WEEKONE
PARTICIPANTGUIDE
This week at True North we launched our CORE series with a powerful message: Four Steps Into Your Future. We were reminded that when our DNA links with the DNA of the church, God multiplies our impact. Together we celebrated our story, looked ahead to God’s vision for the future, and learned how to align our head, heart, and hands with His mission. Join us this Sunday as we continue building a future of faith, unity, and impact!
ICEBREAKERS
+ Share a time when you tried something new and it stretched your faith.
+ What’s one story of God’s faithfulness in your life?
+ What’s one story of God’s faithfulness in your life?
SCRIPTURALREFERENCES
John 8:14 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.”
Habakkuk 2:2–3 (NIV)
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
James 2:17 (NIV)
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.”
Habakkuk 2:2–3 (NIV)
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
James 2:17 (NIV)
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
BIGIDEA
When your DNA connects with the church’s DNA, God multiplies impact and leads us into our best days ahead.
SERMONSUMMARY
This week, we launched our CORE series with the message “Four Steps Into Your Future.” At the heart of this message is the truth that when your DNA connects with the church’s DNA, God multiplies our impact. Just like Jesus declared, “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going,” we as believers and as a church can stand confident in our identity and direction.
Step 1: Know Who We Are.
Our story as a church stretches back to 1940 and testifies to God’s faithfulness through decades of growth, sacrifice, and impact. Remembering what God has done fuels our faith today.
Step 2: Know Where We’re Going.
Habakkuk teaches us to write the vision and run with it, even when the fulfillment takes time. Our new facility is not about steel and concrete, but about souls and salvations.
Step 3: Strengthen Our Core.
For us to carry the vision, our head, heart, and hands must align. When right thinking, right passions, and right actions come together, we’re positioned for growth.
Step 4: Link Our DNA.
Your personal gifts and passions must connect with the mission of the church. Like a double helix, our combined stories bring stability and multiplication for the Kingdom.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: our best days are still ahead. When each part does its work, God multiplies impact, and our testimony becomes unshakable.
Step 1: Know Who We Are.
Our story as a church stretches back to 1940 and testifies to God’s faithfulness through decades of growth, sacrifice, and impact. Remembering what God has done fuels our faith today.
Step 2: Know Where We’re Going.
Habakkuk teaches us to write the vision and run with it, even when the fulfillment takes time. Our new facility is not about steel and concrete, but about souls and salvations.
Step 3: Strengthen Our Core.
For us to carry the vision, our head, heart, and hands must align. When right thinking, right passions, and right actions come together, we’re positioned for growth.
Step 4: Link Our DNA.
Your personal gifts and passions must connect with the mission of the church. Like a double helix, our combined stories bring stability and multiplication for the Kingdom.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: our best days are still ahead. When each part does its work, God multiplies impact, and our testimony becomes unshakable.
DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS
+ What part of True North’s story inspires you the most?
+ How does remembering God’s faithfulness in your past strengthen your faith today?
+ What excites you about the vision of where our church is going?
+ Which area of your spiritual “core” (head, heart, hands) do you sense God wants to strengthen?
+ What unique gifts or passions do you bring to the body of Christ?
+ How can you actively link your DNA with the church’s mission?
+ What does it mean for you personally to believe “our best days are ahead”?
+ How does remembering God’s faithfulness in your past strengthen your faith today?
+ What excites you about the vision of where our church is going?
+ Which area of your spiritual “core” (head, heart, hands) do you sense God wants to strengthen?
+ What unique gifts or passions do you bring to the body of Christ?
+ How can you actively link your DNA with the church’s mission?
+ What does it mean for you personally to believe “our best days are ahead”?
PRACTICALAPPLICATION
(Live It Out)
Identify one step this week to actively link your life with the mission of True North.
PRAYERFOCUS
+ Thank God for His faithfulness in our past.
+ Pray for unity as we run toward the vision.
+ Ask God to strengthen our core—head, heart, and hands.
+ Believe together that our best days are still ahead.
+ Pray for unity as we run toward the vision.
+ Ask God to strengthen our core—head, heart, and hands.
+ Believe together that our best days are still ahead.
DEVOTIONALPLAN
Memory Verse of the Week
John 8:14
“I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Day 1: Remembering Our Story
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Psalm 77:11
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Devotional Thought:
Every story of faith begins with remembering what God has done. Just as Jesus declared, “I know where I came from,” we as a church must pause to remember our spiritual history. True North began in a living room in 1940, when Charles and Emma Hirschy opened their home for worship. From that small gathering, God has faithfully led generation after generation, through buildings, seasons of growth, challenges, and revival.
When we remember our story, we see God’s fingerprints all over it. The Israelites were often commanded to “remember” so their faith would remain alive in the present. Remembering is not just about nostalgia—it fuels our faith today. When we celebrate God’s past faithfulness, we find courage to trust Him for the future.
Your personal story matters too. Where has God brought you from? What prayers has He answered? What obstacles has He carried you through? Those moments of grace and breakthrough form the testimony that gives you confidence today.
When your story links with the larger story of the church, God weaves both together for His glory. This week, let’s remember with gratitude and stand in awe of His faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
+ What part of your personal story reveals God’s faithfulness most clearly?
+ How has the story of True North encouraged your faith journey?
+Why is remembering the past important for trusting God in the future?
Suggested Reading: Joshua 4:1–7
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Help me to never forget what You have done, and give me fresh faith for what You will do next.
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Psalm 77:11
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Devotional Thought:
Every story of faith begins with remembering what God has done. Just as Jesus declared, “I know where I came from,” we as a church must pause to remember our spiritual history. True North began in a living room in 1940, when Charles and Emma Hirschy opened their home for worship. From that small gathering, God has faithfully led generation after generation, through buildings, seasons of growth, challenges, and revival.
When we remember our story, we see God’s fingerprints all over it. The Israelites were often commanded to “remember” so their faith would remain alive in the present. Remembering is not just about nostalgia—it fuels our faith today. When we celebrate God’s past faithfulness, we find courage to trust Him for the future.
Your personal story matters too. Where has God brought you from? What prayers has He answered? What obstacles has He carried you through? Those moments of grace and breakthrough form the testimony that gives you confidence today.
When your story links with the larger story of the church, God weaves both together for His glory. This week, let’s remember with gratitude and stand in awe of His faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
+ What part of your personal story reveals God’s faithfulness most clearly?
+ How has the story of True North encouraged your faith journey?
+Why is remembering the past important for trusting God in the future?
Suggested Reading: Joshua 4:1–7
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Help me to never forget what You have done, and give me fresh faith for what You will do next.
Day 2: Running Toward the Future
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2–3
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Devotional Thought:
Vision gives us direction. Just as Jesus declared where He was going, we as a church must run with the vision God has given us. At True North, our vision has never been about buildings, but about people. The College Road project is not a monument; it’s a launchpad. It’s not about steel and concrete; it’s about souls and salvations.
God calls us to be bold in faith—to “bet the farm” for the sake of the gospel. That’s why our church has invested sacrificially in land, facilities, and expansion. But the bigger truth is this: vision is meant to propel us forward. Habakkuk reminds us that God’s vision has an appointed time. Even if it seems slow in coming, it will not fail.
For your personal life, God’s vision also matters. He has a purpose for you, plans for your future, and a calling worth running toward. When you know where you are going, your steps carry confidence and courage.
Reflection Questions:
+ What excites you most about the vision God has given True North?
+ How do you personally run with the vision God has placed in your life?
+ Why is it important to trust God’s timing when it feels like His promises are delayed?
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 29:18
Prayer:
Father, give me faith to trust Your vision and courage to run toward it. Help me stay focused on what matters most—people meeting Jesus.
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2–3
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Devotional Thought:
Vision gives us direction. Just as Jesus declared where He was going, we as a church must run with the vision God has given us. At True North, our vision has never been about buildings, but about people. The College Road project is not a monument; it’s a launchpad. It’s not about steel and concrete; it’s about souls and salvations.
God calls us to be bold in faith—to “bet the farm” for the sake of the gospel. That’s why our church has invested sacrificially in land, facilities, and expansion. But the bigger truth is this: vision is meant to propel us forward. Habakkuk reminds us that God’s vision has an appointed time. Even if it seems slow in coming, it will not fail.
For your personal life, God’s vision also matters. He has a purpose for you, plans for your future, and a calling worth running toward. When you know where you are going, your steps carry confidence and courage.
Reflection Questions:
+ What excites you most about the vision God has given True North?
+ How do you personally run with the vision God has placed in your life?
+ Why is it important to trust God’s timing when it feels like His promises are delayed?
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 29:18
Prayer:
Father, give me faith to trust Your vision and courage to run toward it. Help me stay focused on what matters most—people meeting Jesus.
Day 3: Strengthening the Core
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Ephesians 4:16
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Devotional Thought:
A strong church begins with a strong core. Just like the human body depends on its core muscles for stability, the church depends on the strength of its spiritual DNA. Paul tells us that the church grows healthy when each part does its work. That means no spectators—everyone has a role.
Our core alignment must touch three areas: our head, heart, and hands. Right thinking (orthodoxy) anchors us in truth. Right passion (orthopathy) sets our hearts on fire for Jesus. Right actions (orthopraxy) demonstrate faith through obedience. When these three align, we are ready to carry the weight of God’s vision.
This week, take time to evaluate your spiritual alignment. Are your beliefs grounded in God’s Word? Does your heart burn with love for Jesus and people? Are your hands busy with works of faith? The strength of our church depends on every believer doing their part.
Reflection Questions:
+Which area of your “core”—head, heart, or hands—do you feel strongest in right now?
+Which area do you sense God calling you to strengthen?
+How does unity in the church help us carry God’s vision together?
Suggested Reading: Romans 12:2
Prayer:
Jesus, strengthen my core. Align my head, my heart, and my hands so I can carry Your vision with faith and love.
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Ephesians 4:16
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Devotional Thought:
A strong church begins with a strong core. Just like the human body depends on its core muscles for stability, the church depends on the strength of its spiritual DNA. Paul tells us that the church grows healthy when each part does its work. That means no spectators—everyone has a role.
Our core alignment must touch three areas: our head, heart, and hands. Right thinking (orthodoxy) anchors us in truth. Right passion (orthopathy) sets our hearts on fire for Jesus. Right actions (orthopraxy) demonstrate faith through obedience. When these three align, we are ready to carry the weight of God’s vision.
This week, take time to evaluate your spiritual alignment. Are your beliefs grounded in God’s Word? Does your heart burn with love for Jesus and people? Are your hands busy with works of faith? The strength of our church depends on every believer doing their part.
Reflection Questions:
+Which area of your “core”—head, heart, or hands—do you feel strongest in right now?
+Which area do you sense God calling you to strengthen?
+How does unity in the church help us carry God’s vision together?
Suggested Reading: Romans 12:2
Prayer:
Jesus, strengthen my core. Align my head, my heart, and my hands so I can carry Your vision with faith and love.
Day 4: Linking Our DNA
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Devotional Thought:
Your DNA is your gifts, passions, and calling. The church’s DNA is its mission, vision, and values. By themselves, each has value. But when they link together, multiplication happens. Just like two DNA strands form the double helix, your life becomes most impactful when joined with the life of the church.
Faith is not meant to remain in our heads or even our hearts—it must move through our hands. When your faith takes action and links with the mission of the church, the Kingdom advances. Alone, we can feel fragile. But together, we become stronger, more stable, and unstoppable for Jesus.
Consider where God has uniquely gifted you. How might those gifts be linked with the church’s mission? Maybe it’s serving, leading, giving, or inviting others to Christ. When your story connects with our story, God writes His story in the city.
Reflection Questions:
+What unique gifts or passions has God placed in your life?
+How can you use them to serve and advance the mission of True North?
+Why do you think faith must always result in action?
Suggested Reading: 1 Peter 4:10–11
Prayer:
Lord, I offer my gifts and passions to You. Show me how to link my DNA with the church’s DNA so that together we can multiply impact for Your glory.
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Devotional Thought:
Your DNA is your gifts, passions, and calling. The church’s DNA is its mission, vision, and values. By themselves, each has value. But when they link together, multiplication happens. Just like two DNA strands form the double helix, your life becomes most impactful when joined with the life of the church.
Faith is not meant to remain in our heads or even our hearts—it must move through our hands. When your faith takes action and links with the mission of the church, the Kingdom advances. Alone, we can feel fragile. But together, we become stronger, more stable, and unstoppable for Jesus.
Consider where God has uniquely gifted you. How might those gifts be linked with the church’s mission? Maybe it’s serving, leading, giving, or inviting others to Christ. When your story connects with our story, God writes His story in the city.
Reflection Questions:
+What unique gifts or passions has God placed in your life?
+How can you use them to serve and advance the mission of True North?
+Why do you think faith must always result in action?
Suggested Reading: 1 Peter 4:10–11
Prayer:
Lord, I offer my gifts and passions to You. Show me how to link my DNA with the church’s DNA so that together we can multiply impact for Your glory.
Day 5: Our Best Days Ahead
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Devotional Thought:
God has brought us a long way, but He’s not finished yet. The same God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. That’s true for your personal life, and it’s true for our church.
Our best days are not behind us; they are still ahead. Every season of growth, every answered prayer, every step of faith has been preparing us for more. And because God is faithful, we can step boldly into the future with confidence.
When you link your life with the mission of the church, you’re not just filling a seat—you’re filling a city with the love and hope of Jesus. Together, we’re preparing not just for a building, but for a move of God.
Reflection Questions:
+How has God been faithful in “carrying on the work” in your life so far?
+What part of True North’s future excites you the most?
+How does the promise of God’s faithfulness give you confidence for the future?
Suggested Reading: Isaiah 43:18–19
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that my best days are still ahead in You. Keep me confident in Your promises and faithful to Your call.
John 8:14 “I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. That’s why my testimony is valid.”
Scripture: Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Devotional Thought:
God has brought us a long way, but He’s not finished yet. The same God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. That’s true for your personal life, and it’s true for our church.
Our best days are not behind us; they are still ahead. Every season of growth, every answered prayer, every step of faith has been preparing us for more. And because God is faithful, we can step boldly into the future with confidence.
When you link your life with the mission of the church, you’re not just filling a seat—you’re filling a city with the love and hope of Jesus. Together, we’re preparing not just for a building, but for a move of God.
Reflection Questions:
+How has God been faithful in “carrying on the work” in your life so far?
+What part of True North’s future excites you the most?
+How does the promise of God’s faithfulness give you confidence for the future?
Suggested Reading: Isaiah 43:18–19
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that my best days are still ahead in You. Keep me confident in Your promises and faithful to Your call.