As North Cities steps into a new year, Pastor John Hargrove opened this message with a simple reminder: no matter what you’re facing, you’re safest in the presence of God and among the people of God. From that foundation, the call for 2026 becomes clear—this isn’t just a new calendar year. It’s a renewed commitment to live on mission.

God Was Faithful in 2025—and He’s Still Building

Even after a difficult year, God’s hand has been evident. Lives were changed, people were baptized in Jesus’ name, first-time guests walked through the doors, and discipleship continued to grow through groups, ministries, and everyday faithfulness. That matters because it proves something: storms don’t cancel purpose. They can’t stop the church Jesus built.

The First Assignment: Love

The mission begins where Jesus began it: love God and love people.
Not as a slogan—like a lifestyle.

That means taking ownership of the atmosphere around you. It means the people who sit beside you shouldn’t feel invisible. Guests shouldn’t slip out unnoticed. Love is often expressed through ordinary moments: a handshake, a name, a warm welcome, a genuine invitation to connect.

In 2026, the goal isn’t to be impressive. It’s to be intentional.

A Strong Church Is a Serving Church

The kingdom doesn’t move forward through spectators—it moves forward through servants.

Serving isn’t busywork; it’s spiritual alignment. It keeps hearts soft, faith active, and relationships strong. One of the enemy’s oldest strategies is isolation—pull people away from connection and purpose until they drift. But disciples stay anchored by staying engaged.

If you’re looking for a practical “next step” for the new year, here it is:
Find a place to serve, and do it faithfully.

Evangelism Is Not Optional

Jesus didn’t ask the church to consider reaching people—He commanded us to go.

Evangelism isn’t just preaching; it’s bringing the gospel to real life:

• helping people who can’t help themselves

• lifting burdens and offering hope

• inviting the hungry to come close

• opening the door to repentance, baptism, and new life

And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Imagine what happens if every disciple reaches just one person a week—one conversation, one invitation, one prayer, one Bible study. That kind of consistency changes a city.

Before We Go, We Tarry

No one steps into powerful public ministry without a strong private place with God.

Prayer isn’t a church activity—it’s a lifeline. And it’s not only about asking for blessings; it’s about being formed. When the church becomes a praying church, clarity increases, compassion deepens, and courage rises.

And there’s a truth we can’t skip: Before we win souls, we must weep for souls.

If we’re unmoved by what’s happening around us, we’ve drifted from the pattern. But when God’s people return to burden and intercession, spiritual momentum follows.

A Call to Fasting

Fasting is one of the most neglected tools of spiritual focus—and one of the most effective.

It’s not punishment. It’s pursuit. It’s making room for God to lead, correct, strengthen, and empower. Pair prayer and fasting together, and you begin to see what can’t be produced by effort alone: revival fruit.

Looking Ahead: Jesus Tent Revival (March 6–8)

A major focus ahead is the Jesus Tent Revival on March 6–8. The invitation isn’t just to attend—it’s to prepare the way:

• pray with intention

• fast with unity

• share invites boldly

• believe for a greater harvest—and for disciples to be connected and grounded

God can reach people anywhere, anytime. But He chooses to work through willing disciples. The question for 2026 isn’t whether God can move. The question is whether we’ll move with Him.

The Commitment of the Year: Say Yes

At its core, this vision is a call to surrender. To step out of comfort. To break isolation. To return to the altar. To be shaped by the Word and led by the Spirit.

2026 is a year to go deeper than “normal.”
A year to live the Great Commission with fresh faith.

Love. Serve. Evangelize. Pray. Fast. Go.

And when God calls—say yes.