WEEKFOUR
PARTICIPANTGUIDE
This week in our At the Core series we explored what it means to be A Family Church. In Christ we are adopted into God’s household, called to raise the next generation in daily rhythms of faith, and sent to welcome prodigals home with the Father’s heart. Whether you’re single, married, or parenting, there’s a place for you in this family—and a part to play. Join us Sunday as we keep building a multigenerational church with a next-generation vision.
ICEBREAKER
+ Share a family tradition (past or present) that shaped your faith.
+ Who invested in you spiritually when you were young, and how?
+ What’s one way church has felt like “family” to you?
+ Who invested in you spiritually when you were young, and how?
+ What’s one way church has felt like “family” to you?
SCRIPTURALREFERENCES
John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Ephesians 2:19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Judges 2:10
After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.
Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Ephesians 2:19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Judges 2:10
After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.
Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
BIGIDEA
A family church belongs to the Father, grows the next generation on purpose, and throws the door wide so more sons and daughters can come home.
SERMONSUMMARY
This week’s message unpacked what it means to be a Family Church. Being a family church doesn’t mean you have to look a certain way—it means you belong to the family of God and are called to grow together across generations.
The sermon focused on three main points:
1. We All Start as Children of God (Know God).
Through Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, given a new identity, and welcomed into His household (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19).
2. We Are Called to Raise Children in the Ways of God (Grow in God).
Discipleship is not occasional—it’s daily. Deuteronomy 6 reminds us that faith is formed in the everyday rhythms of home and reinforced by the church. Together, we must invest in the next generation on purpose.
3. We Are Called to Bring People Into the Family of God (Show God).
Luke 15 shows us the Father’s heart—watching, running, and welcoming prodigals home.
A family church doesn’t just grow its own; it expands God’s family by reaching the lost.
A family church is multigenerational with a next-generation vision. Every person has a part to play in knowing God, growing in God, and showing God.
The sermon focused on three main points:
1. We All Start as Children of God (Know God).
Through Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, given a new identity, and welcomed into His household (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19).
2. We Are Called to Raise Children in the Ways of God (Grow in God).
Discipleship is not occasional—it’s daily. Deuteronomy 6 reminds us that faith is formed in the everyday rhythms of home and reinforced by the church. Together, we must invest in the next generation on purpose.
3. We Are Called to Bring People Into the Family of God (Show God).
Luke 15 shows us the Father’s heart—watching, running, and welcoming prodigals home.
A family church doesn’t just grow its own; it expands God’s family by reaching the lost.
A family church is multigenerational with a next-generation vision. Every person has a part to play in knowing God, growing in God, and showing God.
DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS
Point 1 — Children of God (Know God):
+ What helps you live from your identity as God’s child rather than striving to earn it?
+ Where do you need to freshly receive the Father’s welcome?
Point 2 — Raise in the Ways of God (Grow in God):
+ What daily or weekly practices can form faith in your home (or with those you influence)? 4)
+ If you’re not parenting at home, what does spiritual parenting look like in this season?
+ How can our group practically support the next generation?
Point 3 — Bring People Into the Family (Show God):
+ Who is one person you’re praying will “come home,” and what’s your next invitation
+ How do we cultivate a Luke 15 culture—truthful, compassionate, and celebratory—on Sundays and in groups?
+ What helps you live from your identity as God’s child rather than striving to earn it?
+ Where do you need to freshly receive the Father’s welcome?
Point 2 — Raise in the Ways of God (Grow in God):
+ What daily or weekly practices can form faith in your home (or with those you influence)? 4)
+ If you’re not parenting at home, what does spiritual parenting look like in this season?
+ How can our group practically support the next generation?
Point 3 — Bring People Into the Family (Show God):
+ Who is one person you’re praying will “come home,” and what’s your next invitation
+ How do we cultivate a Luke 15 culture—truthful, compassionate, and celebratory—on Sundays and in groups?
PRACTICALAPPLICATION
(Live It Out)
Choose one:
+ Start/renew a simple home rhythm (Scripture at breakfast, bedtime prayer, weekly “high/low/Jesus moment”).
+ Serve one rotation in Kids or Youth this month.
+ Pray for your “one” daily and extend a specific invitation this week.
+ Start/renew a simple home rhythm (Scripture at breakfast, bedtime prayer, weekly “high/low/Jesus moment”).
+ Serve one rotation in Kids or Youth this month.
+ Pray for your “one” daily and extend a specific invitation this week.
PRAYERFOCUS
+ Thank God for adopting us into His family.
+ Pray for grace to disciple the next generation at home and in church.
+ Ask for compassion and boldness to welcome prodigals.
+ Believe God for a strong, multigenerational church family.
+ Pray for grace to disciple the next generation at home and in church.
+ Ask for compassion and boldness to welcome prodigals.
+ Believe God for a strong, multigenerational church family.
DEVOTIONALGUIDE
Memory Verse of the Week
John 1:12
“To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12
“To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Day 1: Welcome to the Family
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Ephesians 2:19
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Devotional Thought:
Belonging is one of the deepest longings of the human heart. The gospel answers that longing with family language: in Christ, you are adopted, welcomed, and seated at the table. You’re not a visitor in God’s house; you’re family. That identity comes by grace through faith, not by performance. John says that everyone who receives and believes in Jesus is given the right—the legal standing—to become children of God. That means your past can’t disqualify you and your present struggle can’t evict you. In Christ, your last name changed.
But family isn’t only about status—it’s about growth. Healthy families celebrate beginnings while also calling children to mature. At True North, we say: Know God, Grow in God, Show God. Today we begin with Know God: receive your place, rest in your adoption, and rejoice that you belong. Let that belonging settle your soul. From that place of security, you’ll find strength to take next steps—because sons and daughters grow. As you move through this week, refuse the lie that you’re on the outside looking in. You’re in the house. You belong. Come boldly to the Father, and let His love define your identity and direct your days.
Reflection Questions:
+Where do you still feel like a “stranger” spiritually?
+How does adoption language change the way you approach God in prayer?
+What “family privileges” (grace, forgiveness, access) do you need to receive today?
Suggested Reading: Galatians 3:26–29
Prayer:
Father, thank You for adopting me through Jesus. Settle my heart in Your love and teach me to live as Your child—secure, joyful, and growing.
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Ephesians 2:19
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Devotional Thought:
Belonging is one of the deepest longings of the human heart. The gospel answers that longing with family language: in Christ, you are adopted, welcomed, and seated at the table. You’re not a visitor in God’s house; you’re family. That identity comes by grace through faith, not by performance. John says that everyone who receives and believes in Jesus is given the right—the legal standing—to become children of God. That means your past can’t disqualify you and your present struggle can’t evict you. In Christ, your last name changed.
But family isn’t only about status—it’s about growth. Healthy families celebrate beginnings while also calling children to mature. At True North, we say: Know God, Grow in God, Show God. Today we begin with Know God: receive your place, rest in your adoption, and rejoice that you belong. Let that belonging settle your soul. From that place of security, you’ll find strength to take next steps—because sons and daughters grow. As you move through this week, refuse the lie that you’re on the outside looking in. You’re in the house. You belong. Come boldly to the Father, and let His love define your identity and direct your days.
Reflection Questions:
+Where do you still feel like a “stranger” spiritually?
+How does adoption language change the way you approach God in prayer?
+What “family privileges” (grace, forgiveness, access) do you need to receive today?
Suggested Reading: Galatians 3:26–29
Prayer:
Father, thank You for adopting me through Jesus. Settle my heart in Your love and teach me to live as Your child—secure, joyful, and growing.
Day 2: Growing Up in the House
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”
Devotional Thought:
Family means growth. God loves you as you are, and He also loves you too much to leave you there. Spiritual maturity isn’t automatic with time; it’s intentional with obedience. The difference between childlike faith and childish faith is responsiveness. Childlike faith trusts God with wonder. Childish faith resists change and responsibility. Paul invites us to lay down immature patterns and step into grown-up grace—where we take ownership of our discipleship, not just consume it. At True North we nudge each other toward next steps—Grow Track, Life Groups, serving—because still water stagnates.
When faith stops moving, it clouds up. When faith pours out, it deepens. Serving others, confessing sin, building disciplines in Scripture and prayer—these aren’t boxes to check; they are ways we partner with the Spirit to form Christ in us. Ask the Lord, “What childish way are You inviting me to give up?” Then act. Growth is rarely flashy, often daily, and always worth it. You’re not earning a place at the table—you already have that. You’re simply learning family ways.
Reflection Questions:
+What “childish” pattern is the Spirit highlighting to surrender?
+Which next step—group, serving, generosity—will stretch you into maturity?
+How will you practice childlike faith (trust) while shedding childish faith (avoidance)?
Suggested Reading: Hebrews 5:12–14
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, grow me up in Your house. Give me a responsive heart, steady habits, and courage to take the next step You’re showing me.
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”
Devotional Thought:
Family means growth. God loves you as you are, and He also loves you too much to leave you there. Spiritual maturity isn’t automatic with time; it’s intentional with obedience. The difference between childlike faith and childish faith is responsiveness. Childlike faith trusts God with wonder. Childish faith resists change and responsibility. Paul invites us to lay down immature patterns and step into grown-up grace—where we take ownership of our discipleship, not just consume it. At True North we nudge each other toward next steps—Grow Track, Life Groups, serving—because still water stagnates.
When faith stops moving, it clouds up. When faith pours out, it deepens. Serving others, confessing sin, building disciplines in Scripture and prayer—these aren’t boxes to check; they are ways we partner with the Spirit to form Christ in us. Ask the Lord, “What childish way are You inviting me to give up?” Then act. Growth is rarely flashy, often daily, and always worth it. You’re not earning a place at the table—you already have that. You’re simply learning family ways.
Reflection Questions:
+What “childish” pattern is the Spirit highlighting to surrender?
+Which next step—group, serving, generosity—will stretch you into maturity?
+How will you practice childlike faith (trust) while shedding childish faith (avoidance)?
Suggested Reading: Hebrews 5:12–14
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, grow me up in Your house. Give me a responsive heart, steady habits, and courage to take the next step You’re showing me.
Day 3: Disciple the Next Generation
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Devotional Thought:
Discipleship at home is daily, simple, and sacred. Moses paints a picture of faith woven into everyday rhythms—at the table, on the trail, in the car, at bedtime. We’re not called to host a weekly lecture; we’re called to cultivate a living environment where Jesus is seen, heard, and honored. Parenting isn’t perfection—it’s presence.
And even if you’re not a mom or dad, you’re part of a church family where every adult can become a spiritual aunt, uncle, mentor, or encourager. In the Kingdom, NextGen isn’t optional equipment—it’s standard. “Train up a child” means aim the arrow. You can’t control every outcome, but you can set direction: Scripture open, prayer out loud, worship in the house, repentance modeled, encouragement spoken, service practiced.
Start small—one verse at breakfast, a prayer on the way to school, a weekly family “high/low/Jesus moment.” God multiplies simple, consistent seeds. And if you feel late to the game, remember: God redeems time. Start where you are; invite someone younger to walk with you. Together, we raise dangerous disciples—kids and students who know who they are and Whose they are.
Reflection Questions:
+What one daily rhythm could you start (or restart) this week at home?
+Who—child, teen, young believer—could you encourage or mentor right now?
+Where do you need God’s grace to redeem time and write a new chapter?
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 22:6
Prayer:
Lord, make my home a discipleship greenhouse. Help me plant Your Word, model Your ways, and call the next generation into Your purposes.
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Devotional Thought:
Discipleship at home is daily, simple, and sacred. Moses paints a picture of faith woven into everyday rhythms—at the table, on the trail, in the car, at bedtime. We’re not called to host a weekly lecture; we’re called to cultivate a living environment where Jesus is seen, heard, and honored. Parenting isn’t perfection—it’s presence.
And even if you’re not a mom or dad, you’re part of a church family where every adult can become a spiritual aunt, uncle, mentor, or encourager. In the Kingdom, NextGen isn’t optional equipment—it’s standard. “Train up a child” means aim the arrow. You can’t control every outcome, but you can set direction: Scripture open, prayer out loud, worship in the house, repentance modeled, encouragement spoken, service practiced.
Start small—one verse at breakfast, a prayer on the way to school, a weekly family “high/low/Jesus moment.” God multiplies simple, consistent seeds. And if you feel late to the game, remember: God redeems time. Start where you are; invite someone younger to walk with you. Together, we raise dangerous disciples—kids and students who know who they are and Whose they are.
Reflection Questions:
+What one daily rhythm could you start (or restart) this week at home?
+Who—child, teen, young believer—could you encourage or mentor right now?
+Where do you need God’s grace to redeem time and write a new chapter?
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 22:6
Prayer:
Lord, make my home a discipleship greenhouse. Help me plant Your Word, model Your ways, and call the next generation into Your purposes.
Day 4: It Takes a Church
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Judges 2:10
“And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.”
Devotional Thought:
This sobering verse reminds us that legacy isn’t automatic. One generation experienced God; the next did not know Him. Somewhere the baton was dropped. That will not be our story. The family of God raises sons and daughters together. Parents lead, and the church reinforces.
Volunteers aren’t babysitters; they are disciple-makers. When we say “it takes a village,” we mean it takes a church—intercessors, greeters, small group leaders, youth mentors, coaches, snack bringers, all building a runway for the next generation to encounter Jesus. Culture is actively catechizing our kids. The church must be just as intentional—and more loving, more truthful, more present. If you’re 18 or 80, you’re needed. Your testimony might break chains.
Your consistency might anchor a student. Your open seat at the dinner table might become holy ground. Ask the Lord where to serve: Kids, Youth, Young Adults, or simply adopting a family to pray for and encourage. In God’s house, legacy is a shared assignment—and joy.
Reflection Questions:
+What role can you play in NextGen at church this fall?
+Who poured into you when you were younger—and how can you pass it on?
+What practical step can you take this week to “own” the baton?
Suggested Reading: 2 Timothy 2:2
Prayer:
Father, don’t let the baton drop on our watch. Use my time, talents, and testimony to help the next generation know You and Your works.
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Judges 2:10
“And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.”
Devotional Thought:
This sobering verse reminds us that legacy isn’t automatic. One generation experienced God; the next did not know Him. Somewhere the baton was dropped. That will not be our story. The family of God raises sons and daughters together. Parents lead, and the church reinforces.
Volunteers aren’t babysitters; they are disciple-makers. When we say “it takes a village,” we mean it takes a church—intercessors, greeters, small group leaders, youth mentors, coaches, snack bringers, all building a runway for the next generation to encounter Jesus. Culture is actively catechizing our kids. The church must be just as intentional—and more loving, more truthful, more present. If you’re 18 or 80, you’re needed. Your testimony might break chains.
Your consistency might anchor a student. Your open seat at the dinner table might become holy ground. Ask the Lord where to serve: Kids, Youth, Young Adults, or simply adopting a family to pray for and encourage. In God’s house, legacy is a shared assignment—and joy.
Reflection Questions:
+What role can you play in NextGen at church this fall?
+Who poured into you when you were younger—and how can you pass it on?
+What practical step can you take this week to “own” the baton?
Suggested Reading: 2 Timothy 2:2
Prayer:
Father, don’t let the baton drop on our watch. Use my time, talents, and testimony to help the next generation know You and Your works.
Day 5: Fling Wide the Door
Memory Verse of the Week:
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Luke 15:20
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
Devotional Thought:
The heartbeat of a family church is the Father’s posture—watching the road, ready to run. We don’t just raise our kids; we reach God’s kids who haven’t come home yet. Evangelism is family expansion. In Luke 15, the Father doesn’t lecture; He embraces. He restores identity, throws a party, and re-seats the son at the table.
That is the culture we’re building: truth and grace, welcome and transformation. This means our invitation is wide and our discipleship is deep. We celebrate the 99 and rejoice over the one. We pray for prodigals by name. We invite neighbors, classmates, and co-workers to come and see.
We prepare our hearts and our rooms for guests, remembering that every Sunday can be someone’s “coming home.” As you close this week, ask God for His eyes for the lost and His feet that run toward them. The family of God grows when the people of God open their arms.
Reflection Questions:
+Who is your “one” that you’re praying will come home to the Father?
+How can you embody the Father’s welcome in words and actions this week?
+What step of invitation or reconciliation is the Spirit prompting?
Suggested Reading: Luke 15:7
Prayer:
Father, give me Your heart for the lost. Help me run with compassion, speak with grace and truth, and welcome sons and daughters home.
John 1:12 “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Scripture: Luke 15:20
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
Devotional Thought:
The heartbeat of a family church is the Father’s posture—watching the road, ready to run. We don’t just raise our kids; we reach God’s kids who haven’t come home yet. Evangelism is family expansion. In Luke 15, the Father doesn’t lecture; He embraces. He restores identity, throws a party, and re-seats the son at the table.
That is the culture we’re building: truth and grace, welcome and transformation. This means our invitation is wide and our discipleship is deep. We celebrate the 99 and rejoice over the one. We pray for prodigals by name. We invite neighbors, classmates, and co-workers to come and see.
We prepare our hearts and our rooms for guests, remembering that every Sunday can be someone’s “coming home.” As you close this week, ask God for His eyes for the lost and His feet that run toward them. The family of God grows when the people of God open their arms.
Reflection Questions:
+Who is your “one” that you’re praying will come home to the Father?
+How can you embody the Father’s welcome in words and actions this week?
+What step of invitation or reconciliation is the Spirit prompting?
Suggested Reading: Luke 15:7
Prayer:
Father, give me Your heart for the lost. Help me run with compassion, speak with grace and truth, and welcome sons and daughters home.