Get Ready for Sunday: Are You Still Pressing Forward?

Happy New Year to everyone! We pray that you'll experience a renewed sense of God's presence and the work of the Holy Spirit in your life this year in many tangible ways. And we also pray for and anticipate great things to happen in and through us as a church family. 

Now, as we look forward to Sunday, we know that it’s often possible to look like we're moving forward while actually standing still, like running hard on a treadmill but not going anywhere. That raises a hard but necessary question: are you truly pressing forward in your faith, or just spinning your wheels without real progress? This matters, because movement without direction and progress eventually leads to exhaustion, not growth.

This Sunday, Pastor Keith will open Philippians 3:12–21, where Paul speaks honestly to believers who are still in process and warns us not to settle into spiritual autopilot. This passage helps us rethink what real forward movement with Jesus looks like, not just effort or activity, but a life steadily shaped by deeper allegiance to him. As we prepare to enter a new season together and begin our upcoming FORWARD series next week, this message invites us to pause and consider whether our faith is actually moving somewhere, or simply working hard to stay in the same place.

Here’s a question to carry with you this week: where could you be confusing familiarity with faithfulness, and what might it look like to press forward again with renewed dependence on Christ and pursuing him wholeheartedly?

Let’s come ready to listen, to be challenged, and to let the Spirit reorient our hearts toward what truly lasts.

What’s Happening

Life Groups Gathering

January 4 at 9:00 am in the Worship Center

Let’s kick off the new year together! All adult Life Groups will gather for a morning of worship, encouragement, and vision as we explore what a healthy, thriving group looks like according to God’s Word.

Life Groups are where Kingdom Investors are equipped—and we can’t wait to see you there!

FORWARD Initiative Kick-off  |  January 11

Over the next few weeks, we will focus our hearts and minds on the Forward initiative as we prepare to take our next steps forward by faith, on mission, together.

  • Jan 11 › 5-week sermon series FORWARD kicks off

  • Jan 18 › 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting begins (January 18-February 7)

  • Feb 8 › Forward Commitment Sunday

2026 Rooted Journals Available

2026 Rooted Journals are available for purchase in the merch store or online. The cost is $20 per journal. Pick one up this Sunday or purchase online at northbrookbc.com/rooted ›

Midweek at Northbrook returns › January 7

We’re kicking off the new year with a brand new Midweek Summit as Pastor Keith leads a powerful study on Spiritual Warfare. Dinner starts at 5:00 PM, followed by activities for Adults, Kids, Preteens, and Students at 6:30 PM. Come ready to grow and get reconnected!
 


SERVING AT MIDWEEK

Kids: We need you! Midweek intensives are the perfect opportunity to help babies, preschoolers and kids learn what it means to follow Jesus. Ready to help? Contact katie@northbrookbc.com › to find a place.

Preteens: Want to invest in the next generation? Help lead Preteens as they grow in faith and discover what it means to follow Jesus. Contact wyatt@northbrookbc.com › to get involved.

Students: Make a difference in the lives of middle and high schoolers by serving with Student MDWK on Wednesday nights. Ready to lead and walk alongside them? Contact jeremy@northbrookbc.com ›

Kids Expedition › Winter 2026 Session 1

January 7–February 11

We can't wait to hit the trail running again for Kid Expedition! NEW Track Options this Session:  

  • Kids Worship Team

  • How to Study the Bible

  • Illustration Station

Learn more and let us know your kids are coming by registering today. 

Signup Now ›

Discover Northbrook in True North

February 8, 15, & 22

True North is the place to learn about the life, mission, and ministry of Northbrook. Sessions 1 and 2 meet at 9:00 am in the conference room on the second-floor.

Interested? Sign up at northbrookbc.com/truenorth ›

True North KIDS

February 1, 8, 15, & 22 at 9:00 am

True North KIDS gives children the opportunity to walk through the gospel in a kid-friendly, hands-on environment. It will also help them understand the importance of baptism, Lord's Supper, church membership and more!

Register for True North KIDS at northbrookbc.com/truenorthkids ›
 

New Kids Buddy Ministry!

We are looking for kind hearted, patient and compassionate individuals to join our Buddy Ministry, team that makes a big difference in the lives of some very special kids. The Buddy Ministry will provide personalized, one-on-one support for children with special needs, enabling them to participate fully in our kids programing. Every child deserves to learn about Jesus in an accessible and impactful way - and our buddies will help make that possible. Contact katie@northbrookbc.com › for more information.

Enjoy RightNow Media

Northbrook now has free access to RightNow Media—20,000+ Bible studies and videos for you and your family. Check your email for the invite link to get started or click here to sign up today ›

On The Horizon

Ministry events and opportunities coming up over the next couple of months. Save these dates:

  • Student Ministry Winter Retreat | January 16-19 › Sign Up ›

  • FORWARD 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting | January 18 - February 7

  • FORWARD Commitment Sunday | February 8

Kingdom Investors

How We Walk Together

At Northbrook, spiritual growth was never meant to be pursued alone. God shapes us through relationships that encourage, challenge, and sharpen our faith. We grow best when we commit to walk with others in honest community and shared obedience.

  • Who are you intentionally walking with to help you follow Jesus more faithfully right now?

Next Steps