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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.
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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
Encountering Jesus: Lessons from Joshua
Today, we delve into the book of Joshua, exploring the profound lessons it offers about faith, courage, and encountering Jesus. This summary will help you grasp the essence of the sermon and apply its teachings to your life.
Introduction
In our journey through the Bible, we’ve reached the book of Joshua. This book is rich with themes of leadership, faith, and divine encounters. Joshua, the new leader of Israel, steps into Moses’ shoes and leads the people into the Promised Land. Let’s explore the key moments and lessons from this powerful narrative.
Who Was Joshua?
Joshua: The New Moses
Joshua is introduced as the successor to Moses. He is tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a journey that requires immense faith and courage. Joshua’s leadership is marked by his unwavering trust in God’s promises and his commitment to obeying God’s commands.
God’s Encouragement to Joshua
God’s words to Joshua are a source of strength and encouragement: “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:5-6). This divine assurance sets the tone for Joshua’s leadership.
Key Events in Joshua’s Journey
Crossing the Jordan River
One of the first significant events in Joshua’s leadership is the crossing of the Jordan River. This miraculous event mirrors the parting of the Red Sea, symbolizing a new beginning for the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and power.
The Fall of Jericho
The fall of Jericho is perhaps the most well-known story in the book of Joshua. The Israelites, under Joshua’s command, march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho come tumbling down. This victory underscores the importance of obedience and faith in God’s plan.
Encountering Jesus in Joshua
The Mysterious Warrior
In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters a mysterious warrior with a drawn sword. When Joshua asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the warrior responds, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord, I have now come.” This encounter is a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus.
The Significance of the Encounter
This encounter highlights several important truths:
- Jesus is Holy: The warrior instructs Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This mirrors Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush.
- Jesus is the Commander: Jesus is not just a helper; He is the commander of God’s army. This reminds us that Jesus is both our Savior and our Lord.
- Trust in God’s Strength: The encounter teaches us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. Joshua’s victory at Jericho was not due to military might but to obedience and faith in God’s plan.
Life Application
Trust and Obey
The story of Joshua teaches us the importance of trusting and obeying God. Just as Joshua led the Israelites with courage and faith, we are called to trust in God’s promises and follow His commands, even when the path seems daunting.
Reflect on Your Encounters with Jesus
Consider the ways you have encountered Jesus in your life. How has He shown up in your moments of need? Reflect on these encounters and let them strengthen your faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you be strong and courageous in your current circumstances?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God’s strength rather than your own?
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for Jesus as both your Savior and Lord?
Conclusion
The book of Joshua is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience and faith. As you reflect on Joshua’s journey and his encounter with Jesus, let it inspire you to trust in God’s promises and follow His lead with courage and faith.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to trust in God’s strength and obey His commands. Reflect on the ways you have encountered Jesus and let those experiences deepen your faith. Ask yourself the questions above and let them guide you in your walk with God.
May you find strength and courage in your journey, knowing that Jesus is with you every step of the way. God bless you!
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 Shema: A Call to Hear and Do
Introduction
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the heart of our recent sermon on the Shema from Deuteronomy 6. This ancient prayer is a cornerstone of faith for both Jews and Christians, emphasizing the importance of not just hearing God’s word but also living it out. Let’s explore the key points and life applications from this powerful message.
What is the Shema?
The Daily Prayer of Israel
The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, is a daily prayer recited by the people of Israel and many Christians. It begins with the word “hear” or “listen,” which in Hebrew is “Shema.” This word conveys more than just auditory reception; it implies action. To truly “hear” God is to obey Him.
The Importance of Hearing and Doing
The Shema calls us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. This love is not passive but active, requiring us to live out God’s commandments in our daily lives. The challenge lies in moving from hearing to doing, a struggle that has existed since the beginning of time.
The Heart of the Matter
The Need for a New Heart
Moses, in his final sermons, emphasizes the need for a transformed heart. Our natural hearts are prone to wander and disobey. We need a new heart, one that is circumcised by God, to truly follow His ways.
What is a Circumcised Heart?
A circumcised heart is one that serves God out of genuine desire rather than obligation. It is a heart that has been transformed by God’s Spirit, enabling us to love and obey Him fully.
The Role of the Heart in Our Lives
The Control Center
In biblical terms, the heart is the control center of our lives, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and actions. It shapes our deepest commitments and perspectives.
The Prophetic Promise
Prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah foretold of a time when God would give His people new hearts. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who offers us a transformed heart through His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus and the Shema
Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Covenant
Jesus fulfills the covenant requirements that we could not. On the cross, He took on our sin and was “cut off” so that we could be reconciled to God. This act of love transforms our hearts, enabling us to live for Him.
The Impact of a Transformed Heart
A transformed heart changes the way we love, obey, and live. We love God for who He is, not for what He can do for us. We obey Him out of love, not duty. This leads to a life of true abundance and joy.
Life Application
Living with a Transformed Heart
This week, reflect on the state of your heart. Are you loving God and others out of genuine desire or obligation? Ask God to transform your heart, enabling you to live fully for Him.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of your life are you merely hearing God’s word but not doing it?
- How can you cultivate a heart that genuinely desires to follow God’s ways?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your love for God and others this week?
Conclusion
The Shema calls us to a life of active faith, where hearing and doing go hand in hand. By allowing God to transform our hearts, we can live out His commandments with joy and love. Let’s embrace this challenge and experience the abundant life that comes from truly following 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 Importance of Seeking God’s Wisdom: A Journey Through Numbers
Today, we delve into the latest sermon from our series “Kingdom Foreshadowed,” focusing on the book of Numbers. This sermon, part 13 of the series, explores the significance of seeking God’s wisdom in our lives, the importance of the Passover, and the intriguing story of the bronze serpent. Let’s break down these key points to help you understand and apply these lessons to your life.
The Importance of Seeking God’s Wisdom
Why Should We Seek God’s Wisdom?
Life is filled with unexpected challenges and decisions that require more than just following rules. In Numbers 9, we see a situation where some Israelites were ceremonially unclean and unable to celebrate the Passover. Moses, their leader, didn’t have an immediate answer. Instead, he sought God’s wisdom, setting a precedent for us to follow. When faced with life’s uncertainties, we should turn to God for guidance rather than relying solely on our understanding.
How Do We Seek God’s Wisdom?
- Prayer: Communicate with God regularly. Ask for His guidance in your decisions.
- Scripture: Read and meditate on the Bible. It’s God’s word and provides wisdom for living.
- Holy Spirit: Be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. He dwells within us and guides us in truth.
The Significance of the Passover
What is the Passover?
The Passover is a pivotal event in Israel’s history, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. In Numbers 9, the Israelites celebrate the Passover in the wilderness, marking their new beginning as God’s chosen people. This celebration is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands.
How Does the Passover Relate to Us?
For Christians, the Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. His sacrifice on the cross delivers us from sin and death, offering us eternal life. Celebrating this deliverance helps us remember God’s grace and the new life we have in Christ.
The Bronze Serpent: A Lesson in Faith
What is the Story of the Bronze Serpent?
In Numbers 21, the Israelites complain against God and Moses, resulting in a plague of venomous snakes. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Those who look at the serpent are healed. This story may seem strange, but it points to a deeper truth.
How Does the Bronze Serpent Point to Jesus?
Jesus references this story in John 3:14-15, explaining that just as the serpent was lifted up, He too must be lifted up on the cross. Those who look to Him in faith will be saved from the poison of sin. This story illustrates the necessity of faith and the power of God’s provision for our salvation.
Life Application
How Can We Apply These Lessons to Our Lives?
- Seek God’s Wisdom Daily: Make it a habit to turn to God in prayer and scripture for guidance in all areas of your life.
- Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on the significance of the Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice. Let it remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness and love.
- Live by Faith: Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for healing, look to Jesus for your salvation and daily strength.
Questions to Reflect On
- Am I seeking God’s wisdom in my daily decisions, or am I relying on my understanding?
- How often do I reflect on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s faithfulness in my life?
- In what areas of my life do I need to exercise more faith and trust in God’s provision?
By seeking God’s wisdom, remembering His faithfulness, and living by faith, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. Let’s commit to applying these lessons this week and experience the fullness of life that God offers.
Thank you for joining us in this journey through Numbers. We look forward to exploring Deuteronomy next week, focusing on the importance of a new heart and its role in the bigger story of God’s plan for His people. Stay blessed!
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.
Don’t Wait Any Longer. Take The First Step Toward Getting Well Today!
