I’m Steve Lawes
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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 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
Living in Exile: Lessons from Daniel
Introduction
In our latest sermon, we looked into the book of Daniel, focusing on the theme of living in exile and maintaining faith amidst cultural pressures. This message is part of our ongoing series, “Kingdom Coming,” where we explore the Old Testament from Chronicles through Malachi. This week, we examined Daniel’s unwavering faith and how it serves as a model for us today.
The Context of Exile
What Does It Mean to Live in Exile?
Living in exile is a recurring theme in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. For the Israelites, exile meant being physically removed from their homeland and living under foreign rule. For us today, exile represents living in a world that often contradicts our faith and values. Just as the Israelites were called to engage with their surroundings without being assimilated, we too are called to be in the world but not of it.
The Glory Departs from the Temple
One of the significant events during this period is the departure of God’s glory from the temple. This symbolizes a time of spiritual exile, not just for the Israelites but for us as well. We are reminded that until we are fully restored in God’s kingdom, we live in a state of exile.
Daniel’s Example
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
In Daniel 6, we find the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. Despite a decree that forbade praying to any god other than King Darius, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day. His unwavering faith led to his miraculous deliverance from the lions, demonstrating God’s power and faithfulness.
Engaging Without Compromising
Daniel’s life exemplifies how to engage with the culture without compromising one’s faith. He was deeply involved in the political and social systems of Babylon but remained steadfast in his devotion to God. This balance is crucial for us as we navigate our own cultural landscapes.
Lessons for Today
Be Salt and Light
Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). This means we are to influence the world positively without losing our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. Just as salt preserves and flavors, we are to bring the values of God’s kingdom into our daily lives.
Expect Pushback
Living out our faith will inevitably lead to pushback, whether it’s subtle resistance or outright persecution. Jesus warned his followers that they would face opposition, but he also promised that their reward in heaven would be great (Matthew 5:11-12).
The Importance of Prayer
Daniel’s response to the decree was to pray more fervently. Prayer should be our first response to challenges, not our last resort. It keeps us connected to God and strengthens us to face whatever comes our way.
Foreshadowing Jesus
Parallels Between Daniel and Jesus
The story of Daniel in the lion’s den foreshadows the story of Jesus. Both faced false accusations and were sentenced to death despite their innocence. Just as Daniel was delivered from the lions, Jesus was resurrected from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all.
The Stone and the Seal
A stone was rolled over the mouth of the lion’s den and sealed, just as a stone was rolled over Jesus’ tomb and sealed. Both stories end with miraculous deliverance, highlighting God’s power and sovereignty.
Life Application
Living Out Our Faith
This week, let’s focus on living out our faith in practical ways. Here are some questions to ponder:
- How can I engage with my community without compromising my faith?
- What areas of my life need more prayer and less distraction?
- How can I be salt and light in my workplace, school, or home?
Challenge for the Week
Take time each day to pray intentionally for your neighbors and community. Ask God to help you be a positive influence and to give you the strength to stand firm in your faith. Consider setting aside specific times for prayer, just as Daniel did, to keep your focus on God throughout the day.
Conclusion
Daniel’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of maintaining our faith in a world that often opposes it. As we go through this week, let’s strive to be like Daniel—engaged but not assimilated, prayerful and steadfast, and always trusting in God’s deliverance.
May you find strength and encouragement in these lessons as you navigate your own journey of faith.
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 Faith Through the Fiery Furnace: A Lesson from Daniel 3
Introduction
In today’s sermon, we looked into the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3. This narrative is not just a historical account but a profound lesson on faith, loyalty, and God’s deliverance. Let’s explore the key themes and takeaways from this inspiring story.
The Pressure to Conform
What Does It Mean to Conform to Culture?
Babylon’s strategy was to assimilate conquered peoples into their culture, pressuring them to conform. This is evident in Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to worship the golden image. Similarly, today’s culture often pressures us to conform to its values and norms, which can conflict with our faith.
How Did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Respond?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resisted this pressure. They refused to worship the golden image, standing firm in their faith despite the threat of a fiery furnace. Their story teaches us the importance of not compromising our beliefs, even when faced with severe consequences.
Genuine Faith: Trusting God Without Conditions
What is Genuine Faith?
Genuine faith is trusting God for who He is, not just for what He can do for us. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplified this by declaring their faith in God’s ability to save them but also their commitment to Him even if He did not.
Why is This Important?
This kind of faith is crucial because it shows our unconditional trust in God. It helps us withstand trials and challenges, knowing that God’s plans are greater than our understanding.
Facing Fiery Ordeals
What Are Fiery Ordeals?
Fiery ordeals are the trials and challenges we face in life. As believers, we are not exempt from difficulties. In fact, 1 Peter 4:12 reminds us not to be surprised by these trials as they test the genuineness of our faith.
How Should We Respond?
We should respond with trust and faith in God. These ordeals refine our faith, deepen our trust in God’s wisdom, and help us develop compassion for others going through similar trials.
The Fourth Man in the Furnace
Who is the Fourth Man?
In the furnace, a fourth figure appeared with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, protecting them from harm. This figure is believed to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, symbolizing God’s presence with us in our trials.
What Does This Mean for Us?
This assures us that we are never alone in our fiery ordeals. Jesus is with us, guiding and protecting us through every challenge we face.
Life Application
How Can We Apply This Lesson?
This week, challenge yourself to trust God unconditionally. Reflect on the following questions:
- Am I conforming to cultural pressures that conflict with my faith?
- Do I trust God for who He is, or only for what He can do for me?
- How do I respond to the fiery ordeals in my life?
- Do I recognize Jesus’ presence with me in my trials?
A Challenge for the Week
Commit to standing firm in your faith, regardless of the pressures and challenges you face. Trust in God’s presence and His plans for you, knowing that He is with you in every fiery ordeal.
Conclusion
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful reminder of the importance of unwavering faith and trust in God. As you go through this week, remember that you are not alone. Jesus, the fourth man in the furnace, is with you, guiding and protecting you through every trial. Say yes to Jesus and experience the peace and strength that comes from knowing Him.
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 New Covenant: Trusting in God’s Faithfulness
Introduction
In our latest sermon, we delved into the profound concept of the New Covenant as presented in the book of Jeremiah. This message is part of our ongoing series, “Kingdom Coming,” which explores the journey from the Chronicles to Malachi. Today, we focused on Jeremiah 31 and the transformative power of the New Covenant, emphasizing God’s trustworthiness and the balance between law and love.
The Importance of Trust
Why Do We Struggle with Trust?
One of the central themes of Jeremiah 17, which we discussed last week, is misplaced trust. Our deceitful hearts often lead us to trust ourselves over the Lord. This issue has been present since the beginning, symbolized by the choice between the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Trusting in God’s way is where we find true life, but it requires us to overcome our tendency to rationalize and justify our actions.
Can We Really Trust God?
Jeremiah 31 reassures us that we can place our trust in the Lord because He is trustworthy. The New Covenant promises that God will empower us to go His way, giving us the choice to live rightly. This empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, who writes God’s law on our hearts and minds.
Understanding the New Covenant
What is a Covenant?
A covenant is a binding relationship that combines both law and love. It is more intimate than a legal contract and more binding than a mere emotional connection. God uses the illustration of marriage to describe this relationship, emphasizing faithfulness and commitment.
How Does the New Covenant Differ from the Old?
The New Covenant surpasses the old covenants by offering forgiveness and internal transformation through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God promises to write His law on our hearts and minds, empowering us to live according to His ways. This covenant reconciles law and love, blending holiness, justice, love, and grace.
Balancing Law and Love
Is God’s Love Conditional or Unconditional?
The tension between law and love is a common struggle. On one end, we have legalism, which focuses on strict adherence to rules. On the other end, we have relativism, which dismisses absolute truth. The New Covenant helps us find a balance, living in the tension between these extremes with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How Do We Live in This Tension?
Living in this tension requires a relationship with God, pressing in through prayer, reading the Bible, and listening to the Holy Spirit. It involves balancing corrective actions with love and mercy, extending grace while maintaining discernment.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
How Does the Holy Spirit Empower Us?
The Holy Spirit indwells believers, providing resurrection power to live for God. This empowerment leads to:
- Empowered Compassion: We become more compassionate, extending mercy and grace to others.
- Discernment: We gain the ability to balance law and love, knowing when to extend grace and when to correct.
- Peace: The Holy Spirit brings peace into our lives, helping us be patient with ourselves and others.
How Does the Holy Spirit Change Us?
The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out, helping us live according to God’s ways not because of rules, but because it is where true life is found. This transformation is a continuous process, requiring us to yield and trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Life Application
How Can We Apply This Message to Our Lives?
This week, challenge yourself to trust in God’s faithfulness and live in the balance of law and love. Reflect on these questions:
- Where am I placing my trust? Are there areas in my life where I am relying on my own understanding rather than trusting in God?
- How can I show empowered compassion? In what ways can I extend mercy and grace to those around me?
- Am I living in the tension? How can I balance law and love in my daily interactions, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance?
Conclusion
The New Covenant offers us a profound relationship with God, marked by trust, empowerment, and transformation. As we navigate the tension between law and love, let us rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us, bringing peace and discernment into our lives. Embrace this challenge and experience the fullness of life that comes from trusting in God’s faithfulness.
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?
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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.
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