Recently, scientists in the Middle East watched as a 2,000-year-old seed sprouted and began to grow. Life sprung forth from what was assumed to be dead. What the seed needed all along was an appropriate environment.
We all need an appropriate environment in order for “life” to spring forth. Easter is that environment. Spring can be more than just a season on our calendars. It can be a reality in our lives. Join us at The Branch this Easter.
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Sunday 10:45 am | Saturday Sunday 10:45 am | ||
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2010 Elder Recommendation
At The Branch, a leader seeks to help people live in an intimate relationship with God.
As we consider the recommendation of elders to lead our church spiritually, we want to do it in three ways: Biblically: What does the Bible say about the characteristics and qualities of shepherds and spiritual leadership? In Community: Part of this process will be asking you to consult with your fellow believers at The Branch. Prayerfully: We will ask the Holy Spirit to inform our hearts in prayer and fasting. As you consider the men to recommend, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that this is not a process to nominate a potential leader. This is a process to recognize men who already lead, whose spiritual maturity and leadership skills have already been demonstrated in lives they currently shepherd. What are the characteristics or qualities of an elder? Shepherd Mentor Equipper What Shepherds Do: The characteristics and qualities of the type of man God desires to spiritually lead his church are outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. As you prayerfully consider men that fit the previous characteristics listed, reflect also on these qualities and questions. Good Reputation: Do others hold them in high regard? Please consider also: Elder Selection Schedule: January 24: Begin the process of considering who you should nominate. Spend time in the Bible, in Community, and In Prayer. Starting February 6 : Begin turning in Recommendation Forms February 14: Recommendation forms are due. March 13/14: Announce the names of those to be ordained. March 20/21: Ordination Service Download the 2010 Elder Recommendation Form Here. To complete your form electronically, login and click on “Registration” in the tools menu. Choose the Elder Recommendation form and complete.
What Shepherds Don’t Do:
Morally pure: Does their life reflect moral and sexual purity, honoring their wife in everything?
Balanced Life: How anchored/stable are they?
Wise: In uncertain situations, how sound is their judgement?
Good role model: Do their lives attract others to Christ?
Generous and caring: What kind of “hospital” are they?
Communicate well: Are their conversations non-threatening and not defensive?
Moderation: Do they have any addictive behaviors? Do they over-indulge?
Humble: Are they teachable? Do they always have to be in control?
Patient and Forgiving: Are they vengeful or bitter? Do they release offenses quickly?
Not abusive: Are they kind and respectful, even when provoked or angry?
Fair-minded: How considerate are they of others?
Peace-loving: How contentious are they? Do they strive for win/win scenarios?
Non-materialistic: Do their spending habits honor God?
Good spouse/parent: What do you see of God in how they parent their children?
Pursues godly activities: Which do you see as the bigger magnet for them-- the Spirit or the flesh?
Non-prejudiced & fair: Are they equitable and impartial, and refuse to play favorites?
Holy, devoted to God: Do you see more of Christ in them today than a year ago?
Disciplined: Are their habits holy or human? What’s their “spiritual fitness?”
An elder need not be:
It’s a new year on our calendars; may it also be a new year in our lives! Please join us for “7," a new series beginning January 9-10. We will be looking for breakthrough in regard to seven ancient sins that still wreck our modern lives today.
Jesus broke open the way so that you can break through!
Senior Leadership Team | |
Chris Seidman, Senior Minister  Chris has served in Ministry since 1991. He has served in places including, Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, FL, Richland Hills Church of Christ in the Ft Worth area and Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene. He has been the Senior Minister here at The Branch since January of 2001. He met his wife Tara during the time they were both attending Abilene Christian University and married her in 1992. They have 3 children, Skyler, Garrison & Cooper. | |
| Tim Ketchersid, Executive Minister Tim & Jeanne have been members of The Branch since August of 1991. They were married in 1981 and have three grown children. Since coming to The Branch they have served as volunteers in various ministries of the congregation including the children’s ministry, the worship ministry, the women’s ministry and the small groups ministry. Tim has served as both a Deacon and an Elder and is now serving on staff as the Executive Minister. Jeanne served on staff as the children’s minister for several years and now works for BSRP as a sales assistant. | |
| Steve Calvert, Associate Minister, Vista Ridge Steve and Gina married in 1979 and have three children, Katrina, Danica and Jared. He began full-time ministry the same year after graduating from Florida College. He later graduated from the University of Alabama. He has preached throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa and has been serving as Associate Minister at The Branch since July, 2007. He also serves as the Chaplain of the Coppell Fire Department and has served on the CISD Board of Directors in Coppell and as an Assistant Scout Master with Boy Scouts of America. | |
| Jason Burnett, Support Services Jason works at discovering, developing, and deploying technology and communication solutions that help our front line ministries work more effectively. He is always on the lookout for techniques that help get the right information to the right people at the right time. He completed his Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution from ACU and will complete a Masters in Organizations and Strategy in May 2009 from UT Dallas. Jason and his wife, Laura, have been married since August 2002, and members at The Branch since December 2002. They have three daughters: Laura’s nieces Bonnie (14) and Elena (8), and Clara (due May 21, 2009). | |
| Mona Swofford, Finance and HR Dan & Mona have been members of The Branch since 1992. They were married in 1981 and have three children; Jeff, Doug and Matt. Since coming to The Branch they have served as volunteers in various ministries of the congregation including the children’s ministry, the worship ministry, the women’s ministry and the small groups ministry. Mona began working part time at The Branch in 1997 and went fulltime in 2002. She is responsible for the Human Resources and Finance areas at The Branch. Dan has worked at Halliburton Energy Services since 1979. | |
Ministry Directors | |
| James Asplund, Worship Ministry | |
| Janice Ingram, Women’s Ministry | |
| Bro. Eddy Ketchersid, Senior Adults Ministry | |
| Ryan Rainey, Student Ministry | |
| Tim Scott, Children’s Ministry | |
| Richard Seymour, Guest Services Ministry | |
| For a complete listing of staff, see our contact page. | |
Elder Information
Each couple you will meet here is truly dedicated to serving our church and encouraging each of us to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. These elders are selected through a careful and prayerful process which includes Scriptural criteria, congregational recommendations and approval, willingness on the part of the prospective elder, and the collective wisdom of the present elders and senior minister.
Our elders serve on a four-year rotation term. After four years, each elder observes a one-year sabbatical. Following that year, he and his wife, along with the congregation and leadership, prayerfully consider serving another four-year rotation. Please take some time to look over the information here, and don’t hesitate to request prayer or seek to visit with any of these couples.
| Randy and Ellen Baker Ordained 2009 Term Ends 2013 | |
| Ron and Mary Beth Cash Ordained 1997, 2002, 2009 Term Ends 2013 | |
Kevin and Becky Drew | |
| Fred and Gwenda Futch Ordained 1984, 1996, 2002, 2006 Term Ends 2011 Fred and Gwenda have served as a part of the eldership here at The Branch since August, 1984, and have been members here since 1967. They have been married since 1965, and have two daughters. Fred works as a Securities / Real Estate Investor. Gwenda is a full-time homemaker and spends many hours volunteering at the church. | |
| Terry and Janet Grimm Ordained 2001, 2006 Term Ends 2011 Terry and Janet have served as a part of the eldership at The Branch since Aug 2001. They are now in their second term. Terry has attended The Branch all his life, and Janet has been a member since 1984. They were married in 1985, and have one son. Terry works as a Software Development Consultant for Ron Walker Associates, Inc. Janet is a homemaker and social planner for their son, Charlie. She is also involved with ministries here at The Branch. | |
| Joe and Annette Hale Ordained 2005 Term Ends 2010 Joe and Annette are serving their first term in the eldership of The Branch. They have been members since Feb. 2002, have been married since 1956, and have four daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great-grand children. Joe has enjoyed a number of careers: 20 years as an officer in the US Navy; 10 years in the oil gas industry, and 20 years in private practice as a Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist and Certified Life Coach. He is currently the Associate Director of NEXUS (Church Planting and Leader Care). Annette is a full-time homemaker, grandmother, and active volunteer at The Branch. | |
| Fred and Janet Pattison Ordained 2003, 2009 Term Ends 2013 | |
| Chris and Tara Seidman, Senior Minister Chris has served in ministry since 1991. He has served in several places including Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, FL, Richland Hills Church of Christ in the Ft Worth area, and Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene. He has been the Senior Minister here at The Branch since January of 2001. He met his wife Tara during the time they were both attending Abilene Christian University, and married her in 1992. They have three children: Skyler, Garrison, and Cooper. | |
| David and Tina Teutsch Ordained 2008 Term Ends 2012 David Teutsch joined The Branch in 1983, met Tina at The Branch in 1989, and they were married in 1990. David works for Texas Instruments, and Tina is a co-owner of Divine Consign. They have two children, Sam and Nikki. Past volunteer work includes teaching at various grade levels from pre-school to high school, Big Time, Youth and Children’s directors for One To Grow On, small groups leaders, ushering, and serving on the Stewardship Committee. | |
| Ron and Vonnie Walker Ordained 2009 Term Ends 2013 | |
| Terry and Darla Williams Ordained 1998, 2006 Term Ends 2011 Terry and Darla have served as part of the eldership at The Branch since 1998. They are now serving their second term. Terry has attended here since he was six years old. He moved away with his family for a number of years, and returned in 1975. Darla has attended here since 1981. They were married in 1982 and have four children: Taylor, Sawyer, Bayley, and Jaxon. Terry earned his MBA from SMU in 1990, and has been a sales executive in the telecommunications business for 23 years. Darla is a full-time wife and mother, and she works part-time for a growing company in the medical industry. | |
| Tim and Karen Yarbrough Ordained 2006 Term Ends 2011 Tim and Karen began serving their first term as part of the eldership at The Branch, having been members since 2003. They married in 1987 and have one son and one daughter. Tim is a manager in Banking Supervision for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and Karen works part-time for a corporate travel agency. | |
The Business Board serves as advisors to the staff and elders in matters of finance, budgeting, and staffing. The board is composed of representatives of the Staff, Elders, and Members.
Current Business Board:
Chris Seidman, Senior Minister Kevin Drew, Elder Terry Williams, Elder Ashley Hunter, Member Ron Cash, Member
Chris and his wife Tara joined the staff of The Branch as Senior Minster in 1991. He has served in places including, Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, FL, Richland Hills Church of Christ in the Ft Worth area and Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene. Tim Ketchersid, Executive Minister
Tim & Jeanne have been members of The Branch since August of 1991. Tim joined the staff as Executive Minister in 2006 after a career in law. Mona Swofford, Finance and HR Director
Mona and her husband Dan have been members of The Branch since 1986. Mona joined the staff in 1997 after 16 years in the banking industry.
Kevin and his wife Becky have been members of The Branch since 1981. Working in the banking industry 38 years, Kevin is an Executive Vice President at TIB-The Independent BankersBank.
Terry has been a member at The Branch since he was six years old. He met and married his wife Darla in 1982. Terry has an MBA from SMU and has been a sales executive in the telecommunications industry for 23 years.
Ashley, and his wife Devonna, have been members of The Branch since 1990. Ashley is a CPA and consultant to the insurance industry.
Ron has been at The Branch since 1978, where he met his wife Mary Beth. Ron is a small business owner and former elder.
 | What is the difference between The Branch, Farmers Branch Church of Christ, and The Branch at Vista Ridge? |
 | The Farmers Branch Church of Christ was founded in 1905 in Farmers Branch, Texas. The nickname The Branch is often used for this community of believers. In 2005, the leadership shared a vision for being a multi-site church, or one church in multiple locations, under the name of The Branch. The first site to launch was The Branch at Vista Ridge. We now use The Branch to describe the church, with each campus having its own name. You will often hear the terms Farmers Branch campus, and Vista Ridge campus, all under the name The Branch. Find out more about service times and locations here.
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| Why the Multi-Site Approach? |
| We believe that we will be able to expand our capacity to influence more people to live in an intimate relationship with God through making it possible for more of our members to live within fifteen to twenty minutes of a gathering place for worship, encouragement, and ministry. This isn’t to say that worship, encouragement, and ministry doesn’t take place where we live, work, and play during the week. It does acknowledge, though, the partnership between our individual efforts to witness for Christ during the week and our collective efforts to witness for Christ on the weekends through our worship gatherings. There is a benefit to being able to introduce those we’re reaching out to during the week to the experience of believers who gather together for worship, encouragement, and ministry to one another. Multiple campuses allow more members to live within proximity of a gathering place. We believe this will help in our efforts to reach out to those living around us.
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| In what sense are multiple campuses still one church? |
| All campuses of The Branch will be served in leadership by one group of elders and the same senior minister and executive minister. Both campuses will also be operating out of the same budget. Our staff is considered “one” staff though some have responsibilities that are site-specific. Both campuses will be brought together on occasion for the same events such as mens’ and womens’ retreats, youth camps, mission trips, large-scale compassion ministry, leadership development, training for various ministries, and special conferences for marriage, family, etc.
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| How is the preaching done across multiple campuses given that services are happening at the same time? |
| Chris Seidman, our Senior Minister, rotates between venues at each campus. Each venue is equipped to project a video of the message when Chris is not “in person” at that location.
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| Are other aspects of the service (i.e., music, prayer, communion, etc.) on video? |
| No. These things will be done “in person” by those leading and facilitating services at each campus. Only the message will be via video.
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| Will there be additional campuses beyond Vista Ridge? |
| Yes, God willing, it is the heart of the leadership to add new campuses in the future as our congregation grows. At the All Church Celebration on November 7, 2008, Chris shared a vision for each campus to launch a new campus by the end of 2011. This would mean The Branch could potentially consist of four different sites by the end of 2011.
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| Do you have other meeting times aside from the weekend worship services? |
| We encourage everyone to connect with believers in a small group regularly. We have groups that meet in homes at different times of the week. There are also a variety of other activities that happen throughout the week, including Ladies Bible Study, Men’s Life, and Celebrate Recovery. Check out the calendar for details.
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| Do you have instrumental music? |
| The leadership of The Branch believes that music lifted up in praise to God and His Son is an outpouring from the heart of a person filled with the Holy Spirit. This offering can be vocal, instrumental or both together. This conclusion is the result of much prayer and considerable study of the Scriptures on this matter. Currently we have two acapella services and one instrumental service at the Farmers Branch Campus and three instrumental services at the Vista Ridge Campus.
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There are no current openings.
The Branch Office
3035 Valley View Lane
Dallas, TX 75234
Phone: 972-247-2109
Email:
Fax: 972-243-6009
View campus locations and service times
| Administration/Operations | ||
Support Services Director: Jason Burnett | | 972-284-7825 | |
Finance and HR Director: Mona Swofford | | 972-284-7856 | |
| Facilities Director: Lynn McQueen | | 972-284-7824 | |
| Database Manager: Kay Fox | | 972-284-7826 | |
| Administrative Assistant: Vickie McKillip | | 972-284-7854 | |
| Multimedia Director: Jaron Pitts | | 972-284-7891 | |
| Media Orders: Amy McIlhaney | | 469-733-4577 | |
| Children and Students | ||
| VR Student Minister: Ryan Rainey | | | |
| FB Student Minister: Matt Moore | | 972-284-7858 | |
| Children’s Ministry Director: Tim Scott | | 972-284-7860 | |
| Route 56 Coordinator: Julie Bonneau | | | |
| FB Uptown Coordinator: Cindy Goodspeed | | 972-284-7866 | |
| FB Downtown Coordinator: Nita Masih | | 972-284-7861 | |
| VR Uptown Coordinator: Britney Kerley | | 972-428-3216 | |
| VR Downtown Coordinator: Liz McGregor | | | |
| Elders | ||
| Elders and contact information | ||
| Elders Administrative Assistant: Kay Fox | | 972-284-7826 | |
| Senior Minister’s Office | ||
| Senior Minister: Chris Seidman | | |
| Executive Minister: Tim Ketchersid | | 972-284-7822 | |
| Administrative Assistant: Jenny Rich | | 972-284-7820 | |
| Spiritual Formation | ||
| Associate Minister, Vista Ridge: Steve Calvert | | 972-428-3220 | |
| Community Minister: Bro. Eddy Ketchersid | | 972-284-7813 | |
| Women’s Ministry Director: Janice Ingram | | | |
| Celebrate Recovery | | | |
| Spiritual Formation Assistant: Paula Braugh | | 972-284-7823 | |
| Worship | ||
| Worship Ministry Director: James Asplund | | 972-428-3219 | |
| Worship Leader: Jaron Pitts | | 972-284-7891 | |
| Guest Services Minister: Richard Seymour | | | |
Administrative Assistant: Jenny Rich | | 972-284-7820 | |
 | Hearty pioneers, dedicated to being like the early church described in the New Testament, planted Farmers Branch Church of Christ. They met in a public school for four years and in 1909, erected their first building at 2570 Valley View Lane. On January 8, 1956, the first service was held in a newly constructed building at the same location, with 279 present.
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 | With a hunger for righteousness, and seeking to know the truth, the church established the “Bible Training Work” in 1969 to teach the word of God and train young men to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. Two additions were added to the Valley View building to accommodate the needs of the growing church.
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 | Visionary men and women, with a heart to reach the lost and full of faith, sought to create a place where they could impact the Farmers Branch community for Christ. Under the inspirational leadership of courageous elders, the church went to the Lord in prayer and He provided the means to transplant to a new place of worship at 3035 Valley View Lane. Services were held for the first time on August 14, 1988. Through prayer, sacrificial giving, and the provision of the Lord, the note was paid off five years later. In 1998, we began an expansion effort for a children’s wing at our Farmers Branch campus, adding 15,904 square feet which allowed us a place to grow our children in their relationships, as well as some much needed office space for our ever-growing staff.
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 | In December 2000, Chris and Tara Seidman accepted the call to become the Senior Minister. Over the next five years, weekend attendance doubled. In 2005, at an elders/staff retreat, God planted the seed of the vision of a “multi-site” approach in the hearts of our leadership. This was an aggressive strategy, born out of prayer and motivated by a deep desire to help thousands come into an intimate relationship with God. The vision has been confirmed many times since then, culminating with the purchase of the Vista Ridge property on May 9, 2007. On September 9, 2007, we began simultaneous services at the Farmers Branch campus and the Vista Ridge campus.
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 | At our All Church Celebration on November 7, 2008, Chris Seidman shared a look ahead at the next three years. Our goal, God willing, is to retire the present debt associated with the Vista Ridge campus by the end of 2010. It is also our intention to have each campus send forth a launch team for two new campuses by the end of 2011. This would mean The Branch could potentially consist of four different sites by the end of 2011.
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Why does The Branch exist?
To help people live in an intimate relationship with God.
How do we help people do this?
We accept you where you are and encourage you to engage in an intimate relationship with God by growing in the Core Beliefs, Core Practices, and Core Virtues.
 | Growing Core Beliefs Our relationship with God becomes more intimate as we grow in these Core Beliefs: God Bible Humanity Salvation Transformation Church Eternity
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 | Engaging Core Practices Living in an intimate relationship with God is enhanced as we grow in these Core Practices: Pray daily Read the Bible daily Attend Celebration Worship weekly Connect with believers in a small group regularly Tell others of our experience with God Invite others to engage in an intimate relationship with God Contribute tithes and offerings to God Exercise our talents to serve others Speak honorably of others
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 | As we live in an intimate relationship with God, we grow in these Core Virtues: Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-Control
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. |
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