WEEKFIVE
PARTICIPANTGUIDE
This week at True North we continued our At the Core series with the message “A City Church.” We learned that God has placed us here on purpose—our address is our assignment. As a City Church, we are called not to be passive, isolated, or compromised, but to be for our city, seeking its peace, sharing Jesus, and celebrating every life changed. Join us this Sunday as we continue building God’s City in this city.
ICEBREAKER
+ Share about the first city or neighborhood you ever lived in and what made it unique.
+ What’s one thing you love most about living in our city?
+ What’s one thing you love most about living in our city?
SCRIPTURALREFERENCES
Acts 17:26
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Jeremiah 29:7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
1 Corinthians 2:2
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Acts 2:46
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
John 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:37–38
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
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.
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Jeremiah 29:7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
1 Corinthians 2:2
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Acts 2:46
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
John 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:37–38
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
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.
BIGIDEA
We are not just a church in the city—we are God’s City in this city, living for its good until Jesus returns.
SERMONSUMMARY
This week we explored what it means to be a City Church. God has placed us here on purpose—our address is our assignment (Acts 17:26, Esther 4:14). We are not called to be passive, isolated, or compromising in our city, but to be forour city—seeking its peace, praying for its prosperity, and showing it Jesus.
The sermon outlined key strategies of a City Church:
+ Jesus is our message. Everything points to Him.
+ Reaching the lost is our mission. The gospel is for all people.
+ The bigger we grow, the smaller we get. Real relationships matter.
+ We’re okay not knowing everyone, as long as everyone knows Jesus.
+ Our building is a tool, not a trophy. A hospital for the hurting, not a hotel for saints.
+ We live on mission in every ministry. Every effort blesses the city.
+ We measure success by sending, not seating. Multiplication, not maintenance.
+ We celebrate the one. Heaven rejoices over every sinner who repents.
As God’s people, we live as the City of God within the City of Man. This is our time, our place, and our assignment.
The sermon outlined key strategies of a City Church:
+ Jesus is our message. Everything points to Him.
+ Reaching the lost is our mission. The gospel is for all people.
+ The bigger we grow, the smaller we get. Real relationships matter.
+ We’re okay not knowing everyone, as long as everyone knows Jesus.
+ Our building is a tool, not a trophy. A hospital for the hurting, not a hotel for saints.
+ We live on mission in every ministry. Every effort blesses the city.
+ We measure success by sending, not seating. Multiplication, not maintenance.
+ We celebrate the one. Heaven rejoices over every sinner who repents.
As God’s people, we live as the City of God within the City of Man. This is our time, our place, and our assignment.
DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS
+ How does it change your view of your city to know God placed you here on purpose?
+ Which of the four postures toward the city (in, against, of, for) do you see most often, and why?
+ Which of the eight strategies of a City Church challenges you the most? Encourages you the most?
+ What does it practically mean for Jesus to be our message in our daily lives?
+ Why is it important to measure success by sending, not seating?
+ Who is your “one,” and how can the group pray with you for them?
+ Which of the four postures toward the city (in, against, of, for) do you see most often, and why?
+ Which of the eight strategies of a City Church challenges you the most? Encourages you the most?
+ What does it practically mean for Jesus to be our message in our daily lives?
+ Why is it important to measure success by sending, not seating?
+ Who is your “one,” and how can the group pray with you for them?
PRACTICALAPPLICATION
(Live It Out)
Identify one way this week to live for your city—through prayer, service, invitation, or blessing a neighbor.
PRAYERFOCUS
+ Thank God for placing us here on purpose.
+ Pray for the peace and prosperity of our city.
+ Ask God to make us bold in proclaiming Jesus as our message.
+ Intercede for the “ones” we are praying will come home to Christ.
+ Pray for the peace and prosperity of our city.
+ Ask God to make us bold in proclaiming Jesus as our message.
+ Intercede for the “ones” we are praying will come home to Christ.
DEVOTIONALGUIDE
Memory Verse of the Week
Jeremiah 29:7
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Jeremiah 29:7
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Day 1: God Placed You Here on Purpose
Memory Verse of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: Acts 17:26
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Devotional Thought:
You are not in your city by accident. Whether you were born here, stationed here, or moved here for work or school, God has circled this place on the map of your life. Paul reminded the Athenians that God determined both the when and whereof our lives so we would seek Him and reveal Him to others.
This truth changes how we see our address. Our neighborhood isn’t just a residence—it’s an assignment. Every street, school, workplace, and coffee shop is an opportunity to live as the City of God within the City of Man. You may feel ordinary, but God placed you here for an extraordinary purpose. Like Esther, you are here “for such a time as this.”
Reflection Questions:
+How does it change your perspective to know your address is part of your assignment?
+Where do you sense God calling you to live more intentionally for Him in your city?
+Who in your circle could be impacted by you living on mission this week?
Suggested Reading: Esther 4:14
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for placing me here on purpose. Open my eyes to see my city as my assignment, and give me courage to live like You’ve sent me here for such a time as this.
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: Acts 17:26
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Devotional Thought:
You are not in your city by accident. Whether you were born here, stationed here, or moved here for work or school, God has circled this place on the map of your life. Paul reminded the Athenians that God determined both the when and whereof our lives so we would seek Him and reveal Him to others.
This truth changes how we see our address. Our neighborhood isn’t just a residence—it’s an assignment. Every street, school, workplace, and coffee shop is an opportunity to live as the City of God within the City of Man. You may feel ordinary, but God placed you here for an extraordinary purpose. Like Esther, you are here “for such a time as this.”
Reflection Questions:
+How does it change your perspective to know your address is part of your assignment?
+Where do you sense God calling you to live more intentionally for Him in your city?
+Who in your circle could be impacted by you living on mission this week?
Suggested Reading: Esther 4:14
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for placing me here on purpose. Open my eyes to see my city as my assignment, and give me courage to live like You’ve sent me here for such a time as this.
Day 2: Choosing Our Posture Toward the City
Memory Verse of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Devotional Thought:
The church always has a choice about how to posture itself toward the city. We can be present but passive—in the city, but doing nothing. We can be against the city, retreating in isolation and judgment. We can be of the city, blending in until we lose our distinctiveness. Or we can be for the city—seeking its peace, blessing, and salvation through the gospel.
Jesus called us to be a city on a hill—a people whose light cannot be hidden. When we choose to be for the city, we stop throwing stones and start building bridges. Our posture shifts from criticism to compassion, from retreat to engagement, and from apathy to mission.
Reflection Questions:
+Which posture do you think most churches fall into by default? Why?
+Where have you been tempted to blend in, withdraw, or stay silent?
+What does it look like for you to be for your city this week?
Suggested Reading: Jeremiah 29:4–7
Prayer:
Father, forgive me when I’ve chosen apathy, isolation, or compromise. Help me to take my place as salt and light, living for the good of my city and for Your glory.
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Devotional Thought:
The church always has a choice about how to posture itself toward the city. We can be present but passive—in the city, but doing nothing. We can be against the city, retreating in isolation and judgment. We can be of the city, blending in until we lose our distinctiveness. Or we can be for the city—seeking its peace, blessing, and salvation through the gospel.
Jesus called us to be a city on a hill—a people whose light cannot be hidden. When we choose to be for the city, we stop throwing stones and start building bridges. Our posture shifts from criticism to compassion, from retreat to engagement, and from apathy to mission.
Reflection Questions:
+Which posture do you think most churches fall into by default? Why?
+Where have you been tempted to blend in, withdraw, or stay silent?
+What does it look like for you to be for your city this week?
Suggested Reading: Jeremiah 29:4–7
Prayer:
Father, forgive me when I’ve chosen apathy, isolation, or compromise. Help me to take my place as salt and light, living for the good of my city and for Your glory.
Day 3: Jesus Is Our Message
Memory Verse of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Devotional Thought:
The message of a City Church is not itself, not its programs, and not its leaders—it is Jesus. Paul resolved to preach Christ and Him crucified. Why? Because only the gospel has the power to save and transform lives.
At True North, we want every sermon, every outreach, and every ministry to point people to Jesus. Our city doesn’t need more religious hype or empty slogans—it needs the hope of Christ. The good news is simple: Jesus came for the broken, the lost, and the searching. And that message must remain front and center in everything we do.
Reflection Questions:
+Why is it important for the church to keep Jesus as the central message?
+How does pointing to Jesus bring clarity in a culture full of confusion?
+Who in your life needs to hear the simple message of Christ this week?
Suggested Reading: Luke 19:10
Prayer:
Jesus, keep me focused on You as the center of the message. May my words, my life, and my love always point people back to You.
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Devotional Thought:
The message of a City Church is not itself, not its programs, and not its leaders—it is Jesus. Paul resolved to preach Christ and Him crucified. Why? Because only the gospel has the power to save and transform lives.
At True North, we want every sermon, every outreach, and every ministry to point people to Jesus. Our city doesn’t need more religious hype or empty slogans—it needs the hope of Christ. The good news is simple: Jesus came for the broken, the lost, and the searching. And that message must remain front and center in everything we do.
Reflection Questions:
+Why is it important for the church to keep Jesus as the central message?
+How does pointing to Jesus bring clarity in a culture full of confusion?
+Who in your life needs to hear the simple message of Christ this week?
Suggested Reading: Luke 19:10
Prayer:
Jesus, keep me focused on You as the center of the message. May my words, my life, and my love always point people back to You.
Day 4: Success Measured by Sending
Memory Verse of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:7“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: Matthew 9:37–38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Devotional Thought:
God’s definition of success is different from ours. We often measure by size—seats filled, budgets met, or buildings built. But Jesus measures success by sending. He told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, and then instructed them to pray for laborers to be sent out.
A true City Church is not about how many people gather inside but how many are sent out to impact the city. It’s multiplication, not maintenance. Each of us is called to be a worker in God’s harvest field—right where He has planted us.
Reflection Questions:
+Why is it easier to focus on “seating” rather than “sending”?
+Where is God calling you to be a worker in His harvest?
+How can you step into the mission this week in your city?
Suggested Reading: Acts 1:8
Prayer:
Lord of the harvest, send me into Your field. Give me eyes to see opportunities, courage to act, and faith to believe that one life at a time can change a city.
Jeremiah 29:7“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: Matthew 9:37–38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Devotional Thought:
God’s definition of success is different from ours. We often measure by size—seats filled, budgets met, or buildings built. But Jesus measures success by sending. He told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, and then instructed them to pray for laborers to be sent out.
A true City Church is not about how many people gather inside but how many are sent out to impact the city. It’s multiplication, not maintenance. Each of us is called to be a worker in God’s harvest field—right where He has planted us.
Reflection Questions:
+Why is it easier to focus on “seating” rather than “sending”?
+Where is God calling you to be a worker in His harvest?
+How can you step into the mission this week in your city?
Suggested Reading: Acts 1:8
Prayer:
Lord of the harvest, send me into Your field. Give me eyes to see opportunities, courage to act, and faith to believe that one life at a time can change a city.
Day 5: Celebrating the One
Memory Verse of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: 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.”
Devotional Thought:
Heaven throws a party every time one sinner repents. Jesus reminds us that the heart of God is not only for the many, but for the one. A City Church that is truly for the city celebrates when even one life is changed by the gospel.
This means our mission is personal. It’s not just about crowds or campaigns—it’s about names and faces. Your neighbor, your coworker, your friend. When they say yes to Jesus, all of heaven rejoices. And so should we.
Reflection Questions:
+Who is your “one” that you are praying will come to Jesus?
+How can you practically celebrate stories of life change in your church or group?
+What does this verse show us about God’s heart for people?
Suggested Reading: John 17:3
Prayer:
Father, give me Your heart for the one. Help me to pray, invite, and celebrate every person who finds new life in Jesus. May our church always rejoice over the one who comes home.
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Scripture: 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.”
Devotional Thought:
Heaven throws a party every time one sinner repents. Jesus reminds us that the heart of God is not only for the many, but for the one. A City Church that is truly for the city celebrates when even one life is changed by the gospel.
This means our mission is personal. It’s not just about crowds or campaigns—it’s about names and faces. Your neighbor, your coworker, your friend. When they say yes to Jesus, all of heaven rejoices. And so should we.
Reflection Questions:
+Who is your “one” that you are praying will come to Jesus?
+How can you practically celebrate stories of life change in your church or group?
+What does this verse show us about God’s heart for people?
Suggested Reading: John 17:3
Prayer:
Father, give me Your heart for the one. Help me to pray, invite, and celebrate every person who finds new life in Jesus. May our church always rejoice over the one who comes home.