WEEKSEVEN
PARTICIPANTGUIDE
At True North, we believe you were shaped on purpose, for a purpose. God has uniquely designed you with gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences that point to your destiny. This week, we’ll explore how to discover your SHAPE and step into God’s plan—not just to attend, but to be activated; not just to believe, but to become. Join us Sunday as we dive into what it means to be an equipping church, where every believer is called and equipped for impact.
ICEBREAKER
+ Share about one talent, hobby, or skill you have that others may not know.
+ If money and time weren’t an issue, what dream job or role would you love to step into?
+ If money and time weren’t an issue, what dream job or role would you love to step into?
SCRIPTURALREFERENCES
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Exodus 31:3–5
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Exodus 31:3–5
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
BIGIDEA
You were shaped on purpose, for a purpose—God equips every believer for their destiny.
SERMONSUMMARY
We are not just a church that gathers—we are a church that equips. God has designed every believer with a destiny in mind. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared long before we were born. That means our lives are not random, and our callings are not optional. Every believer has purpose.
To help us recognize this purpose, we use the SHAPE framework:
+ Spiritual Gifts
+ Heart,
+ Abilities
+ Personality
+ Experiences.
Our spiritual gifts are tools to bless others. Our passions reveal where God is calling us. Our abilities—both natural and learned—are meant to be offered for Kingdom impact. Our personalities reflect God’s intentional design. And our experiences, both good and painful, are redeemed by God to help others. None of these are wasted.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us that what God gives us, He expects us to use. Some multiply their gifts, while others bury them. But we are called to step out in faith and invest what God has entrusted to us.
True North is an equipping church because we believe you were shaped for destiny—not to sit, but to serve; not to hide, but to shine. Together, we step into God’s design, for the sake of His Kingdom and the impact of eternity.
To help us recognize this purpose, we use the SHAPE framework:
+ Spiritual Gifts
+ Heart,
+ Abilities
+ Personality
+ Experiences.
Our spiritual gifts are tools to bless others. Our passions reveal where God is calling us. Our abilities—both natural and learned—are meant to be offered for Kingdom impact. Our personalities reflect God’s intentional design. And our experiences, both good and painful, are redeemed by God to help others. None of these are wasted.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us that what God gives us, He expects us to use. Some multiply their gifts, while others bury them. But we are called to step out in faith and invest what God has entrusted to us.
True North is an equipping church because we believe you were shaped for destiny—not to sit, but to serve; not to hide, but to shine. Together, we step into God’s design, for the sake of His Kingdom and the impact of eternity.
DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS
+ Read Ephesians 2:10. What does it mean to you that God prepared good works for you in advance?
+ Which part of the SHAPE framework (gifts, heart, abilities, personality, experiences) do you recognize most in your life right now?
+ What passions or burdens stir your heart the most, and how might those point to your calling?
+ How have your past experiences—both good and painful—shaped your ability to minister to others?
+ Why do you think people often struggle to use their gifts? What holds them back?
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), why was the servant who buried his talent rebuked? How does that challenge you personally?
+ How can our group help each other discover, affirm, and use our SHAPE?
+ Which part of the SHAPE framework (gifts, heart, abilities, personality, experiences) do you recognize most in your life right now?
+ What passions or burdens stir your heart the most, and how might those point to your calling?
+ How have your past experiences—both good and painful—shaped your ability to minister to others?
+ Why do you think people often struggle to use their gifts? What holds them back?
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), why was the servant who buried his talent rebuked? How does that challenge you personally?
+ How can our group help each other discover, affirm, and use our SHAPE?
PRACTICALAPPLICATION
(Live It Out)
This week, take one step to actively use your SHAPE. Serve in a ministry, encourage someone with your gift, or share your story with someone who needs it.
PRAYERFOCUS
+ Thank God for the unique SHAPE He has given each member of the group.
+ Pray for boldness to use spiritual gifts instead of burying them.
+ Ask God to align passions and abilities with His purposes.
+ Pray that each person would step into their God-given destiny with faith and courage.
+ Pray for boldness to use spiritual gifts instead of burying them.
+ Ask God to align passions and abilities with His purposes.
+ Pray that each person would step into their God-given destiny with faith and courage.
DEVOTIONALGUIDE
Memory Verse of the Week
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Day 1 – You Are Gifted for a Purpose
Memory Verse of the Week:
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Devotional Thought:
You were created with purpose. You were not saved to sit but to serve. The Bible says every believer is given a manifestation of the Spirit—a gift meant to build the church and bless the world. Too often, Christians believe spiritual gifts are reserved for pastors or missionaries. But God says otherwise: “to each one.” That means you.
Spiritual gifts are supernatural tools, not trophies. They’re not given to show off but to lift up. Teaching, encouragement, leadership, prophecy, healing—each one is a part of God’s plan to strengthen His people and reach the world. The question is not whether you have a gift, but whether you’re using it.
The enemy’s strategy is to convince you that your gift is too small or too insignificant to matter. But Scripture reminds us that the church is a body, and every part is necessary. Without your gift, the body is incomplete.
Where do you see fruit when you step out in faith? What has God placed in your hands? These are clues to your design. Don’t bury your gift. Put it to work for the Kingdom. When you do, you’ll not only discover your calling—you’ll also bring life to others.
Reflection Questions:
+What spiritual gift(s) do you believe God has given you?
+How have you seen God use your gifts to bless others?
+What step can you take to begin using your gifts more intentionally?
Suggested Reading: Romans 12:4–8
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Help me to see them not as trophies but as tools. Give me boldness to use them for Your glory and for the good of others. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Devotional Thought:
You were created with purpose. You were not saved to sit but to serve. The Bible says every believer is given a manifestation of the Spirit—a gift meant to build the church and bless the world. Too often, Christians believe spiritual gifts are reserved for pastors or missionaries. But God says otherwise: “to each one.” That means you.
Spiritual gifts are supernatural tools, not trophies. They’re not given to show off but to lift up. Teaching, encouragement, leadership, prophecy, healing—each one is a part of God’s plan to strengthen His people and reach the world. The question is not whether you have a gift, but whether you’re using it.
The enemy’s strategy is to convince you that your gift is too small or too insignificant to matter. But Scripture reminds us that the church is a body, and every part is necessary. Without your gift, the body is incomplete.
Where do you see fruit when you step out in faith? What has God placed in your hands? These are clues to your design. Don’t bury your gift. Put it to work for the Kingdom. When you do, you’ll not only discover your calling—you’ll also bring life to others.
Reflection Questions:
+What spiritual gift(s) do you believe God has given you?
+How have you seen God use your gifts to bless others?
+What step can you take to begin using your gifts more intentionally?
Suggested Reading: Romans 12:4–8
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Help me to see them not as trophies but as tools. Give me boldness to use them for Your glory and for the good of others. Amen.
Day 2 – Your Passions Point to Your Calling
Memory Verse of the Week:
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Devotional Thought:
Your heart reveals more than your emotions—it reveals your calling. God has wired each of us with unique passions. These are not accidents or coincidences; they are clues to your destiny. The things that stir compassion in you, the injustices that grieve you, the groups of people you feel drawn toward—these passions are God’s fingerprints on your heart.
Some of us carry a burden for the broken. Others feel a pull toward the next generation. Still others come alive in worship or intercession. These desires are not random. They point toward the assignments God prepared for you.
But notice the order in Psalm 37: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As you walk with God, He shapes and aligns your passions with His purposes. He teaches you to love what He loves and to be moved by what moves Him.
Don’t dismiss your passions as mere hobbies or personal interests. Ask yourself: What brings me joy when I serve? What burdens won’t leave me alone? These are windows into your calling. God gave you that heart because He intends for you to use it. When you combine passion with obedience, purpose begins to come alive.
Reflection Questions:
+What ministry or need stirs your heart the most?
+How might God be shaping your passions to align with His purposes?
+Where could you begin serving in a way that matches what you love?
Suggested Reading: Nehemiah 1:3–4
Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving me a heart that beats for what matters to You. Shape my desires so that they align with Your purposes. Show me where to serve with joy and passion. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Devotional Thought:
Your heart reveals more than your emotions—it reveals your calling. God has wired each of us with unique passions. These are not accidents or coincidences; they are clues to your destiny. The things that stir compassion in you, the injustices that grieve you, the groups of people you feel drawn toward—these passions are God’s fingerprints on your heart.
Some of us carry a burden for the broken. Others feel a pull toward the next generation. Still others come alive in worship or intercession. These desires are not random. They point toward the assignments God prepared for you.
But notice the order in Psalm 37: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As you walk with God, He shapes and aligns your passions with His purposes. He teaches you to love what He loves and to be moved by what moves Him.
Don’t dismiss your passions as mere hobbies or personal interests. Ask yourself: What brings me joy when I serve? What burdens won’t leave me alone? These are windows into your calling. God gave you that heart because He intends for you to use it. When you combine passion with obedience, purpose begins to come alive.
Reflection Questions:
+What ministry or need stirs your heart the most?
+How might God be shaping your passions to align with His purposes?
+Where could you begin serving in a way that matches what you love?
Suggested Reading: Nehemiah 1:3–4
Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving me a heart that beats for what matters to You. Shape my desires so that they align with Your purposes. Show me where to serve with joy and passion. Amen.
Day 3 – Your Abilities Are God’s Tools
Memory Verse of the Week:
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Exodus 31:3–5
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
Devotional Thought:
Your abilities—natural talents, learned skills, and practical strengths—are not accidents. God gave them to you for a reason. Too often we separate “sacred” and “secular,” but in God’s hands, everything can be sacred. Whether you’re good at organizing, building, creating, solving problems, or encouraging others, God wants to use those gifts for His glory.
In Exodus, we see God equipping artisans with skill for the tabernacle. Their craftsmanship was not just talent; it was a calling. The same is true for you. What you’re good at can become a weapon in God’s hands. Your skills may open doors for ministry, bless others, and build His Kingdom in ways you never imagined.
Perhaps you’ve never thought of cooking, coding, teaching, or fixing things as ministry. But when you dedicate your abilities to God, they become tools for His purposes. God doesn’t waste anything. Your skills matter, because your design reveals your destiny.
Ask yourself: What am I naturally good at? What do people thank me for? What skills could I offer to bless my church or community? Remember, the smallest act offered to God becomes a powerful act of worship.
Reflection Questions:
+What natural talents or learned skills do you see God using in your life?
+How could you dedicate those abilities more fully to God’s purposes?
+What ability do you often overlook that God may want to redeem for His Kingdom?
Suggested Reading: Colossians 3:23–24
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for every skill and ability You’ve given me. I offer them back to You today. Use them for Your Kingdom, whether in big ways or small. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Exodus 31:3–5
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
Devotional Thought:
Your abilities—natural talents, learned skills, and practical strengths—are not accidents. God gave them to you for a reason. Too often we separate “sacred” and “secular,” but in God’s hands, everything can be sacred. Whether you’re good at organizing, building, creating, solving problems, or encouraging others, God wants to use those gifts for His glory.
In Exodus, we see God equipping artisans with skill for the tabernacle. Their craftsmanship was not just talent; it was a calling. The same is true for you. What you’re good at can become a weapon in God’s hands. Your skills may open doors for ministry, bless others, and build His Kingdom in ways you never imagined.
Perhaps you’ve never thought of cooking, coding, teaching, or fixing things as ministry. But when you dedicate your abilities to God, they become tools for His purposes. God doesn’t waste anything. Your skills matter, because your design reveals your destiny.
Ask yourself: What am I naturally good at? What do people thank me for? What skills could I offer to bless my church or community? Remember, the smallest act offered to God becomes a powerful act of worship.
Reflection Questions:
+What natural talents or learned skills do you see God using in your life?
+How could you dedicate those abilities more fully to God’s purposes?
+What ability do you often overlook that God may want to redeem for His Kingdom?
Suggested Reading: Colossians 3:23–24
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for every skill and ability You’ve given me. I offer them back to You today. Use them for Your Kingdom, whether in big ways or small. Amen.
Day 4 – Your Personality Is by Design
Memory Verse of the Week:
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Devotional Thought
: Your personality is not a mistake—it’s part of God’s design. He made you intentionally, wiring you in a way that reveals His creativity. Some are introverted and reflective, others are outgoing and relational. Some thrive with structure, while others flourish with spontaneity. None of these are “better” than the others. All are necessary.
God doesn’t need you to change your personality before He can use you. He wants to use you as He made you. That doesn’t mean we never grow or stretch—but it does mean we don’t need to pretend to be someone else. Authenticity is key to destiny.
Your personality can determine how and where you best serve. Reflective people bring depth, discernment, and prayer. Connectors build relationships and momentum. Strategic thinkers help organize vision. Creatives inspire others with fresh ideas. Every personality reflects a piece of God’s image.
Ask yourself: Where do I naturally thrive? What environment brings out my best? These clues point to your design and your destiny. Celebrate who God made you to be, and invite Him to refine it for His glory.
Reflection Questions:
+How has your personality shaped the way you serve God and others?
+In what ways have you compared yourself to others instead of embracing God’s design for you?
+How can you lean into your natural strengths this week for Kingdom impact?
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12–14
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me fearfully and wonderfully. Forgive me for the times I’ve compared myself to others. Help me embrace my unique design and use it fully for Your glory. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Devotional Thought
: Your personality is not a mistake—it’s part of God’s design. He made you intentionally, wiring you in a way that reveals His creativity. Some are introverted and reflective, others are outgoing and relational. Some thrive with structure, while others flourish with spontaneity. None of these are “better” than the others. All are necessary.
God doesn’t need you to change your personality before He can use you. He wants to use you as He made you. That doesn’t mean we never grow or stretch—but it does mean we don’t need to pretend to be someone else. Authenticity is key to destiny.
Your personality can determine how and where you best serve. Reflective people bring depth, discernment, and prayer. Connectors build relationships and momentum. Strategic thinkers help organize vision. Creatives inspire others with fresh ideas. Every personality reflects a piece of God’s image.
Ask yourself: Where do I naturally thrive? What environment brings out my best? These clues point to your design and your destiny. Celebrate who God made you to be, and invite Him to refine it for His glory.
Reflection Questions:
+How has your personality shaped the way you serve God and others?
+In what ways have you compared yourself to others instead of embracing God’s design for you?
+How can you lean into your natural strengths this week for Kingdom impact?
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12–14
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me fearfully and wonderfully. Forgive me for the times I’ve compared myself to others. Help me embrace my unique design and use it fully for Your glory. Amen.
Day 5 – Your Experiences Shape Your Destiny
Memory Verse of the Week:
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Devotional Thought:
Your life experiences—both joyful and painful—are tools God uses to shape your destiny. Nothing is wasted in His hands. The victories, the failures, the heartbreaks, the “why did that happen?” moments—each one can be redeemed. God often calls us to minister out of the very places we’ve walked through.
Think about it: those who have known grief can comfort the grieving. Those who have walked through addiction can guide others to freedom. Those who have experienced God’s provision can encourage others to trust Him. Your scars can become a testimony of His healing.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works in all things for good—not that all things are good, but that nothing is wasted. He can take what the enemy meant for harm and use it for His purposes. Your story may be the bridge someone else needs to encounter Christ.
Ask yourself: Where has God redeemed my past? What story could I share that might bring hope to others? Don’t bury your experiences in shame. Bring them into the light and watch God use them for His glory.
Reflection Questions:
+How has God used your past experiences to shape your faith?
+What story could you share with someone who needs encouragement right now?
+How might God be preparing you to minister out of your experiences this week?
Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that nothing in my life is wasted. Use my story—both the victories and the struggles—to bring encouragement and hope to others. Redeem my past for Your glory. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Scripture: Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Devotional Thought:
Your life experiences—both joyful and painful—are tools God uses to shape your destiny. Nothing is wasted in His hands. The victories, the failures, the heartbreaks, the “why did that happen?” moments—each one can be redeemed. God often calls us to minister out of the very places we’ve walked through.
Think about it: those who have known grief can comfort the grieving. Those who have walked through addiction can guide others to freedom. Those who have experienced God’s provision can encourage others to trust Him. Your scars can become a testimony of His healing.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works in all things for good—not that all things are good, but that nothing is wasted. He can take what the enemy meant for harm and use it for His purposes. Your story may be the bridge someone else needs to encounter Christ.
Ask yourself: Where has God redeemed my past? What story could I share that might bring hope to others? Don’t bury your experiences in shame. Bring them into the light and watch God use them for His glory.
Reflection Questions:
+How has God used your past experiences to shape your faith?
+What story could you share with someone who needs encouragement right now?
+How might God be preparing you to minister out of your experiences this week?
Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that nothing in my life is wasted. Use my story—both the victories and the struggles—to bring encouragement and hope to others. Redeem my past for Your glory. Amen.