I’m Steve Lawes
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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
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.
Understanding Hope: A Sermon Summary from Vineyard Church
Introduction
Welcome to Vineyard Church! This week, we looked into the profound theme of hope as part of our ongoing series, “Kingdom Coming.” This series takes us through the Bible, and currently, we are exploring the prophetic books from Chronicles to Malachi. This sermon, in particular, focused on the book of Isaiah and the powerful message of hope it conveys, especially relevant during the Advent season.
What is the Significance of Hope in Christianity?
The Prophetic Message of Hope
Isaiah’s prophecies were delivered during a time of exile for Israel, a period marked by despair and longing for restoration. The prophets, including Isaiah, spoke of a future hope—a Messiah who would come to renew and restore everything. This hope was not just for the people of Israel but extends to us today as we await the second coming of Jesus.
Living in Exile
We, too, live in a form of exile, separated from the perfect existence we were created for in the Garden of Eden. This world, marred by sin and suffering, is not our true home. However, the hope we have in Christ’s return and the ultimate restoration of all things gives us the strength to persevere.
How Does Hope Change Our Lives?
The Power of Hope
Hope is transformative. It changes our perspective and gives us the strength to endure hardships. Just as the Chicago Bears’ hope changed the course of a football game, our hope in Christ can change the course of our lives. This hope is anchored in the promises of God and the assurance of Jesus’ return.
The Mountain of the Lord
Isaiah 2:1-5 paints a vivid picture of hope symbolized by the mountain of the Lord. This mountain represents the ultimate heaven and earth connection where all nations will stream to learn God’s ways. This imagery is a powerful reminder that our hope is not in this world but in the eternal kingdom of God.
What Does It Mean to Walk in the Light of the Lord?
Learning to Be Fully Human
In the presence of God, we learn what it means to be truly human. The enemy seeks to make us subhuman, but God desires for us to be fully human, living in the fullness of His creation. This transformation happens as we walk in the light of the Lord, learning His ways and reflecting His light to the world.
Love Wins
Isaiah’s prophecy also speaks of a time when enmity and conflict will cease. Weapons of war will be turned into gardening tools, symbolizing a return to our original vocation as cosmic gardeners. This transformation is only possible through the love of God, which makes conflict unnecessary and brings peace.
Life Application
Embracing Hope
As we reflect on this message of hope, let’s challenge ourselves to live it out in our daily lives. Here are a few questions to ponder:
- Where is your hope anchored? Is it in the temporary things of this world or in the eternal promises of God?
- How can you reflect the light of Christ in your community? What practical steps can you take to be a beacon of hope to those around you?
- Are you learning to be fully human? How can you deepen your relationship with God and allow Him to transform you into the person He created you to be?
A Challenge for the Week
This week, let’s commit to reading the Bible daily, allowing God’s Word to illuminate our path and fill us with hope. As we do, let’s also look for opportunities to share this hope with others, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need.
Conclusion
Hope is a powerful force that can transform our lives and the world around us. As we journey through this Advent season, let’s hold onto the hope we have in Christ, walking in His light and reflecting His love to a world in desperate need of it. May we be people of hope, for our sake and for the sake of the world. 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.
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.
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.
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