PARTICIPANTGUIDE
What if stewardship is about much more than money? This Sunday, we begin Entrusted, a new series exploring how God calls us to faithfully manage everything He places in our hands—our relationships, opportunities, gifts, resources, influence, and even the seasons we didn’t choose. We’ll discover that everything belongs to God, and faithfulness is His measure of stewardship.
ICE BREAKERS
+ 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?
BIG IDEA
When your DNA connects with the church’s DNA, God multiplies impact and leads us into our best days ahead.
SERMON SUMMARY
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.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
+ 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”?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
(Live It Out)
Identify one step this week to actively link your life with the mission of True North.
PRAYER FOCUS
+ 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.
DEVOTIONAL PLAN
Memory Verse of the Week
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
Day 1: Remembering Our Story
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 4:2 “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
Scripture
Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Devotional Thought
Stewardship begins with a truth that changes the way we see everything: God owns it all. Before we ever talk about what we should do with our money, time, gifts, relationships, or opportunities, Scripture reminds us that none of those things ultimately belong to us. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” That means our lives are not possessions to control; they are gifts to steward.
This is freeing when we truly receive it. If God is the Owner, then we do not have to carry the pressure of acting like everything depends on us. We are managers, not masters. We are called to listen, obey, cultivate, and care for what He has placed in our hands.
Ownership changes our questions. Instead of asking, “What do I want to do with my life?” we begin asking, “Lord, what do You want to do through the life You have given me?” Instead of saying, “This is my money, my career, my family, my time,” we begin to say, “God, these belong to You. Show me how to handle them well.”
That posture opens our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Stewardship is not merely careful planning; it is Spirit-led surrender. We invite the Lord into our decisions and trust Him to guide us.
Today, identify one area of your life you have been holding tightly. It may be your schedule, finances, future, family, or plans. Place it back in God’s hands. The goal is not to become passive. The goal is to become faithful. When we remember who owns everything, we can steward everything with greater peace, humility, and purpose. In every season of life.
Reflection Questions
What area of your life is easiest for you to think of as “mine” instead of God’s?
How would your decisions change if you truly viewed everything as belonging to God?
What is one area you need to surrender to God today?
Suggested Reading
Haggai 2:8
Prayer
Father, everything I have and everything I am belongs to You. Help me release my grip on the things I have treated as my own. Holy Spirit, teach me to faithfully steward everything You place in my hands.
1 Corinthians 4:2 “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
Scripture
Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Devotional Thought
Stewardship begins with a truth that changes the way we see everything: God owns it all. Before we ever talk about what we should do with our money, time, gifts, relationships, or opportunities, Scripture reminds us that none of those things ultimately belong to us. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” That means our lives are not possessions to control; they are gifts to steward.
This is freeing when we truly receive it. If God is the Owner, then we do not have to carry the pressure of acting like everything depends on us. We are managers, not masters. We are called to listen, obey, cultivate, and care for what He has placed in our hands.
Ownership changes our questions. Instead of asking, “What do I want to do with my life?” we begin asking, “Lord, what do You want to do through the life You have given me?” Instead of saying, “This is my money, my career, my family, my time,” we begin to say, “God, these belong to You. Show me how to handle them well.”
That posture opens our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Stewardship is not merely careful planning; it is Spirit-led surrender. We invite the Lord into our decisions and trust Him to guide us.
Today, identify one area of your life you have been holding tightly. It may be your schedule, finances, future, family, or plans. Place it back in God’s hands. The goal is not to become passive. The goal is to become faithful. When we remember who owns everything, we can steward everything with greater peace, humility, and purpose. In every season of life.
Reflection Questions
What area of your life is easiest for you to think of as “mine” instead of God’s?
How would your decisions change if you truly viewed everything as belonging to God?
What is one area you need to surrender to God today?
Suggested Reading
Haggai 2:8
Prayer
Father, everything I have and everything I am belongs to You. Help me release my grip on the things I have treated as my own. Holy Spirit, teach me to faithfully steward everything You place in my hands.
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.