Groups & Courses

“…And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

— ACTS 2:42

Here at Embrace we believe that BECOMING like Jesus and BELONGING to one another in Christian community go hand in hand. Simply put, being part of a Group or Course is an intentional way of setting aside time to join our hearts and lives around Jesus and His word.

SUMMER 2026

Interested in a shorter duration, discipleship focused group? Check out our Spring courses.

COURSES

  • TUESDAYS at 6:00 PM  /  June 2nd - 30th
    Leader: Josh Hillyer
    Meets at Embrace Church
    “Leading Like Jesus” is a five-week course designed to prepare and empower persons who are interested in leading Embrace Church discipleship vehicles such as community groups and courses. It is open to men and women of all ages. You can read more about group leadership requirements at Embrace here.

  • TUESDAYS at 6:00 PM  /  June 23rd - August 4th
    Leader:  Michelle Thomas
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This class is for anyone ages 16 and up who would like to learn how to worship God and read His word in a creative new way. You do not have to be an artist to learn these beginning journaling skills. This 6 week course will cover what type of journal or Bible to use, lettering techniques, and application of different art mediums. You can bring your own supplies or use the ones provided. There is a $5 fee for this class.

Community groups are all about growing in relationship with others and discipleship to Jesus.

GROUPS

  • MONDAYS at 6:00 AM
    Leaders:  Lee Drumheller & Clif Martin
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This men’s group meets weekly and is centered around scripture, prayer, and building community. This summer the group will be studying the book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer.

  • TUESDAYS at 9:30 AM  /  Begins June 2nd
    Leader:  Laurel Gardner
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This women’s group will meet weekly for eight weeks, walking through 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 This women’s group will meet weekly for eight weeks, walking through 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 with a focus on learning more about our spiritual giftings.

  • TUESDAYS at 7:00 PM
    Leader:  Brandon Mims
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This weekly group is open to men of all ages and will focus on diving deep into scripture and growing in community.

  • WEDNESDAYS at 10:00 AM / June 17th - August 5th
    Leader:  Michelle Thomas
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This group meets weekly and is open to women of all ages. This group will focus on growing in God’s word, prayer and community.

  • WEDNESDAYS at 7:00 PM
    Leader:  Dustin Norris
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This men’s group meets weekly and is centered around reading scripture, praying together, and building community.

  • THURSDAYS at 9:00-10:30 AM / June 11th - July 30th
    Leaders:  Sarah Savage & Sierra Widder
    Meets at Floral Park in Opelika
    This 8 week group is for moms in the thick of parenting who are looking for encouragement and community over the summer. We’ll be using the book “Anonymous: Jesus’ Hidden Years and Yours” by Alicia Britt Chole to discuss seasons of being unseen and uncelebrated, and how to use those times as opportunities to root ourselves in our identities as God’s daughters and learn to rest in His timing. Purchasing the book is suggested, but not required.

  • THURSDAYS at 7:00 PM / May 28th - August 6th
    Leaders:  Josh Hillyer & Campbell Smith
    Meets at the Smith Home
    This group meets every other Thursday and is open to all college age students. This group will focus on growing in God’s word, prayer and community.

Collectives are all about connecting people in similar life stages. Sign-up below if you’d like to join their email lists!

COLLECTIVES

  • ONE TUESDAY PER MONTH at 6:00 PM  /  Summer Dates TBD
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This large group collective is a social space for all men and women in the young adult stage of life to connect and grow in relationship. It meets most months for a meal or activity, and members are encouraged to be part of other community groups and courses between gatherings.

  • ONE MONDAY PER MONTH at 6:00 PM  /  June 22nd, other dates TBD
    Meets at Embrace Church
    This large group collective is a social space for all men and women in the 55+ age group to connect and grow in relationship. It meets monthly for a meal and devotion, and members are encouraged to be part of other community groups and courses between gatherings.

  • Our college students gather most Thursday evenings in host homes for bible study and fellowship, alongside a once per month Embrace College large group gathering at Embrace Church. Stay up to date with their schedule by visiting the Embrace College page here on our website.

Have questions? Contact us at groups@embraceauburn.org.

MORE DETAILS & FAQ’s:

  • WHAT ARE COMMUNITY GROUPS? Community groups typically meet weekly during the Fall and Spring semesters. They are led by individuals or small teams who host the gatherings and facilitate discussions. Gatherings consist of discussion & prayer centered around a scripture passage or topical content decided upon by the leaders. Community groups are typically open to join anytime, space permitting, and scheduling varies from group to group. Be sure to sign up for a group and connect with leaders for up to date information on their meeting schedules.

  • WHAT ARE COURSES? Courses and studies are shorter in duration, usually ranging from four to eight weeks. They typically use a specific curriculum, book, or videos and may include weekly scripture study or homework to be done between sessions. They meet at various times throughout the year. Once courses begin, their registration typically closes as content builds from week to week.

  • WHAT ARE COLLECTIVES? Collectives are large groups of people who are at a similar life stage, and usually gather monthly for a social event or meal.

  • WHAT ABOUT CHILDCARE? We’ve found that groups and courses typically work best with adults only, to allow for focused conversation and sharing. Childcare is handled at the family level.

  • CAN I LEAD A GROUP? If you are interested in leading a group, please click here to learn more about group leadership requirements at Embrace.