NorthStar Church Blog

 

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:42 (NLT)

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MISSING OUT ON THE JOY OF COMMUNITY

 

Years ago, there was a guy in my couples’ small group who invited me to his house to talk, saying he had some questions about “church.” However, I quickly realized he wasn’t really interested in asking questions—he wanted to challenge me.

This young man, as it turned out, was trying to justify not attending church on Sunday mornings or being part of the body of believers. He said something along the lines of, “I’ve got most of it figured out. I can watch church services online (not NorthStar’s, but another church in the South). I’m in a small group. I can serve others. I’ve got prayer covered. I’m just kind of hung up on baptism. I’m not sure how I could do baptism on my own.”

I spent the next two hours passionately explaining why his approach was flawed, but he simply couldn’t see it. He was missing the point—and the power—of being part of the local church the way Jesus intended. Faith in Jesus isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor; it’s meant to be lived out in partnership with others.

A Gallup Poll released in 2024 revealed that roughly 44 percent of Christians attend services regularly—though today “regular attendance” is defined as once or twice per month. Honestly, that number was higher than I expected, but it still raises the question: what about the other 56 percent? Why are they disengaged from the life of a local church?

There are countless reasons, but most can likely be summed up this way: they don’t fully understand the true purpose of the Church, nor have they experienced the joy of serving others.

Rick Warren opens his best-selling book The Purpose-Driven Life with these four simple words: “It’s not about you.”

When we accept that truth—and begin to embrace it—we start to see both our lives and the lives of others differently. Not only that, we begin to crave community with those who share the same longing to worship the Lord and serve others in His name.

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C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

 

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives…

Acts 1:12 (NLT)

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FOCUS FORWARD WITH OBEDIENCE

After everything they had seen and heard, the disciples did what Jesus said. They returned to Jerusalem. They obeyed. It may have seemed anticlimactic, but it was crucial. Their obedience positioned them for what God would do next.

Obedience may not feel exciting, but it is always essential. Sometimes it looks like showing up again, staying faithful in your work, loving difficult people, or forgiving even when it still hurts. Obedience creates space for God’s power to work.

A single mom named Denise felt God prompting her to invite her estranged father to church. They hadn’t spoken in years. She resisted the idea for months, but the conviction wouldn’t go away. Finally, she sent the text. To her shock, he came. That morning, he gave his life to Christ.

Weeks later, he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and passed away within the year. Denise said, “If I hadn’t obeyed, I would have missed the miracle.”

Where is God asking you to return, obey, or remain faithful today? Write it down, and commit to walk it out.

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer…

Acts 1:14 (NLT)

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STAY DEVOTED TO PRAYER AND COMMUNITY

Before preaching, before miracles, before the early church exploded in growth, the disciples gathered to pray. They did not isolate. They did not try to figure things out alone. They stayed in community, devoted to prayer. There is power when God’s people pray together. Prayer aligns us with God’s will, strengthens our unity, and invites the Spirit to move. Community reminds us we are not alone. The early church understood they needed each other to stay faithful.

One of the most inspiring historical examples of the power of prayer and community comes from George Müller, who ran orphanages in 19th-century England. He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime, never once asking people for money. Instead, he prayed and trusted God for every need.

On one famous morning, the orphanage had no food. Yet Müller led the children in giving thanks anyway. Moments later, a baker knocked on the door. He had woken up at 2 a.m., sensing God wanted him to bake bread for the children. Soon after, a milk cart broke down right outside, and the milkman offered all the milk before it spoiled. Müller’s faith and community of prayer became a global testimony of God’s provision.

Who are you praying for today? Who are you joining in prayer with to ask God for answers?

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

As they strained to see Him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return…”

Acts 1:10-11 (NLT)

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DON’T GET DISTRACTED FROM THE MISSION

The disciples were understandably amazed by Jesus’ ascension. But then the angels appeared and asked a powerful question: “Why are you standing here?” In other words, do not just admire the moment—go live the mission.

We can easily become stuck in our walk with Jesus because we are staring, stalling, or spectating. Distractions come in many forms: fear, comfort, entertainment, or even routine. We can be so caught up in consuming Christian content that we forget to live it out.

A college student once felt a strong call to start a Bible study in his dorm. But weeks passed, and he kept putting it off—too busy, too nervous, too distracted. Then one day, a classmate overdosed in the room across the hall. The student sensed that this was the moment God wanted him to begin the study, especially with so many students struggling with what had happened. He launched the study the following week. Today, three of those original students are in full-time ministry.

What is distracting you from fully engaging in the mission?

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (NLT)

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EMPOWERED TO LIVE SENT

Jesus does not just call us to a mission; He also gives us the power to fulfill it. When we think about sharing our faith, serving others, or making disciples, it can feel overwhelming. But God never intended for us to do this in our own strength.

To “live sent” means understanding that our daily lives are integral to God’s greater plan. Every relationship, every responsibility, and every place we go is a mission field. The power of the Holy Spirit enables ordinary people to live with extraordinary purpose.

Years ago, a UPS driver in Texas delivered packages in the same neighborhood for over a decade. One day, he stopped to help a woman whose groceries had spilled in the street. That small act led to a conversation. Over time, neighbors came to trust him with their struggles. Eventually, he began praying with people on his route and even led two neighbors to Christ. His delivery truck became a mobile mission field.

How can you “live sent” today, right where you are? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you with boldness, compassion, and clarity.

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

Once when He was eating with them, He commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised… In just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:4-5 (NLT)

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WAITING ON GOD

Jesus had just risen from the dead. The disciples were eager. The world was in need. But Jesus said, “Wait.”

That may sound surprising. Why wait when you have the greatest news in history? Because Jesus knew the mission was impossible without the Spirit. The gospel cannot be lived out or shared effectively without God’s power.

Waiting on God is not about inactivity; it is about preparation. It is about learning to trust God’s timing more than our impulses or feelings. The temptation we face is to rush into decisions, relationships, or conversations without seeking God’s direction. But Jesus modeled a different way of living. He made sure to include time alone with His Father in prayer. He was never in a hurry. In fact, He even delayed a day when His friend Lazarus was close to death. Jesus never made a move without considering His Father’s will.

During World War II, General George Patton was told to wait before advancing his troops. Instead of pushing forward out of impatience, he followed orders. Days later, he learned that his delay had prevented his men from walking into a deadly ambush. What looked like wasted time turned out to be divine protection.

Waiting isn’t weakness when it’s obedience. Where do you need to slow down and wait on the Spirit before moving forward? Ask God to prepare your heart and equip you as you wait.

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:20b (NIV)

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RESTING IN HIS PRESENCE

 

The Great Commission ends with a promise—not a command.

After calling His followers to go, to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach, Jesus offers this final word: “I am with you always.” Not sometimes. Not if you get it right. Not when you feel strong. Always.

It’s easy to read the Great Commission and feel the weight of it. We hear the call and start asking ourselves:
Am I doing enough?
Am I going where I’m supposed to go?
Am I equipped to make disciples?
What if I mess it up?

But Jesus knew that. He knew we would wrestle with fear, insecurity, doubt, and weakness. That’s why He ended not with pressure, but with presence.

This isn’t a mission we were meant to fulfill on our own. From the moment He spoke these words, Jesus made it clear: You’re not doing this by yourself.

As someone who’s lived out ministry in both vibrant seasons and deeply vulnerable ones, I can tell you—this promise has become my anchor.

There have been times when I’ve felt strong and sure, walking confidently in the work God called me to do. But there have also been long stretches—especially in this current season of chronic illness—when I’ve felt completely poured out. On those days, it’s not the commission that carries me. It’s the presence.

I may not have the same physical capacity I once did. I may not be able to go, serve, or lead in all the ways I used to. But Jesus is still with me. Still leading me. Still using me.

His presence is not dependent on my performance.
It’s not tied to how “productive” I am for the Kingdom.
It’s just… true. Always.

And that has changed the way I measure faithfulness—not by what I do, but by how I walk with Him.

Wherever you are today—whether you feel energized or exhausted, bold or broken, ready to lead or barely hanging on—know this: You are not alone. The same Jesus who called His disciples on that mountaintop is walking with you right now.

You don’t have to muster up strength you don’t have. You don’t have to figure it all out before you take the next step. You just have to trust that He is with you—empowering, equipping, and encouraging you every step of the way.

The Great Commission was never about what we can do for Jesus. It’s about what He can do through us—when we go with Him.

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Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for never sending me alone. Help me live in constant awareness of Your presence. When I feel afraid, remind me You are near. When I feel weak, strengthen me by Your Spirit. May I walk in confidence—not in myself, but in You.

Reflect:

• Where do you need to be reminded that Jesus is with you?

• What changes when you remember that you’re not walking out your calling alone?

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

 

“…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Matthew 28:19b-20a (NIV)

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Baptizing and Teaching – Sharing the Whole Gospel

 

Yesterday, we looked at the slow, patient work of investing in people—building trust, laying a foundation, and discipling long before you ever open a Bible together. Today, we turn to what happens after that foundation has been laid.

Because there comes a moment in every disciple-making journey when the seeds planted in relationship begin to grow toward transformation. But here’s the beautiful—and sometimes challenging—truth: we don’t always get to see the harvest.

Sometimes we plant. Sometimes we water. Occasionally, we get to witness the moment that fruit begins to bloom. But every step is sacred, and all of it is God’s.

In 2018, I began working with a local girls’ high school basketball program. I was not a basketball player. I wasn’t even an athlete. I felt confident talking to the girls in the locker room before games—but when it came to building relationships with the coaches, I was completely out of my comfort zone. Still, I felt the Lord calling me to show up. To listen. To invest.

One of the coaches I met was a former player at that same school—young, newly in a leadership role, and figuring it all out in real time. We connected easily. She opened up. I listened. I didn’t push. I didn’t preach. I just showed up, week after week.

Then one morning, everything shifted. I got a 6 a.m. text: “Can we talk?”

In that moment, I knew—this was what the Lord had been preparing our relationship for. From that day forward, we began walking through some incredibly hard and deeply personal circumstances together. And slowly, we opened God’s Word side by side. We prayed. We studied. We asked big questions.

A few summers later, while walking the track between games at a tournament, she looked at me and asked if I would baptize her. It was one of the greatest honors of my life. And the transformation didn’t stop there—she joined the church, got involved in a small group, and started leading her team with faith and boldness. I watched as she became a woman who wasn’t just coached by me—but discipled by Jesus.

Moments like these are holy reminders that the gospel isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves—or halfway shared. Jesus called us to baptize and teach—to lead people into full relationship with Him, not just casual connection. That includes sharing the full truth of who He is, what He has done, and what it means to follow Him with our whole lives.

Let’s be honest: that can feel intimidating. Especially when the person you’re investing in has become a friend. We don’t want to pressure or offend. We don’t want to be “too much.” But the gospel, shared with love and grace, is never too much—it’s exactly what people need most.

Discipleship isn’t just about walking with someone through the hard parts of life. It’s also about walking them into the transforming power of Christ. It’s both/and—relational investment and gospel invitation. Trusting that when we’re faithful to share, the Holy Spirit is faithful to move.

So whether you’re planting seeds, watering them, or watching them bloom—keep going. Keep speaking. Keep sharing. You never know when you might get a glimpse of heaven right here on earth.

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Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the privilege of walking with others in both the quiet and the bold moments. Give me courage to share Your whole truth with love, patience, and joy. Use my story and my obedience to reflect Your grace and invite others into Your kingdom.

Reflect:

• Have you ever stopped short of sharing the whole gospel with someone because of fear or discomfort?

• What would it look like to take one small step of obedience this week—whether through conversation, invitation, or prayer?

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.