I’m Steve Lawes
Certified Church Consultant
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Utilizing a process we call “Virtual Church Consulting” we work with you through a series of steps to help pinpoint problems and offer solutions. This all online church consulting method is effective and affordable.
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Internet Impact
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 Health Survey
A church health survey/assessment is a helpful tool that will give you information on the overall health of your church.
Effective Outreach Ideas
An outreach strategy is a specific set of tactics intended to ultimately attract new people to your church.
Church Consulting & Coaching
We offer a wide range of Church Consulting and Ministry Coaching Services. Our desire is to help pastors and churches thrive so that they are able to fulfill the calling that God has on them for their community.
Church Marketing
Think of church marketing as a tool to help people who are in need of what your church offers to be able to connect with you. We are not trying to sell something people don’t need. We are trying to connect them with the One who changes everything. Click on this link to read more about developing a Church Marketing Strategy.
Church Revitalization
Church Revitalization is the process of leading a dying or declining church back to a healthy place so that it can continue to carry out the calling and purpose that God has for it. Steve Lawes is certified in Church Revitalization with Church Answers.
Ministry and Pastoral Coaching
We offer a wide variety of Coaching Services for pastors and churches. For more information go to Church Encourager.
Disciplship Training
Partnering with the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary we are able to offer a wide variety of Discipleship Training opportunites for pastors and churches.
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 1800. 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
Understanding God’s Love: A Christmas Sermon Summary
Introduction
This week, we looked into the profound themes of love, hope, peace, and joy as we continued our “Kingdom Coming” series. This sermon, rooted in the Advent season, explores the love of God through the lens of Isaiah 9:6-7 and the broader narrative of the Bible, culminating in the ultimate restoration promised in Revelation 21 and 22.
The Significance of Jesus’ Titles
What Do the Titles of Jesus Reveal About His Character?
Isaiah 9:6-7 provides a powerful prophecy about Jesus, describing Him as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles reveal the multifaceted character of Jesus as one who guides, protects, and brings peace to a broken world. They also demonstrate God’s passionate love and His intention to restore and reconcile His people.
The Bigger Christmas Story
How Does the Christmas Story Fit Into God’s Plan of Redemption?
Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus in a manger; it’s part of a much larger story of redemption. Jesus’ arrival marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore and reconcile all creation. This plan is vividly depicted in Revelation 21 and 22, where the ultimate restoration of heaven and earth is promised.
Restoration Through Jesus
What Are the Three Key Areas of Restoration?
- Restoration of Our Relationship with God: Sin created a barrier between humanity and God, but Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made a way for us to be reconciled with God. This reconciliation is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of our journey with Jesus.
- Restoration of Peace Within Ourselves: Knowing Jesus brings an inner peace that transcends our circumstances. The Holy Spirit works within us to heal our brokenness and transform us from the inside out, helping us to live in the assurance of God’s promises.
- Restoration of All Creation: The ultimate restoration will occur when Jesus returns, bringing heaven to earth and renewing all creation. This future promise gives us hope and a glimpse of the perfect world God originally intended.
Life Application
How Can We Apply This Sermon to Our Lives This Week?
As we reflect on the themes of this sermon, let’s consider how we can live out the love of God in our daily lives. Here are a few questions to ponder:
- Restoration of Our Relationship with God: Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, what is holding you back from making this life-changing decision?
- Restoration of Peace Within Ourselves: Are there areas in your life where you need to experience God’s peace? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas?
- Restoration of All Creation: How can you be a part of God’s restoration plan in your community? What steps can you take to share the love and hope of Jesus with those around you?
Challenge for the Week
This week, let’s focus on being agents of God’s love and restoration. Reach out to a neighbor or friend who may need encouragement. Share the hope and peace that comes from knowing Jesus. And most importantly, take time to reflect on the incredible gift of Jesus and how His love has transformed your life.
Conclusion
The Christmas story is a beautiful reminder of God’s passionate love for us and His plan to restore all things. As we celebrate this season, let’s embrace the fullness of this story and live out the love of Jesus in our daily lives. May you experience the peace, joy, and hope that comes from knowing Him. Merry Christmas!
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.
Finding Joy in the Advent Season
Introduction
As we journey through the Bible, we find ourselves in the book of Isaiah, exploring themes of hope, peace, and joy that beautifully tie into the Advent season. This summary will help you grasp the essence of the sermon and reflect on how you can apply its teachings to your life.
What is True Joy?
Joy vs. Happiness
In our culture, joy and happiness are often confused. Happiness is circumstantial, dependent on external factors aligning perfectly. Joy, however, is a deep, durable delight in God that transcends circumstances. It is rooted in our relationship with God and the promises He has made to us.
The Source of Joy
Isaiah 12:2-6 speaks of drawing water from the wells of salvation with joy. This imagery points to Jesus, the living water, and the eternal joy we find in Him. Our joy is anchored in the salvation He provides and the hope of His return.
The Christmas Story: A Message of Joy
The Shepherds’ Joy
In Luke 2:8-14, we see shepherds receiving the good news of Jesus’ birth. These outcasts were chosen to hear the message of great joy first. This story reminds us that joy is available to all, regardless of our circumstances or status.
Joy in Worship
The Christmas story is filled with songs of joy. From the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds’ praise, music and joy are intertwined. Worshiping God through song is a powerful way to experience and express our joy in Him.
How to Cultivate Joy
Daily Practices
- Worship and Prayer: Spend time in God’s presence daily. Psalm 16:11 tells us that in His presence, there is fullness of joy.
- Gratitude: Start each day by thanking God for His blessings. Focus on what He is doing in your life rather than what is lacking.
- Scripture: Anchor your heart in God’s promises. Keep verses like Romans 15:13 close to remind you of the hope and joy found in Him.
Sharing Joy with Others
- Kindness: Be considerate and kind to those around you. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
- Encouragement: Share the reason for your hope and joy with others. Your testimony can inspire and uplift those who are struggling.
Life Application
Embrace Joy This Week
As we navigate the Advent season, let’s focus on cultivating joy in our lives. Here are a few questions to reflect on:
- Where is your focus? Are you seeking happiness in circumstances or joy in your relationship with God?
- How can you practice gratitude daily? What are five things you can thank God for today?
- Who can you encourage this week? Look for opportunities to share your joy and hope with others.
Challenge
This week, challenge yourself to find joy in God’s presence. Spend time in worship, prayer, and gratitude. Share your joy with others through acts of kindness and encouragement. Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Conclusion
Joy is a profound gift from God, deeply rooted in our salvation and relationship with Him. As we celebrate the Advent season, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, the source of our joy. May we experience His joy in our lives and share it with those around us. God bless you, and may you have a joyful week!
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.
Experiencing the Peace of Christ: A Journey Through Isaiah 9
Introduction
This week, we continue our Advent series, “Kingdom Coming,” by exploring Isaiah 9 and the peace that Jesus brings into our lives. Whether you’re seeking answers about faith, looking for lessons from the Bible, or simply wanting to understand more about Christianity, this summary will guide you through the key points of the sermon.
What is Advent?
Advent is a season that reorients us between two significant events: the first coming of Christ in Bethlehem and the anticipation of His second coming in glory. This period is marked by themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. It serves as a reminder of the tension we live in—the “now and the not yet”—as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Prophecy of Peace
Who is the Prince of Peace?
Isaiah 9:6-7 is a powerful prophecy about Jesus Christ, written several hundred years before His birth. It describes Him as the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This passage assures us that Jesus will one day rule in peace over all the earth, establishing a kingdom of justice and righteousness.
How Does Jesus Bring Peace?
Isaiah gives us glimpses of the peace that Jesus will bring, not just to humanity but to all of creation. In Isaiah 11, we read about a time when predators and prey will live together in harmony, symbolizing the complete reconciliation of nature to God. This peace extends to all aspects of life, transforming conflict into harmony.
Three Relationships of Peace
Peace with God
The most fundamental need of every human being is to be at peace with God. This peace is the foundation for all other forms of peace. According to Romans 5:1, we are justified through faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This justification means that God sees us as righteous because of Jesus, allowing us to have a restored relationship with Him.
Peace with Our Own Soul
When we have peace with God, we gain access to inner peace. This peace guards us against anxiety, fear, and weariness, allowing us to live the abundant life that Jesus promises. John 14:27 assures us that Jesus gives us a peace that the world cannot offer. To experience this peace, we must anchor our minds and hearts in Him, trusting in His presence and promises.
Peace with Others
Peace with others is often the most challenging to achieve because it involves factors beyond our control. However, Paul encourages us in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on us. This involves extending the same grace and forgiveness that God has shown us. Ephesians 4:31-32 calls us to get rid of bitterness and anger, and to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other just as God forgave us in Christ.
Life Application
How Can We Apply This Message?
This Christmas season, embrace the peace that Jesus offers by pursuing Him above all else. Here are a few questions to reflect on:
- Peace with God: Have you fully submitted your life to Jesus? Are there areas where you need to seek His forgiveness and restoration?
- Peace with Your Own Soul: Are you experiencing anxiety or fear? How can you anchor your mind and heart in God’s promises to find inner peace?
- Peace with Others: Are there strained relationships in your life? How can you extend grace and forgiveness to those who have hurt you?
A Challenge for the Week
This week, challenge yourself to spend time in prayer, seeking God’s peace in all three areas of your life. Lay your anxieties at His feet and ask Him to fill you with His peace. As you experience His peace, let it overflow into your relationships with others, becoming a vessel of His love and grace.
Conclusion
May this Advent season guide you into a deeper experience of God’s love and joy. Pursue peace with God, within your own soul, and with others, and let the Prince of Peace transform your life. Thank you for joining us, and may the peace of God fill your hearts and extend to all your relationships.
God bless you, and we look forward to seeing you next week as we continue our series with a focus on joy.
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?”
I t would seem that the answer was obvious. But getting well for the man who had been not well for a very long time meant that he would have to do something different. It is not easy to change, but it always starts with a first step.
Take that first step now by sceduling your no obligation, free thirty (30) minute Zoom meeting with us today. You have nothing to lose and it may be your first step to a new and healthy way of doing and being the church.
Don’t Wait Any Longer. Take The First Step Toward Getting Well Today!
