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Connect Group Curriculum

Introduction

The Curriculum Map is a guide for Group leaders to use when choosing a curriculum for their group.

Right Now Media

Please note: If the study is accessible through Right Now Media you can click each book to link directly to the online study.

To join Right Now Media for free go click here.

Looking for resources?

Check out our inventory of books! Emmanuel will supply one free book to the CG Leaders. Books are available for purchase for group participants while supplies last.

Scroll to view our various curriculum options

Total Forgiveness

Did you know that the life Jesus has to offer is far more than knowledge or religion? Many people have been informed about Jesus but not been transformed by Jesus. In the Pursuing Life Connect Group series we will explore how to have a life changing relationship with God. We will share some practical spiritual practices that will boost your spiritual life. Join a connect group for this Four week transformational series!

Connect Group Curriculum Options

Sermon Discussion Guide

Length: Ongoing

Format: PDF

The Sermon Discussion Guide consists of Summary Notes from the message and 5-7 Discussion Questions with Scripture passages also based around the message. The Summary Notes are just for the Group Leaders to be able to reference; they are not to be read to the group.

PDF: Required for Group Leader(s) only.

Other Helpful Guides

Length: 4 sessions/weeks

Format: DVD and YouTube. Redwood Faith is

Emmanuel’s vision for Connect Groups. Filmed in a Redwood Forest, Pastor Nate walks us through the journey of becoming the body of Christ, connected to each other for health and growth.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member

Notes: If participants want to go deeper beyond the group experience, the study guide provides a weekly devotional reading (5 pages), assessments and exercises, journaling and weekly scripture memory.

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: YouTube.

Did you know God wants to hear from you?
Yes, you! Prayer isn’t just an activity for professionals while the rest of us feel like spectators. Everyone can get in on the action! In Leveling the Praying Field, Donna Barrett’s insights will help you to explore prayer as an unlimited opportunity to talk with—and hear from—God, and help others do the same.

Please email ConnectGroup@Emmanuelcc.org for more information.

Leveling the Praying Field Videos Sessions:

Rookie & Seasoned Groups

Length: 6 Sessions/Weeks

Format: Right Now Media, DVD and YouTube

Emmanuel’s mission is for every person to know Jesus, grow together and live with purpose. This Matters is our key resource to unpack and empower our people to live with purpose in every area of their life: time, family, church, career and neighborhood.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.

Notes: If participants want to go deeper beyond the group experience, the study guide provides a daily devotional, assessments, exercises, journaling and weekly scripture memory. 

Length: 6 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD and YouTube

This 6-session video-based study includes teaching videos and worship videos for the group experience. Step Closer walks through the life of David and how he discovered the secret weapon for every season of his life. This will empower your group in worship and prayer. 

Participant Guide: Optional for each group member.

Notes: If participants want to go deeper beyond the group experience, the study guide provides 40 daily devotions, journaling and weekly scripture memory.

Seasoned Guides

Length: 7 sessions/weeks

Format: DVD and Right Now Media

Join pastor and bestselling author Mark Batterson on a seven-week journey as he reveals the incredible power of the seven miraculous signs of Jesus found in the Gospel of John and walks us through the very spots where Jesus chose to reveal himself through these miraculous events.

Miracles are happening all around us all the time, but you won’t see them if you don’t know how to look for them.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is a 250+ page Grave Robber book for additional study.

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: DVD

In this six-session video Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Judah Smith, bestselling author of Jesus Is_____, asks a surprisingly different question from the usual “How are you?”—but this is the question Judah chooses to ask his friends, because he knows the health of the soul is too often overlooked in the busyness of everyday life. 

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 200 page How’s Your Soul book for additional study.

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: Right Now Media

For years, people can struggle with anxiety, loneliness, depression, relational and professional disappointments and identity issues. In this series, Dr. Henry Cloud provides biblical solutions to work through these issues. Principles like grace, forgiveness and wisdom that promotes wholeness and more. 

Study Guide: Free download on Right Now Media.
Notes: Free download on Right Now Media. Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 300+ page book Changes That Heal. 

Rookie, Seasoned & Maturing Groups

Big 5 Bible Study: Tools to Dig in Deeper

with Stacy Bellward and Juli Bakken

Whether you are new to reading the Bible, or you have read the Bible your whole life, you will learn steps to follow, and you can get even more out of your study. This is an interactive study, which means everyone can participate! As your group starts to study using the Big 5 tools, you will begin to see more details in scripture, that you may not have noticed before. We often hear, “I never saw that before.”  This is the sound of YOUR roots growing deeper. It is fun, and it will keep your group engaged as you study the Bible together!

8 short video sessions, and printable work available when you sign up.

Freedom in Christ

The Freedom In Christ Course is for every Christian, from those who have been Christians for a long time to those who have only just made that decision, from those who are progressing steadily to those who feel stuck.

Seasoned & Maturing Groups

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: Study

Description: Esther Group Bible Study Book is a six-session study that tells the story of Esther, a woman who was used of God to stand against unholy people to preserve the Jewish people and their culture and tradition.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member
Notes: The Participants can go deeper by working through study material for each session during the week. The discussion guide for the Group Leader is in the back of the Participant Guide. The Group Leader will have to have some advanced prep time to pare down the approximately 15 questions down to 5-7 for their group meeting.

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: DVD

Description: In Truly Free, bestselling author Robert Morris invites us into a glorious truth—that the promise of being set free from the slavery of sin is a promise to be set free completely. Although evil is real, we have the promise that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus saves us, trains us to resist the power of evil, and delivers us from anything that holds us back. With Jesus, we can be finally free forever. 

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 200+ page Truly Free book. 

Length: 5 sessions/weeks

Format: Right Now Media

Description: The Christian life-even one centered on grace-can still feel like a long list of dos and don’ts. But what if there’s more (and less) to our faith than we typically believe? In this series based on his book A Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God, Pastor Larry Osbourne tackles popular assumptions about Christian living that create stress and failure rather than growth and joy.  

Leader Guide and Participant Handout: Free download on Right Now Media.
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 240 page book by the same title and pastor.

Length: 7 sessions/weeks

Format: DVD

Description: Legacy’s foundational teaching on God’s intentional plan for sexuality designed specifically for parents, church leaders, educators and other influential adults featuring popular sexuality and relationship educator Carrie Abbott.

Leader Guide and Participant Handout: Highly recommended for each participant.
Notes: This has a target audience of students and parents but can be used for a group that wants to anchor themselves theologically on the issues of gender, sexual integrity and relationships.

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: Study

Description: Explore the Bible Hebrews: Chapters 1-7 Group Bible Study introduces the Book of Hebrews and gives encouragement and hope to believers. The context of the original audience indicates that these early followers of Jesus were contemplating abandoning their faith so the writer of Hebrews exhorts them to trust in Jesus in the midst of persecution and hard times.  

Leader Guide and Participant Handout: Recommended for each group member.
Notes: The Participants can go deeper by working through study material for each session during the week. The discussion guide for the Group Leader is in the back of the Participant Guide. The Group Leader will have to have some advanced prep time to pare down the approximately 15 questions down to 5-7 for their group meeting.

Length: 6 sessions/weeks

Format: Study

Description: Explore the Bible Hebrews: Chapters 8-13 Group Bible Study helps believers understand how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of a New Covenant. The writer of Hebrews appeals to the experiences of men and women of faith as examples for believers and encourages them to continue the journey of faith, looking to Jesus for help.

Notes: The Participants can go deeper by working through study material for each session during the week. The discussion guide for the Group Leader is in the back of the Participant Guide. The Group Leader will have to have some advanced prep time to pare down the approximately 15 questions down to 5-7 for their group meeting.

Length: 8 sessions/weeks

Format: Right Now Media

Description: In this series, the person and work of the Holy Spirit is explored. A group will be empowered on a personal level but also as a community where the gifts of the Holy Spirit can be expressed to build up each believer.

Group Discussion Guide: This is for the Group Leader only. 

Length: 7 sessions/weeks

Format: DVD and Online Video

Description: God With Us begins in the New Testament. God has been silent for 400 years, until, finally, an angel appears to a priest, a young girl, and a carpenter. It was time for God’s Rescuer to arrive. In this volume, groups will see how God’s plan of redemption culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the promised Rescuer—God Himself.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member. 

Men's Studies

Length: 7 sessions/weeks

Format: Right Now Media

Description: Daily it’s getting more challenging to be a man. Our present culture is redefining manhood and confusing men in their pursuit of Biblical manhood. But how will you respond? Discover how to respond by rejecting passivity, accepting responsibility, leading courageously, loving unconditionally and living with integrity, serving humbly and investing eternally. Become a better man, husband, father and leader. 

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.

Length: 10 Sessions/Weeks

Format: Right Now Media

Description: In a world where everyone is attempting to define manhood, why not look to God who designed men. God’s definition of real manhood is found in the ultimate man – Jesus Christ. Gather with other men for ten sessions on nine attributes that will empower you to become the man God wants you to be.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.

Length: 5 Sessions/Weeks

Format: Right Now Media

Description: Media Every Christian man at some point asks themselves this question, “Why do I keep repeating the same sin, and yet I try new tactics with limited results?” Stop the insanity and join other men for a new study entitled “Defeating Repetitive Sin For Men.” A five-session study that will help you tackle that destructive sin and build a battle plan for increased spiritual results.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member. 

Length: 5 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD

Description: In Fight, a five-session, video-based small group Bible study, pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel explores the life of Samson, helping you uncover who you really are—a man created with a warrior’s heart in the image of God—and how to stand up and fight for what’s right.

Participant Guide: Optional for each group member.

Length: 4 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD

Description: In this inspiring call to something greater, Mark Batterson helps men understand what it means to be a man of God by unveiling seven virtues of manhood. Mark shares inspiring stories of manhood, including the true story of the hero and Marty Polycarp, who first heard the voice from heaven say, “Play the man.” Mark couples those stories with practical ideas about how to disciple the next generation of men.

Participant Guide: Optional for each group member.
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 225 page Play The Man book for additional study.

Seasoned & Maturing Groups

Length: 5 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD

Description: Shame has no place in the purpose, plan, and destiny God has for us because shame lies to us, robs us of the freedom we long for, and shackles us in the prison of our past. Instead, we can allow ourselves to be defined by God’s truth and choose to see ourselves the way God does – through the lens of His eternal perspective.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 200+ page Unashamed book for additional study.

Marriage Studies

Length: 8 Sessions/Weeks

Description: Through this power-packed small group resource, Jimmy Evans will show you:

  • Why no person can meet your deepest needs
  • How to make marriage a top priority
  • How to understand and meet your spouse’s needs
  • The different ways men and women communicate
  • How to achieve maximum sexual pleasure
  • Skills for raising great kids even in a blended family

 

Whether you’ve been married for years or just preparing for the journey, Marriage on the Rock is the essential resource that will transform your relationship. Marriage on the Rock can turn disillusioned, divorce-bound marriages into satisfying dream relationships.

Participant Guide: Optional for each group member.

Length: 5 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD

Description: Is it possible to have a great marriage? Craig Groeschel believes so, but it’s not likely if you treat marriage like everyone else does. From This Day Forward is a five-session small group Bible study by Craig and Amy Groeschel walking through 5 commitments to a great marriage.

Participant Guide: Optional for each group member.

Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 150+ page From This Day Forward book for additional study.

Length: 6 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD and Right Now Media

Description: His Needs, Her Needs explains the important concept of the Love Bank and teaches couples to meet each other’s emotional needs.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.

Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 200+ page His Needs Her Needs book for additional study.

Seasoned & Maturing Groups

Length: 6 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD & Right Now Media

Description: Tony Evans brings great teaching and insight for some of the most foundational questions parents have for raising their kids in a Godly manner. How can I best impart kingdom truths to my kids? What will my children’s spiritual legacy be? How do I make sure their lives reflect the image of God? These and many other questions will be answered, making sure you know how to create an atmosphere where your kids can maintain their identity in Jesus despite the culture around them.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member
Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 250+ page Raising Kingdom Kids book for additional study.

Length: 5 Sessions/Weeks

“With simple language, interesting anecdotes, and biblical applications, Susie Larson helps readers understand that although teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.” Please email ConnectGroup@Emmanuelcc.org for more information.

Growing Grateful Kids Videos:

Session 1 – https://youtu.be/bXUSvjP2uSg

Session 2 – https://youtu.be/ybre_YxfIAw

Session 3 – https://youtu.be/86uOC458egw

Session 4 – https://youtu.be/-8c7FSVf6Wk

Session 5 – https://youtu.be/MiejpjadWTQ

Session 6 – https://youtu.be/-tXY_TZ20d4

Single Studies

Length: 8 Sessions/Weeks

Format: DVD & Right Now Media

Description: What if you stopped looking for a “soul mate” and started looking for a “sole mate” – someone who will live out with you the great purpose of God? What if dating isn’t about finding “the one” but making a wise choice so you can better serve the One who loves you most? This study will transform the way you look at romantic relationships.

Participant Guide: Recommended for each group member.

Notes: For those who want to go deeper beyond the group experience, there is also a 250+ page Sacred Search book for additional study.

Our Leadership

The Pastoral Staff team is led by the Senior Pastor Nate Ruch. This team oversees the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. 

The Pastoral Staff team is led by the Senior Pastor Nate Ruch. This team oversees the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. 

Pastor Nathan Grams

Spring Lake Park

Pastor Jeff Ruch

Maple Grove

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