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​A Conversation with a Pastor's Prayer Champion

PHIL >> Steve, explain to us how your resources are the result of your different ministry experiences.

STEVE >> Nearly every resource I've written grew out of a season of ministry or a lesson God first taught me personally. Years as a pastor, missionary, conference speaker, and prayer leader, together with experiences in Europe, the South Pacific, Brazil, and many other places, have shaped these books. They were not written as academic studies, but in the midst of real ministry and real life. My desire has always been to share what God has faithfully taught me in ways that will encourage and equip His Church.

PHIL >> What do these descriptors tell us about your zeal to equip us for ministry? "Transformation" – "Indestructible" – "Inviting" – "Land of Firsts"...

STEVE >> Each title reflects a biblical truth that God impressed deeply on my heart. *Transformation reminds us that God changes lives through His Manifest presence. The Power of an * Indestructible Life points to the resurrection life of Christ that every believer now possesses. * Inviting God's Presence reminds us that revival begins by seeking God Himself. * Walking Through the Land of Firsts is about discovering God's faithfulness during life’s most challenging transitions. Different themes, but all with the same goal—to help believers know Christ more deeply and walk more closely with Him.

PHIL >> What would you say to a prayer champion who wants to build prayer in their group or congregation?

STEVE >> Begin by helping people discover that prayer is first about knowing God, not merely presenting requests. Programs may gather people for a season, but a growing relationship with Christ will sustain a lifetime of prayer. Build on Scripture, model prayer yourself, and trust the Holy Spirit to awaken hearts. Lasting prayer movements always begin with transformed lives.

PHIL >> Identify which resource is a good starting place for a pastor (and explain why).

STEVE >> I would probably recommend The Power of an Indestructible Life, because it challenges us to examine our lives in light of eternity, and how to mold every area of our lives based on the  power of Christ’s life in us. Preparing people to live now in light of eternity. To me this is basic discipleship. Characteristics of Revival is another one at the top of the list based upon Revelation 1-3. Evaluating our churches according to what He wrote as His desires.