At the start of every year we lean in and learn together, right across New Zealand, with a theme for our year. 2025 is a year of BRAND NEW beginnings at Equippers! We’re believing for fresh opportunities, bold steps into new territory, and the fullness of new life in Christ.
Every day is a fresh start when we live with Jesus. He has made us brand new, but He also has new things for us to take hold of!
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Together, let’s embrace everything God is making brand new this year.
To get the most out of this study, can we encourage you to get involved in an eGroup this month, dive into the daily readings on the Equippers App, attend church each Sunday to hear the Word preached, and pray fervently for a significant year for us all - individually and collectively – as we live BRAND NEW.
We are praying for you.
Blessings,
Ps Sam and Kathy Monk
Run Towards It
Join Ps Jake Langridge and Ps Jordan Smith for this 4 week eGroup series where we explore how the very things we avoid — fear of failure, distractions, overwhelm, and lack of motivation — hold the key to our greatest breakthroughs. Through honest conversation, biblical insights, and practical reflection, this series will help you face life’s challenges head-on and run toward the future God has for you.
NOTE TO LEADERS: Throughout this series, we will be pausing throughout the eGroup video to stop, discuss and converse… then carry on with the video.
Week One: Facing the Fear of Failure
In Week One, we explore how the things we avoid — often out of fear, discomfort, or procrastination — may actually hold the key to our breakthrough. Together, we look at the classic story of David and Goliath, reflecting on how David’s courage wasn’t about his own ego or reputation, but about trusting God and stepping forward for the good of others. We unpack how fear of failure, perfectionism, and protecting our self-image can hold us back from engaging fully in life and faith.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45–47 (NIV)
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’”
Discussion Questions:
- What’s something lighthearted or funny you avoid doing in daily life? Share a personal ‘procrastination moment’ with the group!
- Do you ever hold back because you want everything to be perfect? How has fear of failure or needing ‘the perfect plan’ stopped you from stepping out in faith?
- What stories are you telling yourself or telling God about your abilities or your identity? Are there limiting beliefs holding you back?
Homework for the week:
This week: Identify one area where you’re holding back due to fear or ego. Take one bold step forward — and journal or reflect on how it feels.
Pray:
Pray as a group, or split into pairs, and pray for courage to step out where fear or perfectionism has been holding you back. Ask God to strengthen each person’s trust in Him and to remind them that the battle belongs to the Lord, not to their own strength.
Week Two: Overcoming Distraction
In Week Two, we dive into the challenge of distraction and how it can pull us away from the very things God is calling us to focus on. We explore how meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight but comes through consistent, focused habits over time. Looking at the story of Martha and Mary, we’re reminded that Jesus calls us to choose the one thing that truly matters. Together, we reflect on what practical steps we can take to limit distractions and build the kind of focus that leads to real growth, both for ourselves and for the people God’s placed around us.
Scripture: Luke 10:41–42 (NIV)
“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”
Discussion Questions:
- What habits or daily disciplines have you already formed that help you stay focused on the important things? Are there any habits you know you need to strengthen?
- What is one area of your life where distractions are robbing your focus? What practical step could you take to minimise those distractions this week?
- Who might benefit if you lived with more focus and intention? How does having a bigger vision help you stay motivated to push through distractions?
Homework for the week:
This week: Identify one key area to focus on (spiritually, relationally, or practically). Take one small, consistent action each day to build momentum.
Pray:
Pray as a group, or split into pairs, and pray for the ability to stay focused on what matters most. Ask God to help each person overcome the noise and distractions around them and to develop consistent habits that align with His purposes.
Week Three: Facing Overwhelm
In Week Three, we explore the feeling of overwhelm — the moments when life feels too big, and we shut down, freeze, or hold back. We reflect on how it’s not always the actual size of the challenge, but our perception of it, that triggers overwhelm. Looking at the story of David and Saul, we see how a big view of God can empower us to act, while a small view can leave us paralysed. This week, we challenge ourselves to shift our perspective, regain confidence, and step forward — trusting that God’s strength is greater than our limitations.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV)
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Discussion Questions:
- When was the last time you had a disproportionate reaction to something minor? Share a recent moment when you felt overwhelmed or frozen by a small challenge.
- Can you recall a time when you knew you were meant to step out, but fear or lack of confidence held you back? What was going on for you in that moment?
- What is the difference between how you see yourself and how God sees you? How can shifting your perspective help you break through areas of overwhelm?
AT THE END
This week: Identify one area where you’ve been frozen by overwhelm. Take a small, practical action to move forward — trusting that God will meet you there.
Homework for the week:
This week: Identify one area where you’ve been frozen by overwhelm. Take a small, practical action to move forward — trusting that God will meet you there.
Pray:
Pray as a group, or split into pairs, and pray for anyone who feels overwhelmed or stuck. Ask God to help each person see the challenge with His perspective, to restore confidence, and to break through fear or paralysis with bold faith.
Week Four: Fighting for Motivation
In Week Four, we look at one of the most subtle but powerful challenges: a lack of motivation. We explore how motivation is not something we wait for — it’s something we build through small, intentional actions over time. Drawing again from the life of David, we’re reminded that breakthrough moments come from a long trajectory of faithfulness, practice, and purpose. Together, we reflect on how autonomy, competence, and relatedness — especially community — all play a role in helping us stay motivated to keep moving forward in the things God has called us to.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Discussion Questions:
- Where do you see yourself on the motivation scale right now? Are you someone who feels naturally motivated, or do you often struggle to get going? Share why you think that is.
- Where have you tried to push through challenges on your own? How has community helped you stay motivated or lifted you when you felt flat?
- What’s one small, intentional action you can take this month to seek God’s purpose and meaning more deeply? How can the group help support you in that journey?
Homework for the week:
This week: Choose one area where you want to grow in purpose. Take a daily, intentional step — no matter how small — and invite someone to check in with you as you go.
Pray:
Pray as a group, or split into pairs, and pray for renewed motivation and perseverance. Ask God to stir up fresh purpose in each person’s heart, and to strengthen your sense of community so you can keep encouraging one another to run the race well.
