We have created The Branch Orientation to help you understand: who we are, what we believe, and how you can make the most of the many opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and ministry at The Branch.
Some questions that are occasionally asked are: Why membership? Don’t all Christians become members the moment they make Jesus their Savior and Lord? Why is there a further need to identify with a specific local church? What is the point of formal membership?
We believe formalizing membership is healthy for the local church and each individual member for a few reasons.
The first reason is derived from the example of the early church in the Bible. In the New Testament, it appears that believers identified with a specific local body of believers and were challenged to be faithful to its work and administration of God’s love and message in the surrounding community.
The second reason is because it helps the leaders of a church identify those who desire to be cared for, encouraged, and involved so the leaders can appropriately administer care and oversight within the church.
A final, and perhaps most important reason, is that it benefits the individual by helping them move out of the fuzzy realm of good intentions and into the reality of committed participation where they will grow and flourish in Christ.
Next Step The next step in the membership process is to attend The Branch Orientation. This 1-1/2 hour class occurs from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm in the Spiritual Formation Center at both campuses. Check your bulletin or announcements for dates or click the registration button below and a list of upcoming dates will be available to choose from. The class will provide you with an overview of The Branch and its ministries and help you discover the importance of membership and the membership process. If you have children, drop them off at Kid’s Branch prior to coming to Orientation. One of our small groups will host a luncheon for you after the orientation.
Please check the weekly worship program or the website calendar for the next Branch Orientation dates.
Follow these steps to register online:
1. Click the “Registration” button
2. Either login or click “Create an Account”
3. Select an individual in your family who will be attending.
4. Under “Select a Form”, select “The Branch Orientation” and then under “Select a Schedule” choose the date and location you wish to attend. Click “Continue”.
5. If there are more people in your family are who wish to attend, choose “Select Another Person” and repeat steps 3-5.
6. Once everyone attending appears in the confirmation list, click “Submit Form(s)”
If you have trouble online, or prefer registering by phone, call Paula Braugh at the church office at 972-284-7823.