CONNECT GROUPS

Faith is better together. At Evangel, our Connect Groups are the heart of our community—places where we grow in faith, support one another through life's ups and downs, and simply enjoy being neighbors. Whether you're looking for deep Bible study, a supportive prayer circle, or a casual hobby group, there is a place here for you. Explore our current groups below and find where you belong.


Evangel Connect groups run from 4-12 weeks on a quarterly basis. We offer connect groups at a wide variety of times. 

You do not need to be a member to participate.


REGISTRATION OPTIONS

• Call Church Office: 507-289-4817

• Email Office: office@evangelum.org

• Online: www.evangelum.org > Small Groups

Most classes low or no cost. Scholarships available upon request.

discover your spiritual Gifts and how you can use those gifts at Evangel

Discover your Spiritual Gifts with the below Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Then use the "Using Your Spiritual Gifts" link to find out how you can use those gifts at Evangel.



Spiritual Gift Inventory


Using your spiritual gifts



short term connect groups


  • Who Is This Man? The Unpredictable Impact

    of the Inescapable Jesus

    Host: Reese Werner & Cheryl Root

    Date/Time: Thur., April 16 - May 21 at 6PM

    Where:  Fireside Room (#221)

      

    This study by John Ortberg explores Jesus’

    impact on history and individual lives, showing

    how His influence shaped art, science,

    government, medicine, and education, while

    calling us to live with dignity, compassion,

    forgiveness, and hope.

  • Ways We Worship Retreat

    Host: Pastor David Werner

    Date/Time: Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17

    Location: Places of worship around Rochester


    Join the Confirmation Class as we visit houses of worship of other religions during the weekend & then processing/debriefing what we experienced during sessions back at Evangel. We will compare the differences of the other religions to Christianity and think

    through why we believe what we do. Attend any or all of the weekend experiences. It will be an intensive weekend of learning, discerning

    and growing in our faith!


    Friday, May 15

    5pm Orientation at Evangel

    7pm Jewish Synagogue


    Saturday, May 15

    Hindu Temple

    Muslim Mosque

    Scavenger Hunt & Debrief in the evening


    Sunday, May 16

    Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints Closing devotions at Evangel

  • Refresh: A Spring Retreat for Women

    Hosts: Reese Werner & Friends

    Date/Time May 2, 10AM - 3:30PM

    Location: Resurrection Church, Hastings, MN


    Fuel your life with the goodness of God and be renewed by the Holy Spirit. Through worship, workshops, food, and sisterhood, you’ll be refreshed, encouraged, and strengthened.

Planning Ahead (Being Ready to live fully)

Date: Wednesdays throughout May at 6:15PM

Location: Room 223


Evangel is offering a 4-session seminar series on being prepared to live fully as you age and having the peace of mind that comes from being ready for what life may bring. 

Come for a community dinner at 5pm and stay for the seminar.

  • Make It Stop! or Spam, Scam & Illicit Marketing

    Date: Wednesday, May 6

    Amanda Grayson of the Rochester Police Department

    How to be prepared for and respond to malicious, 

    predatory and scamming contacts.

  • Keep Giving or Legacy Giving

    Date: Wednesday, May 13

    Wayne Walters & the Evangel Finance Team

    How to give out of wealth, resources, wills and estates to continue to support your ministry passions.

  • When Is It Time for More (Care)? or “When?

    Where? Cost? and Care?”

    Date: Wednesday, May 20

    Jim Miner of Plaza Realty and Doug Schommer of Visiting Angels

    How to discern when it is time to consider moving into housing and facilities that offer more care, for ourselves or for loved ones.

  • Are You Ready? or End of Life Readiness

    Date: Wednesday, May 27

    Jim Miner of Plaza Realty and Doug Schommer of Visiting Angels

    End of life legal plans, housing details, estate planning, 

    medical policies, POAs, etc.

Sunday Morning Groups

These groups meet between 9:30 AM and 10:15 AM on Sunday Mornings between services

  • Sunday School Classes

    Pre-K  in the Nursery

    K-2nd Grade Room #130

    Grades 3-5 Room #223

    Grades 6-8 Room #131

    Grades 9-12 Room #129

  • Parent's Cafe

    Dinette (or Room #128)  Open Forum

     - Lively and honest discussion about parenting from a biblical and Christian approach. By parents, for parents. Support and laughter abound.

  • Jesus Series

    Room #128 (or Pastor's Office)

    Hosts: Reanna & Brandon Elizade

     - We continue the series following how Jesus plays a key role in each and every story told throughout the Bible. This deeper dive into Scripture will help us see Jesus in each of our readings through the Bible this year as well as help you discover God’s purpose and plan for your life in his great story. The five series are 1. Beginnings: The Story of How All Things Were Created by God and for God. 2. Revolt: The Story of God’s Pursuit of Imperfect People. 3. People: The Story of God’s Promise. 4. Savior: The Story of God's Rescue Plan. 5. Church: The Story of Jesus on Display to the World.


  • the upper room group

    Room #221 (Fireside Room)

    Host: Pastor Susie

    Discussing a devotional using The Upper Room, which will be provided.

  • Adults Drop In Class

    Room #224 (rotating host)

    Rotating hosts who usually take a recent new topic and facilitates discussion on how to reflect on the various complicated issues from a biblical and Christian perspective. Occasionally the group welcomes special speakers who share about a variety of ministry opportunities.

Midweek discipleship groups

  • youth group

    Hosts: Peter Kroneman & Andy McCright

    Date/Time: Fridays at 7 PM

    Location: Youth Room & lower level

    This is intended for Middle school and senior high youth. 

    Fun, Faith, and Friends. 

    Snacks, networking, games, worship and study on how to grow as a Christian youth.

  • Confirmation

    Hosts: Pastor David and Susie O'Connell

    Date/Time: Wednesdays 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM

    Location: Room 224

    All kids entering 7th grade in the fall (and older) are invited to join the next Confirmation Class, which will run from June 2025 through August 2026:


    The purpose of Confirmation is to equip young people to confirm for themselves the vows of Christian disciple-ship. It includes teaching, experiences and discussion about the fundamentals of the Christian faith, the Bible

    and living for Jesus. Talk to Pastors David or Susie if interested.

Fellowship groups

  • Community dinners

    Date/Time: Wednesdays 5 PM - 6:15 PM

    Dinner for everyone! Free will donation.

  • Women of Evangel

    Host: Becky Pierce

    Date/Time: 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM

    Room: Lobby

    Snacks, devotions, sharing, and fellowship.

  • older folders

    Host: Mike Aakre

    Date/Time: Every Friday at 11:00 AM in the Fireside Room

    After the Sunday bulletins or monthly newsletters are folded, stick around for snacks, coffee, and fellowship.

  • Intergenerational board games

    Host: Reese Werner

    Date/Time: Wednesdays at 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM in the lobby

    Building intergenerational relationships over the fun of a board game. 

    Bring a game or join in. It’s fun! 

  • Evangel Movie Group

    Tuesday evenings

    (movie titles & times TBD). Dinner, movie &

    discussion afterwards with ice cream!

  • take a hike

    Host: Jim Klepper and Mike Aakre

    Date/Time: TBD

    Take a hike in God’s creation!


Life groups

Interested? Contact Pastor David or sign up below.

Life Groups are small, long-term groups (2–5 people) that meet regularly to share life, celebrate wins, discuss struggles, and encourage spiritual growth. Meetings can be weekly or monthly, structured or informal—whatever works best. Evangel is launching two new Life Groups this fall. If this sounds like what you need, reach out to Pastor David.


Sign Up

Dinner fellowship groups

  • Meal fellowship groups

    Fellowship meals are also being offered on various days, times, and locations. Share a meal, build connec-tion, and grow in faith together. Let us know you're interested and we’ll help you get connected!


    Sign Up

service groups

  • sewing circle

    Host: Becky Pierce

    Date/Time: Mondays at 1:00 PM

    Location: Room 224

    Pinning quilt squares provides the context for lots of great  fellowship. If interested, please fill in the information form below.


    Sign Up

  • Praise Team

    Host: Jim Klepper

    Date/Time: Wednesday at 6:15 PM

    Location: Sanctuary

    Rehearsals are also a time of worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. If you are interested, please fill out the information form below.


    Sign Up

  • Evangel Tech Team

    The Tech Team is the technical heart of worship at Evangel. There are opportunities for people to work the cameras during a service, run the slides for the big screens during the service, or run the sound during the service. Don't worry if you don't know how to do these things. We will train you if you think it is something you would like to do.


    If you are interested in joining us, contact the office at office@evangelum.org, call 507-289-4817 or talk to Fant.

  • Evangel bells

    Host: Anita Hermanson

    Date/Time: Rehearsals are during the school year on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM

    Location: Room 223

    Anyone in grade 6 through adult are invited to join for a fun night of playing handbells. The Handbells will perform approximately once a month during service time on Sundays.

  • evangel Choir

    Host: Pam Wright

    Date/Time: Rehearsals are Thursday at 7:30 PM through the school year

    Loation: Sanctuary

    Rehearsals are a time of singing, fellowship and prayer. The choir sings for almost all 8:30 AM services during the school year as well as some special services. If you are interested, please fill out the information form below or talk to the director Pam Wright..


    Sign Up

  • Hospitality Group

    Watch for updates.

    Help create a warm, welcoming space on Sunday mornings.

  • Kitchen Krew

    Host: Mark Clark (when needed)

    Cook, serve and clean up for the occasional meals Evangel hosts. If you are interested, please fill out the information form below.


    Sign Up

  • Bible Story time

    Host: Jim Klepper

    Evangel loves all kids! Every Wednesday Evangel staff and volunteers offer a Wednesday morning ‘Sunday School” for children of the “Good News” day care Center. Singing, Prayer, Bible stories and crafts are included along with a year end concert for families that draws about 100 people!

  • Evangel cares

    Host: Janet Guderian

    Date/Time: When needed

    Location: Where needed

    The Evangel Care Team wants to support those in need. Contact the church office at office@evangel.org or 507-289-4817 if you would like support from the Evangel Cares group or if you would like to be a part of the team.