Hey Life Group Leaders!
I hope your week has been fruitful and that you’re experiencing the fullness of joy David speaks of in Psalm 16. We truly have full and free access to the God of the universe, and my prayer is that this reality continues to shape how you live, lead, and love those entrusted to your care.
There are several important updates and next steps to share, so please take a moment to read through everything below. And as always, I’d love to hear from you, especially stories of how God is working in your life, your family, and your Life Group.
Important Things to Know:
1. Sunday Weather Updates
Please stay tuned for updates regarding this Sunday’s Life Group and Worship gatherings. Depending on winter weather, we may need to pivot. I’ll keep you informed as decisions are made.
2. Life Group Prayer Focus
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
If we’re able to gather this Sunday, we’re asking every Life Group to set aside intentional time to pray together. I’ll provide prayer prompts tied to the 21 Days reading plan. You can use these for part of your hour or the entire time if needed.
If we’re unable to gather on Sunday, I encourage you to find another time this week—via Zoom or in person—to pray together as a group.
3. Life Group Leader Check-In
Sunday at 8:00 a.m. (Choir Room)
If Sunday proceeds as planned, we’ll still gather for our leader check-in. Please come ready to share:
God-stories from your group—where are you seeing growth, movement, or transformation?
Feedback on leading the recent sermon-based curriculum (Advent and Forward) and ideas that will help us strengthen the next series, SEEN, launching February 15.
Let me know your plans either way by registering below.
4. Forward Giving Exercise
As we prepare for Commitment Sunday on February 8 with our individual Kickstart gifts and three-year commitments. Pastor Keith will lead the church through a brief giving exercise this Sunday. Then, on Sunday, February 1, one of our pastors will visit your Life Group during the first 5-10 minutes to briefly walk through the exercise again. Please plan accordingly in your teaching flow.
Life in the Groups
This Sunday we continue the FORWARD journey with Session 3: Pay It Forward, and I want to help reset the tone as you prepare to lead. This week is about trust, not pressure, guilt, or amounts. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus isn’t impressed by the size of a gift. He’s drawn to the posture of a surrendered heart. While others focus on what’s visible and impressive, Jesus notices a widow who gives quietly and sacrificially. What he honors is her dependence—her willingness to entrust herself fully to God.
As you prepare, aim to create space for honest reflection. Your role isn’t to push generosity, but to help people see that generosity reveals who we trust when obedience costs us something. This session in Mark 12 is a heart-level passage. Let it do its work. This is slow, formative leadership, and God uses small moments of clarity and courage to shape lasting faith.
Resources
Sermon: Pay It Forward › Mark 12:41-44
Forward Life Group Digital Curriculum & Extras:
Life Group Gathering Notes:
Event & Ministry Opportunities
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Corporate Prayer & Worship
February 2-6 (Mon-Fri) at 6:00 am in the Worship Center. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to join us if you're able.
Learn More →True North coming up in February. Make sure to encourage any guests visiting your groups about this opportunity to learn more about Northbrook and take that next step toward becoming a part of the body of Christ here.
Shared Group Leadership: who will be your group's Group Care and Missions Coordinator? Jordan and I will begin following up with you to help you determine who can help you serve your groups in these important ways.
Free Subscription to RightNow Media. Don’t forget that Northbrook is providing this incredible discipleship resources for our church members. You can use this tool personally or in your groups as well.
Signup and take advantage →Reminder: Download the new curriculum strategy document here →
Sharpen Your Soul & Leadership
This week, ask the Lord to search your own heart first.
Where are you tempted to give from comfort rather than trust?
Where might Jesus be inviting you to surrender something small that actually reveals something big?
Lead from honesty, not polish.
Kingdom Investor Focus: DEVELOP
This week is about formation. Jesus isn’t after equal gifts—he’s after undivided hearts. Help your group see that generosity is learned, practiced, and shaped over time as we trust him more deeply.
Thank you for your steady, faithful leadership. God is using you in ways you may not always see, but they matter deeply. I’m grateful to serve alongside you.
Praying for you and your group!
Dave Wright
Discipleship Pastor
Cultivating spiritual growth through relational connections and missional action.