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 formal membership is healthy for the congregation and each individual member for seveal reasons.
The first reason is because it is Biblical. Though the term doesn't occur in the scriptures, the concept is implied throughout the New Testament. Early church believers regularly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to be faithful to its work and administrations.
The second reason is because it helps the leaders of the church identify who their flock is so they can appropriately administer care and oversight with the Body.
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 the third Sunday of each month from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm in the Spiritual Formation Center at both campuses. 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.
*If your schedule precludes you from attending during these times, please contact us and we will try to make other arrangements.
Please call the church office or register online for the next Branch Orientation at http://www.thebranch.org/nmo.htm or 972-247-2109.
Sincerely,
Rob Knight
Minister of Spiritual Formation
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