experienced the devastation of hurricane Irma in his town of Big Pine Key, Florida. The town was destroyed, the church building rendered unusable and the staff impacted personally. I watched a leader rise to the need of his community and minister in a situation that not very many could. He has a powerful voice of experience and wisdom earned the hard way.”
“Steve Lawes is a valuable coach/ mentor. I’ve watched Steve over the last thirty years build a substantial outward focused church with disciples who do what Jesus did. He has inspired leaders of churches with simple/tested ideas to develop leaders and grow churches.
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“Steve Lawes is an outstanding coach. He is authentic, creative, and personable. He has more cutting edge ideas than any pastor I know in regard to evangelism and meeting the needs of people in his community.”
Interested in Becoming a Church Consultant?
We are pleased to be partnering with the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary to be able to offer Free Church Consulting Training. Even if you are not looking to become a certified church consultant, the free church consultant training will be beneficial for your personal ministry.
One of the greatest questions Jesus asked was “Do You Want to Get Well?”
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