Day 1: The Word Became Flesh
Reading: John 1:1-14
Devotional:
The apostle John opens his gospel not with a birth story but with a declaration about eternity. The logos, the reason and truth behind all of existence, did not remain distant or abstract. It became flesh and walked among us. This is the foundation of everything. Truth is not merely a philosophy to debate or a standard to measure against. Truth is a person. Jesus Christ is the living embodiment of all that is real, good, and eternal. Before you search anywhere else for meaning, identity, or direction, return to this starting point. The truth has a name.
Reflection Question:
In what areas of your life have you been searching for truth in places other than Jesus?
Practical Application:
Write down one area of your life where you need clarity. Bring it before God in prayer today, asking him to reveal himself as the truth in that specific situation.

Day 2: Confidence Before God
Reading: 1 John 5:11-15
Devotional:
John writes with pastoral urgency that those who walk in the truth can know, not merely hope or guess, that they have eternal life. This assurance is not earned through moral achievement or religious performance. It is grounded entirely in what God has testified about his Son. In a world that constantly shifts the goalposts of acceptance and worth, this is staggering good news. You do not have to wonder whether you are enough. You do not have to perform for an audience of one. Because of what Jesus did, you can approach the throne of God with full confidence. That confidence is your inheritance.
Reflection Question:
Do you approach God with confidence or with anxiety? What does your answer reveal about where you have placed your trust?
Practical Application:
Spend five minutes in prayer today not making requests, but simply resting in the assurance that God knows you, loves you, and has secured your eternity through Christ.

Day 3: Love in Truth and Action
Reading: 1 John 3:16-18
Devotional:
John makes a striking connection between truth and love. He insists that real love is not performed with words alone but demonstrated through action. Jesus modeled this by going face to face with people in their brokenness, not shouting at them from a distance, not simply feeling sympathy, but entering into their reality and speaking truth with unmistakable compassion. The church is called to do the same. The people around you, your neighbors, your children, your coworkers, they do not need polished speeches. They need someone willing to show up, stay present, and love them with both honesty and grace. That is the truth in action.
Reflection Question:
Who in your life needs you to move from words of love to actions of love?
Practical Application:
Identify one person this week and take one concrete step to serve them, encourage them, or simply be present with them in a meaningful way.

Day 4: Testing the Spirits and Building Discernment
Reading: 1 John 4:1-6
Devotional:
John does not call his readers to passive acceptance of every idea that presents itself as spiritual or good. He calls them to test the spirits, to bring discernment to bear on what they hear, see, and are taught. This is not cynicism. It is wisdom. We live in a world that is extraordinarily skilled at capturing attention and shaping belief, particularly in the lives of young people whose foundations are still being formed. The antidote is not fear but formation. When people are deeply rooted in the truth of the gospel, they develop the ability to recognize what does not align with it. Build the foundation first, and discernment follows.
Reflection Question:
What voices or influences in your life, or in the lives of those you love, have gone unexamined for too long?
Practical Application:
Take inventory of the media, relationships, and ideas that most consistently shape your thinking. Ask God to give you wisdom about what to keep, what to limit, and what to remove entirely.

Day 5: No Greater Joy
Reading: 3 John 1:1-8
Devotional:
At the end of a long life marked by miracles, persecution, loss, and profound grace, John names his greatest joy. It is not the healings he witnessed. It is not surviving the boiling pot. It is not outliving every other apostle. His greatest joy is seeing his spiritual children walking in the truth. This is the long view of faithfulness. The investment you make in the next generation, whether as a parent, a grandparent, a mentor, or a member of a church community, is not a footnote to your real life. It is among the most significant work you will ever do. The faith of the next generation is worth everything.
Reflection Question:
What would it look like for you to take greater ownership of the spiritual formation of the young people in your life or in your church community?
Practical Application:
Take one step this week toward investing in the next generation. Volunteer in your church's children or youth ministry, offer to mentor a young parent, pray specifically for a child or teenager by name, or simply have a conversation with a young person about faith.

From the Sunday, August 16th message: I Don't Know
Speaker: Austin Meshell

Day 1: The Narrow Gate and the Faithful Guide
Reading: Matthew 7:13-14
Devotional: 
The narrow way is not a path for the careless. Just as an experienced mariner studies the tides and weather before crossing treacherous waters, the believer must approach the life of faith with intentionality and sobriety. The narrow gate is not a punishment -- it is a protection. On either side lie hidden hazards, unseen currents, and shallow places that can wreck a life. God does not leave you to navigate alone. He is the pilot who knows these waters completely. Today, ask yourself: am I treating my walk with God as seriously as the journey deserves?
Reflection Question: 
Where have you been approaching your faith casually, and what would it look like to be more intentional?
Practical Application: 
Set aside fifteen minutes today with no distractions. Open your Bible, be still, and ask God to show you where you need to go deeper.

Day 2: The Danger of Drifting
Reading: Hebrews 2:1
Devotional: 
Drifting rarely feels dramatic. It happens quietly, passively, carried along by winds and currents you barely notice. One moment you are close to shore; the next, you look back and wonder how you traveled so far from where you intended to be. The sobering truth is that you never intended to drift at all. Busyness, distraction, and unchecked desires are the currents of this age. Scripture warns us to pay close attention so that we do not drift away from what we have heard. Anchoring requires active effort. A boat left unattended will always move -- never toward safety.
Reflection Question: 
In what area of your life have you drifted without realizing it, and what honest step can you take toward returning?
Practical Application: 
Identify one habit -- a relationship, a screen, a routine -- that has been quietly pulling you off course. Bring it before God in prayer today.

Day 3: Rooted in Prayer, Grounded in Love
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Devotional: 
Paul's prayer for the church was not for comfort or convenience -- it was for roots. Deep, unshakeable roots that go down into the love of God so that no storm could topple what he was building. The secret place of prayer is where those roots grow. You cannot manufacture depth through busyness or activity. Depth comes from time spent with God -- unhurried, attentive, and expectant. As Austin said in the sermon, when you have truly met the Lord in prayer, something changes that you cannot quite put into words. Less frantic. Less anxious. More grounded. That is the fruit of a rooted life.
Reflection Question: 
How would you honestly describe your current prayer life -- hurried and routine, or deep and expectant?
Practical Application: 
Pray Ephesians 3:14-19 back to God today, slowly and personally, asking him to make its truth real in your own life.

Day 4: The Rescuer and the Rescued
Reading: Isaiah 61:1
Devotional: 
The design for freedom lies well entrenched in every human heart. That line, drawn from the history of the Berlin Wall, carries a profound spiritual truth. People are trapped -- by sin, by shame, by systems of darkness -- and they long to be free even when they do not know the source of that freedom. You were rescued so that you might become a rescuer. Baptism is not a finish line; it is a commissioning. The same grace that pulled you out of the current is meant to flow through you toward others still drowning. You are called to be the salt and the light in the very places where darkness feels most absolute.
Reflection Question: 
Who in your life is trapped and quietly longing for freedom, and how might God be calling you to speak truth and hope into their situation?
Practical Application: 
Pray today for one specific person who does not yet know Jesus. Ask God to open a door and give you the courage and the words to walk through it.

Day 5: Steadfast in the Storm
Reading: Psalm 46:1-3, 10
Devotional: 
Storms are not evidence that God has abandoned you. Sometimes they are evidence that you are exactly where he wants you -- in the boat, on the water, in the middle of the mission. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. The history you build with God during the calm seasons becomes the anchor that holds you during the violent ones. When the waves come, and they will come, you will not be reaching for a God you barely know. You will be resting in one you have walked with for years. Be still. Know that he is God. That is not passivity -- it is the deepest form of trust.
Reflection Question: 
What current storm or season of uncertainty are you in, and what does it look like practically to be still and trust God in the middle of it?
Practical Application: 
Write down three specific moments in your past where God proved faithful in a difficult season. Let that history become fuel for your faith today.

The position of Elder 
The position (office) of elder (overseer) is the highest position in the local church (Cf 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1). With this position comes great responsibility and authority (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 1 Timothy 5:17). The temptation to misuse this office and take advantage of those being led was recognized by Peter and he challenged the elders of the church to instead lead through humility and service, just as Christ loved the Church (1 Peter 5:2). With great power comes great responsibility, so elders are held to high standards and they must be men of the highest character. In most, if not all cases in the New Testament, we see a plurality of elders in each local town or church (Acts 11:20, Philippians 1:1, James 5:14). This plurality of leadership is meant to provide each church with built-in accountability and decision-making that is made through reverence for Scripture, prayerful consideration, and practical shared wisdom.

Qualification of Elders
Elder qualifications are found in detail in the following Scriptures;

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife [note: Paul does not explicitly state or imply that an elder must be married - compare 1 Corinthians 7:32–35]. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.  He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him
(1 Timothy 3:1–4)

An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
(Titus 1:6–9)

In summary, local church elders should be men who manage their family and household well. They should be known for being honest, integrous, and blameless in their business, personal, and spiritual lives. Elders should be men of hospitality, humility, and able to teach God’s Word in public and private settings. In addition to these scriptural principles laid out by Paul, we think it is wise to appoint men who have shown a willingness to serve, lead, and exemplify a disciplined life prior to becoming official elders.

If possible, a church should always have more than one elder at any given time. There is not a prescribed number of elders for each church given in Scripture, but there aren’t any examples of  churches with just one (singular) elder (Acts 11:20, Philippians 1:1, James 5:14). A church with multiple elders allows for delegation of ministry tasks, encouragement amongst elders and accountability. Practically on the other side of the equation, there should be a limit to how many elders are serving on the board or council at a given time in order to not over-complicate decision-making. An exact upper threshold is not defined, but each local church should seek to find a “sweet spot” based on their size, where elders are able to function in the manner by which Scripture outlines.

Appointment of Elders
Paul tells Timothy that the office of an elder in a local church context is something to be desired and for men to aspire to (1 Timothy 3:1). God ordained men since the days of creation to be the leaders of the home and of his spiritual house, the church. The desire to lead is generally a healthy one, but it can be misused, which is why Paul wrote a little later to his protege that appointing an elder should not happen too quickly (1 Timothy 5:22). There needs to be a process of discernment, wisdom, and testing before the church calls upon a man to lead in the office of elder. Prospective elders should be men who are known and nominated by people within the church. They are to have a level of character and integrity that is obvious to the members of the congregation (1 Timothy 3:2-7). After being nominated by those within the body, and completing a process of proving, elder candidates will be approved to serve on the elder board by a vote from the current elders. They will be appointed based on the needs of the church and according to the church’s by-laws.

Responsibilities of Elders
The following are the responsibilities of elders according to Scripture:

• To Lead

Elders are tasked with leading the church as they lead their own household (1 Timothy 3:4-5). By living a godly life, they lead by example and defend their own ministry (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Elders who lead well are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). Leadership includes high-level decision-making, casting vision for the church, and leading or overseeing various ministries. It also could include serving regularly in even the most basic tasks within the church as a way to be an example for the flock. Jesus taught his apostles that the way to lead in his kingdom was to wash each other’s feet (John 13:12-15). This principle of leading by example, illustrated by Jesus taking the role of a servant, communicates that no task should be beneath a leader in the church.

• To Shepherd

The role of shepherd is to care for the people within the church community. An elder is a steward of a church body and will give account for his stewardship (Hebrews 13:17). This includes counseling and support of those within the flock in times of crisis (1 Peter 5:1-3). Prayer is an active tool of a shepherd to provide care and encouragement to their flock. We see elders being dedicated to prayer in both the account of Acts and in the general letter from James (Acts 6:4; James 5:16). An elder’s responsibility to its flock should start, continue, and end with prayer for those they lead. Shepherding also includes guarding and protecting against false teachers and perverters of the truth who would deceive the flock and lead people astray (Acts 20:28-31). To shepherd the people of God also involves managing situations of conflict and dispute within the church and the corrective discipline of those within the body (Matthew 18:15-20).

• To Teach

Elders are tasked with teaching and preaching God’s word (1 Timothy 5:17, 3:2, Titus 1:9). They should be the primary messengers in a church as they have been given the responsibility to feed their particular flock. They ought to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2), declare the whole plan of God (Acts 20:27), and preach Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23). This may be done in a formal church service, but also could be with an individual or in a small group setting.
 

• To Equip

Jesus gave gifted people to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11). These gifted people could also serve in the office of elder and subsequently elders should seek to equip those they lead to carry out the gospel ministry in their sphere of influence. In the New Testament, Paul is seen equipping others for the work of ministry, therefore elders are to follow his example. Elders are tasked with raising up a new generation of spiritual leaders (2 Timothy 2:2). This is the ongoing work of discipleship. Christianity has always been one generation away from extinction and it takes dedicated leaders to continue to see that there are more people to identify, develop, and equip to carry the light of the gospel into our dark world.

A spiritual practice for people who find it hard to focus, like me.

During seminary I joined two popular spiritual practices together to create something that helps me connect with God. I have found it to be very effective over the last year. I hope you try it and find it helpful in your walk with Jesus.

Divine Walking
What is Divine Walking?
Divine walking incorporates elements of Lectio Divina (a meditative approach to reading scripture, translated as "divine reading," that involves four steps: reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating) and Prayer Walking (praying while walking). Keep reading for a brief description and framework. 

WALK
Word - Choose a section of scripture on which to meditate, memorize it if you can.
Align - Pray out of the Scripture, follow any or all of the Lectio Divina movements (silence, reading, meditation, pray out loud, contemplation).
Listen - Ask God “What is the Scripture speaking to me at this moment?”
Know - internalize what came to mind during the walk, share with a friend or write it down.

You can bring a phone with you for scripture reference (non-digital is preferred) but make sure to place it in a “Do Not Disturb” mode.

The Framework - 4 week plan
On Wednesday, Friday, and Monday (or any 3 days of the week that work for you) exercise Divine Walking for at least 15 minutes using the prescribed verses for each day. An example follows, but feel free to use any portion of Scripture for this. The Scripture is intentionally presented in a sequence that facilitates a progressive building on itself. On Wednesday, there are verses on which to focus, Friday and Monday each build on the previous day, with the idea to focus on the new verses while keeping the previous verses from that week in mind. 

All the end of each week, Journal and answer the following questions based on the Scripture you selected:

1. What is God teaching you about yourself? 
2. What is God teaching you about Himself? 
3. What is God teaching you about others? 
4. If you are a volunteer or Branches staff - What is God teaching you about Branches Church?

Do this then meet with your spouse, a small group or a friend and discuss how you grew through your time Divine Walking.

Schedule

Week 1- Identity (All Scripture used is NLT)
Wednesday
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body 
and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! 
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 
Ps 139:13–14.

Friday 
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body 
and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! 
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 

 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered! 
18 I can’t even count them; 
they outnumber the grains of sand! 
And when I wake up, 
you are still with me! 
Ps 139:13-14,17-18.

Monday 
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body 
and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! 
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 

 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered! 
18 I can’t even count them; 
they outnumber the grains of sand! 
And when I wake up, 
you are still with me! 
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; 
test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, 
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. 
Ps 139:13-14,17-18, 23-24.


Week 2 - Our need for God’s unfailing love
Wednesday
As the deer longs for streams of water, 
so I long for you, O God. 
2 I thirst for God, the living God. 
When can I go and stand before him? 
 Ps 42:1–2.

Friday 
As the deer longs for streams of water, 
so I long for you, O God. 
2 I thirst for God, the living God. 
When can I go and stand before him? 

5 Why am I discouraged? 
Why is my heart so sad? 
I will put my hope in God! 
I will praise him again— 
Ps 42:1-2,5–6.

Monday 
As the deer longs for streams of water, 
so I long for you, O God. 
2 I thirst for God, the living God. 
When can I go and stand before him? 
5 Why am I discouraged? 
Why is my heart so sad? 
I will put my hope in God! 
I will praise him again— .

8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, 
and through each night I sing his songs, 
praying to God who gives me life. Ps 42:1-2,5-6,8.

Week 3 - He is with us in the valleys
Wednesday
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? 
Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 
2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. 
Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.  Ps 22:1–2.

Friday 
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? 
Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 
2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. 
Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.  
3 Yet you are holy, 
enthroned on the praises of Israel. 
4 Our ancestors trusted in you, 
and you rescued them. 
5 They cried out to you and were saved. 
They trusted in you and were never disgraced. , Ps 22:1–5.

Monday 
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? 
Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 
2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. 
Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.  
3 Yet you are holy, 
enthroned on the praises of Israel. 
4 Our ancestors trusted in you, 
and you rescued them. 
5 They cried out to you and were saved. 
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
11 Do not stay so far from me, 
for trouble is near, 
and no one else can help me.  Ps 22:1-5,11.

Week 4 - Walking with God
Wednesday
The Lord is my shepherd; 
I have all that I need. 
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; 
he leads me beside peaceful streams. 
3 He renews my strength. 
He guides me along right paths, 
bringing honor to his name. Ps 23:1–3.

Friday 
The Lord is my shepherd; 
I have all that I need. 
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; 
he leads me beside peaceful streams. 
3 He renews my strength. 
He guides me along right paths, 
bringing honor to his name. 
4 Even when I walk 
through the darkest valley, 
I will not be afraid, 
for you are close beside me. 
Your rod and your staff 
protect and comfort me. Ps 23:1-4.

Monday 
The Lord is my shepherd; 
I have all that I need. 
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; 
He leads me beside peaceful streams. 
3 He renews my strength. 
He guides me along right paths, 
bringing honor to his name. 
4 Even when I walk 
through the darkest valley, 
I will not be afraid, 
for you are close beside me. 
Your rod and your staff 
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me 
in the presence of my enemies. 
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. 
My cup overflows with blessings. 
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me 
all the days of my life, 
and I will live in the house of the Lord 
forever. Ps 23

If you have been around Branches long, you have heard me say something like this. I know it can be frustrating to hear, especially if you are someone who has spent a lot of time in church circles. This statement can be frustrating because it  disrupts what you know to be “church.” It is intentionally thought provoking. I want people to see past “church” as something we go to, to get something out of. Church was never meant to be something we receive, rather it is supposed to be something that we are (1 Corinthians 12:27).

The earliest example we have of the Church is in Acts 2:42 where “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” It wasn’t about a weekly gathering at all! It was about a lifestyle and a community centered around Christ’s teachings and his death and resurrection. What Jesus came to do was a big deal, the Church lived like this was true. Today, we should have the same attitude.  

At Branches, Sunday gatherings are a little bit of this thing we call “church” but only the first step. We are focused on real “church” happening in Groups that meet throughout the week as well at the monthly Furnace event. Here we take communion as commanded by Christ (Luke 22:19-20), bear each others burdens (Galatians 6:2), confess sin and pray for each other (James 5:17). When we do this in smaller groups we are able to truly connect with each other in a way that is not possible for a “church” of 600 spread out across 3 services.

Real “chruch” happens when a small group of people commit to pursue Christ together throughout the week. Branches is setting out to facilitate as many of these small groups as possible so that we are making disciples and full the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Thank you for helping make this a reality here at Branches.

In Christ,
Timmy

Staffing Transition

2 years ago we had a need for a Branches Kids Director and we had an unexpected candidate apply. Vickie had a résumé a mile long, decades of experience with ministry and kids, and she was also of age when most would be looking to do less work rather than take on a growing kids ministry. Vickie joined our staff with the tenacity and excitement as that of a motivated child, and she thrived. In less than a year the amount of kids attending Branches Kids doubled (see previous blog post), yet she embraced the challenge, even though it meant she could no longer carve out the time to write handwritten letters to kids when they had a birthday or missed a week. Her joy in doing the work that God called her to do was infectious and inspirational to many, including myself.

She knew she could not maintain this pace forever, and graciously requested a successor that she could mentor and raise up. A year ago Kendy stepped into that role, and the two hit it off immediately. Their complementary strengths and opposing weaknesses allowed for both to grow together and today, Branches Kids is stronger because of it.

As of January 1, Vickie has stepped into a volunteer role where she will continue to love and support Branches Kids. Kendy is carrying on the mantle of Branches Kids director, and we have hired Miram Pauker to be her new assistant. Miriam brings with her years of vocational experience in kids and youth as well as a great attitude and heart for the kingdom.

Please thank Vickie when you see her (she loves hugs), and welcome Miriam as we move on to this new and exciting season with Branches Kids.

In Christ,

Timmy

There is something in the water!

I have made that joke a few times over the last 2 years, to the point that I almost actually believed it. But really, why is it that there are so many babies being born? Is it a testament to how we are teaching on healthy marriages or what? Whatever the reason, we have the opportunity of a lifetime to seize in front of us! We have a huge push of young kids who need to be raised in the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Eph 6:4). For more on that check out the series we did last Spring here.

How do we seize this opportunity?

Understand that it is a big deal, each of these kids matter immensely. Time flies and we can easily squander that which we have been entrusted with.

It takes a village! Gun to my head, if you were to ask me what is the single biggest help to Branches Kids: I would love to see parents with older kids, empty nesters and retirees step up and come alongside young parents and our kids department. We know how difficult young parent years can be, how awesome would it be if we approached it as a village?

Date your spouse! The best gift you can give your kids is a great marriage. Pour into each other and pray with each other regularly!

Be an intentional parent! As a parent, you have been put in charge of your child. I know, duh! But seriously, think about what is influencing your child, are you as involved in their life as much as they NEED? Are you connected to the vine (Jn 15:5) that is the eternal source of hope and strength?   - Need help with this? Regularly instill these three truths:
God loves you
You need Him
He has a purpose and a design for your life!

Let’s do this Branches!

In Christ,
Timmy

We knew this day would come!

We are launching a 3rd service here at Branches. For the sake of transparency,  3 services is a lot!  It will be a challenge, but one we are excited as a team to take on. In the ministry world, we call this an “opportunity” to put our best effort forward and trust God to do what only He can do.

Despite the difficulties, what we are experiencing is what most organizations dream of: rapid growth. As Christians, we are called to make disciples (see Matthew 28). At Branches, Sunday services are an awesome time together in worship and seeking the Lord. It is also the first step to making disciples, with the eventual goal of those attendees committing to groups that meet throughout the week for deep discipleship. Therefore we as a leadership team are thrilled with the opportunity to continue helping those who are far from God, come near.

With all that said, if we are going to make this happen in an effective and sustainable way, we need your help! Here is how you can help:

Consider attending the evening service. Many of you are in the habit of attending in the morning. I know it may be hard to break, but I think if most of us are honest, a service later in the day actually makes a lot of sense! It is kind of exciting to be part of a new movement!
Pray for us! If God isn’t in it, we don’t want it!
You can give of your funds. A new service costs money, if your heart is tied to what God is doing through Branches, you can give at branches.tv/give
Commit to attending a group throughout the week. Don't just attend on Sunday, attend a group throughout the week and be in community with others to take part in the full mission and vision of Branches. You can sign up for a group here
You can serve! there’s a place for you on one of our teams whether it’s at the new service or at one of our current services. Areas of highest need at the new service are: Kids, Worship, and Production. branches.tv/serve
You can tell your friends we have made room for them.

Here are the details for the new service:

Service Launch: 11.17.24
Time: Sunday at 4:30pm
Place: Branches Church
What to expect: An incredible experience! Aka, something super similar to Sunday mornings at Branches (including Branches Kids).

I often think in terms of where I can make the greatest impact with the least amount of work, this is what we call “low-hanging fruit.” In terms of our spiritual lives as a local church this would be prayer, bar none. If I am honest, this almost seems too simple, but often the simplest things are the most important (think brushing your teeth or buckling your seatbelt).

Think about it…

Prayer is:
Direct access to the creator of the universe, and the one who desperately loves you and held nothing back to connect with you.
Grounding. He is God, you are not.
Relationship-building. What is a relationship without communication?
Powerful and effective - “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” - James 5:16.
Commanded of Christians - “Never stop praying”  1 Thess. 5:17.

I heard a preacher say a few years back “Prayer isn’t part of the ministry, it is the ministry.” That statement haunts me, because if it is even only half-true (I believe it to be much more) than we aren’t doing nearly enough of it. It is the primary way we as Branches stay connected to the eternal source of all good things, the Vine.

The practical implications of healthy prayer are unbelievable! My friend Dr. Dest Letta always says “When we don’t pray, we work. When we pray, God works.” Who is more capable and qualified to work on your behalf than God? I have seen this played out so many times in my own life as God has shown up to protect, direct, provide and bring peace to dire situations. He has been faithful in my life and so many others.

Here is the challenge: Make a practice of praying daily! This may look like setting a reminder in your phone, committing to prayer as a portion of your lunch break as a habit, using the moment that anxiety fills your mind as a signal to pray, praying with your spouse (stats say this is a great way to increase marital success).

Whatever it you do, land on some way to pray consistently, and watch it transform your life!

Why School?

I am currently just over 2 years into a 3 year program at Western Seminary studying for a Masters in Applied Biblical Leadership. A question I have been asked frequently over the last 2 years is: "Why are you going back to school?" Trust me, I have asked that same question to myself… I get it, I am already a pastor, why would I need more schooling? Besides, taking on a role like this and starting a grad program in the same month seems borderline sadistic.

Yet I believe the pros outweigh the cons. Why?

I am playing the long game. I knew going into leading a church that the first couple of years would be brutal. I decided to make them a little more brutal, knowing that after year 3 I would be much better equipped and ready to really get to work. This community so desperately needs a move of God, and I believe He is going to do something incredible through Branches Church. I want to be prepared when He does.

I take this role of leadership seriously. Maybe my view of what pastors should be is overinflated. But I think the people who are preaching the good news of what Jesus did for the world, comforting people in death and suffering and those who are discipling and those who are performing marriage covenant ceremonies should know what they are doing. I want to have enough of the right answers when people come for advice. I want people to take their faith seriously, so I had better take my job seriously.

I can tell you with confidence that these last two years have helped me and the church immensely! It does come at a cost, I am often overextended and certain processes within Branches have taken longer to correct/develop than our leadership team would have liked.

Over these next 10 months I would love your prayers for me and my family as I finish school, I would also appreciate your grace as things develop. At the same time be ready to be a part of what God is going to do through Branches in this next season. He is able.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20–21.

In Christ,

Timmy

It has been two years since I took on leading Branches. Those years have been the quickest, most difficult, yet most rewarding years of my life. In the midst of adjusting to life as a pastor, I committed to equipping myself to lead this church by getting a MABL from Western Seminary (masters in applied biblical leadership). I would be lying if I told you I wasn't counting down the days until I am finished so I can focus on Branches. At the same time I feel the burden to start writing some of what is on my heart as far as vision and direction for the future. Here we go!

At Branches, we are building a church we can bring our friends to. have been told: "I don't get it, that's heresy, that's stupid, that's incorrect grammar." I get it, we aren't going to please everyone, and the last one is technically correct. The question I do feel the need to address is: "Why is that our vision?"

My response: In order to reach people that no one else is reaching, you have to do what no one else is doing. Influence is vital in sharing the gospel and discipleship, and through "building a church we can bring our friends to," we create a place where relationships are forged and people are encouraged to be in community. In other words, Branches Sunday gatherings are a means to the end of getting skeptics and new believers in proximity with mature believers who will influence them toward an intimate relationship with Christ. This is how we do discipleship.

So, we do Sunday gatherings a little differently, it's an hour long service with an atmosphere designed around the skeptic and new believer. Where the cafe, music, content and environment are structured in such a way that if someone is to get tripped up on something, it won't be the stale rigidity of the building and the people, it will be on the gospel alone. So it's a little (too?) casual and maybe a little (too?) loud, but the people are genuine, relatable and after the heart of God.

In short, we don't call Sunday service "church" on purpose because we want to see people committed to community. Since Christ is the cornerstone of the Church, Christian community must be next stone over (Church requires community). That is why we have groups throughout the week where people can know and be known by people of the local church and be the Church, and ultimately do life together pursuing all the fullness of Christ.

More to come,

In Christ,
Timmy

Briana and I are excited to get to work. Having been a part of this church community for the last 13 years we look forward to this next season leading the organization that has been such a huge part of so many lives. We are all-in!
Will you join us on this journey to change the makeup of our community and work to build His kingdom here? To that end, we would like to share some strategies…

Authenticity must start with the heart. At the core of every healthy church and every growing believer must be pure intent born from the humility that comes from prayer and intimacy with God. I am committed to fervently pray for our organization as a habit, as well as partner with elders, church leaders, and others willing to do the same!
How:

• Create environments and events for mature believers to receive ongoing encouragement to remain connected to the vine.
• Maintain a prayer room (a distraction free environment to meet with God). Prayer needs to be a consistent rhythm for those in ministry and we will facilitate this.
• Implement a corporate practice of spiritual rhythms like prayer, fasting, celebration & shared meals, generosity, serving, sharing of testimonies, and gaining freedom from strongholds.
• Being more involved with local and global missions. Partnering with organization like CRU, Riverside Community Outreach, and others as well as teaming up with global missions organizations and missionaries.
• Leading and equipping staff and key volunteers. This looks like:
  • Encouraging and facilitating spiritual formation and intimacy with Jesus in staff and key volunteers, which is essential to a fruitful ministry.
  • Staff will pray before each meeting, seeking wisdom and guidance from God in all areas.
  • Creating a "Prayer Room Model" for staff to begin their day in 20-30 minutes of focused, individual prayer time at Branches.
  • We will create a culture of sabbath rest for staff and volunteers.
  • Staff will undergo consistent training and participate in book studies for continued development as disciples and leaders.

Our friends are the people who may not look, act, smell, or believe like we do, but we encounter and do life with them. They are our neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, and even our families. If we are to build a church (the people, not the building) where our friends feel welcomed and invited, we need to...

• View Sunday mornings through the lens of a skeptic, a new believer, and/or someone returning to faith.
  • This will impact all the elements of a Sunday morning: worship, communication, guest services, production, greeters, kids...you name it!
  • Sermons must include the Gospel.
  • Starting Point and Alpha Groups need to be offered regularly as a next step.
• Equip mature believers to disciple skeptics and those new to the faith.
  • Regular training events and intensives to increase the number of those who are equipped to serve in Starting Point and Alpha Groups.
  • 1:1 coaching and discipleship
• Build a discipleship culture.
  • "We are disciples who disciple": In order to disciple we meet people where they are and invite them on journey toward and with Jesus Christ. We want to be know as people who love to love.
  • Mature believers are regularly challenged to walk (and equipped to lead in) the Great Commission.
  • We will leverage the principle of influence for the glory of God.
  • We will partner with parents so they are equipped to disciple their children.