Virtual Church Consulting

We just started a new series called “Kingdom Revealed” last week and looked at Genesis Chapter 1. We will take some time this week to emphasize four main ideas before we move on to Genesis Chapter 2. The four ideas are the cosmic temple, cosmology, imagers, and elohim.

We finished up last week with the following passage:

Genesis 2:1-3 (NIV)
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

While the address for the passage says Genesis 2, these verses should be included in Genesis Chapter 1. They picture the completion of the cosmic temple developed in Genesis Chapter 1. We said the heart of God was to dwell with us, His imagers, on this planet in a perfect situation. Genesis 1 is a picture of God’s ideal.

To make sense of what is happening in Genesis Chapter 1, it is essential to understand Biblical cosmology. Cosmology is a way of thinking about things. You have a cosmology, as did the people to whom the Bible was first written. We can’t force our 2023 way of thinking on the text in Genesis Chapter 1. It is not a science book or a textbook. It is divinely inspired literature that was written over 2500 years ago. We need to understand Genesis Chapter 1 from the cosmology of the people it was originally written to. Biblical cosmology is not a scientific model for understanding the universe but a theological and symbolic framework. It is less about providing a literal description of physical reality and more about articulating a spiritual, moral, and metaphysical worldview.

We will also deepen our discussion about what it means to be created in the image of God.

Genesis 1:27-28
27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Human beings were created to be like God. The most helpful way to understand this is to think of the word as a verb. We were created to image God, to be his imagers, to partner with Him and represent Him.

We need to introduce the elohim into our series as well. Before God created us, His human family (imagers), he created a spiritual family. We often think of them as the angels. But this spiritual family is actually more than angels. The Bible calls them “sons of God.”

Job 38:4-7 (NIV)
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

God’s heart is to live with his divine and human family on earth. God wanted the whole earth to be a place where heaven and earth met, where humanity could enjoy the divine, and where the divine could enjoy earth and humanity.

We will look at this and more at Keys Vineyard Church this weekend, so plan to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

Creating a sermon series can powerfully impact the spiritual growth of a congregation, providing a deeper understanding and application of biblical truths. Crafting a cohesive, meaningful, and inspiring sermon series involves strategic planning, prayerful consideration, and attentiveness to the congregation’s spiritual needs. Here, we explore ten suggestions for constructing a sermon series that can sow seeds of faith, hope, and love into the hearts of listeners.

1. Relevant Topic Selection

Choosing a topic that resonates with the congregation is pivotal. It could be based on a specific book or character of the Bible, or it might address prevalent struggles such as anxiety, faith, relationships, or spiritual growth. Here is a list of ten possible sermon series to consider:

Discovering Purpose:
Explore how believers can find and live out their God-given purpose.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10

Living Hope:
An exploration of the hope found in Christ despite life’s challenges.
Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 15:13

The Life of Jesus:
Diving into the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Scriptures: The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

Fruit of the Spirit:
A series on the fruits of the spirit and how to cultivate them daily.
Scriptures: Galatians 5:22-23

Navigating Relationships:
Addressing aspects of various relationships – marriage, friendship, family, and work from a Biblical perspective.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 5:21-33

Spiritual Disciplines:
Exploring practices like prayer, fasting, worship, and solitude for spiritual growth.
Scriptures: Matthew 6, 1 Timothy 4:7-8

End Times and Eschatology:
It is understanding what the Bible says about the end times, heaven, and eternity.
Scriptures: Revelation, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Faith and Doubt:
Addressing doubts, asking questions, and strengthening faith.
Scriptures: John 20:24-29, Jude 1:22

The Armor of God:
Exploring spiritual warfare and how believers can equip themselves.
Scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-18

Parables of Jesus:
In-depth looks at Jesus’s stories and the truths they reveal about the Kingdom of God.
Scriptures: Various parables across the Gospels

2. Prayerful Consideration

Every powerful sermon series begins with earnest prayer. Seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and direction ensures that the series aligns with His will and meets the congregation’s spiritual needs.

3. Consistency in Theme

Maintain a consistent theme throughout the series to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Ensure that each sermon, while a standalone message, contributes cohesively to the larger thematic arc.

4. Incorporate Diverse Scripture

Utilize a variety of scriptures to offer a holistic biblical perspective on the theme. This will provide depth and a comprehensive understanding, enabling congregants to explore how biblical passages interrelate.

5. Make It Relatable

Craft sermons that are relatable and applicable to daily living. Utilize real-life examples, stories, and practical applications to help congregants connect biblical principles to their everyday experiences.

6. Engaging Presentation

Ensure that the delivery is engaging and captures attention. Employing effective communication techniques, such as incorporating visuals, videos, and interactive elements, can enhance the delivery and retention of the message.

7. Accompanying Resources

Provide additional resources like study guides, devotionals, or small group materials that align with the sermon series. This ensures congregants can dive deeper during the week and facilitates community discussion and reflection.

8. Invite Guest Speakers

Consider incorporating guest speakers, bringing fresh insights and perspectives on the theme. This variety can enrich the series and maintain a dynamic atmosphere.

9. Feedback Mechanism

Establish a feedback mechanism, inviting congregants to share their thoughts, questions, and reflections on the sermons. This can inform future sermon series and facilitate a more interactive and engaged learning environment.

10. Evaluate and Reflect

Post-series, take time to evaluate its impact and reflect on areas of improvement. Consider gathering a focus group from the congregation to provide insights on what worked well and areas that could be enhanced.

A thoughtfully curated sermon series has the potential to inspire change, provoke thought, and encourage spiritual development within a church community. Pastors and ministry leaders can effectively shepherd their congregation toward more profound understanding and spiritual maturity by ensuring the series is prayerfully considered, contextually relevant, consistently themed, and engagingly delivered. Moreover, providing supplementary resources, inviting diverse voices, and incorporating feedback ensures sustained engagement and facilitates continuous improvement in the spiritual nourishment provided to the flock. Ultimately, every sermon series should aim to glorify God, edify believers, and magnificently illustrate the timeless truths contained within the Scriptures.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

As a church consultant, it is imperative to be in tune with the major issues the church is dealing with. The church in America, like other institutions, is not immune to the ever-shifting landscape of societal change, cultural evolution, and global events. Over the last few decades, the church has grappled with a range of issues, some longstanding and some relatively new. This article sheds light on the top five problems facing the American church today:

1. Declining Church Attendance and Religious Affiliation: Over the past several years, numerous studies and polls have shown a decline in church attendance and religious affiliation among Americans, particularly younger generations. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of adults who describe themselves as Christians has been dropping. At the same time, the religiously unaffiliated — a group comprising atheists, agnostics, and those who claim “nothing in particular” — has seen a significant rise. The challenge here is to discern the root causes behind this trend and address them effectively.
2. Sexual Abuse and Institutional Accountability: Sadly, over the past few decades, the American church has grappled with revelations of sexual abuse, often perpetrated by those in positions of trust and power. While the Roman Catholic Church has been at the forefront of media scrutiny due to the exposure of widespread abuse and cover-ups, Protestant denominations have not been exempt from such incidents. This has led to a crisis of trust and faith in church leadership. Addressing this requires both justice for the victims and a comprehensive plan for prevention, including better vetting, training, and oversight.
3. The Church’s Response to Social Issues: The church’s stance on contemporary social issues such as LGBTQ rights, racial justice, immigration, and climate change, among others, has been a point of contention. While some congregations have taken progressive stances, advocating for inclusivity and justice, others have held to more traditional or conservative views. This divergence has led to polarization within the church, often reflecting broader societal divides. The challenge is discerning how the church can navigate these issues while remaining faithful to its core teachings and promoting unity.
4. Economic Challenges and Resource Allocation: Many churches face financial struggles as attendance declines. Decreased tithing and donations have led to challenges in maintaining church properties, funding outreach programs, and supporting missions. Decisions about resource allocation can lead to tensions, especially when congregants feel that their priorities are not being met or that funds are being mismanaged. The church must find sustainable financial models to function effectively in a changing economic landscape.
5. Digitalization and the Virtual Church Experience: The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted many churches into the digital age as in-person services were halted. This forced churches to adapt quickly to online platforms. Even as physical services resume, the digital church experience has proven valuable, reaching individuals who might never step foot in a traditional church setting. However, this digital shift also presents challenges: maintaining community, ensuring meaningful engagement, and navigating the overwhelming world of technology.

The issues facing the American church today are complex, interwoven with societal changes and broader global events. They call for introspection, dialogue, and action. Church leadership and the wider Christian community need to come together, grounded in faith and a commitment to the Gospel’s core messages, to navigate these challenges and ensure a vibrant future for the church in America.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.