Introduction
The Branch model in the Greater Southwest District is a simple but powerful invitation: United Methodist churches that share geography are encouraged to share life, prayer, and ministry. Branches are not committees, obligations, or requirements. They are relationships—rooted in Christ, nurtured by the Holy Spirit, and bearing fruit for the transformation of the world.
Branches exist to help congregations pray together, know one another, share resources, attend each other’s events, and most importantly, join in ministry together. This model is grounded in the mission of The United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and the vision of our Michigan Conference: to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.
Biblical Foundation: John 15
Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” This passage reminds us that:
• Branches are connected to one another because they are connected to Christ.
• Fruitfulness is not an individual achievement but a shared outcome of abiding in the Vine.
• Community is not optional—it is the natural expression of life in Christ.
The Branch model is simply a way of living out what Jesus already teaches: we grow best when we grow together.
Three-Year Theological Journey
2027: Water, Growth, and Baptismal Identity
From January to December of 2027, our theme is Water—the life-giving gift that allows the vine to flourish. Water reminds us of:
• Our baptisms
• The Holy Spirit’s renewing work
• The grace that sustains us
Branches are encouraged to remember their shared baptismal calling: to resist evil, seek justice, serve others, and proclaim the love of Jesus Christ.
2028: Sunlight, Shining Light in the Darkness
From January to December of 2028, our theme is Sunlight—essential to the growth of a Vine. Sunlight reminds us of:
• Our reliance on God’s Son
• The prophetic power of shining light into the darkness
• Our dependance on an external power – prayer
Branches are encouraged to remember the light: to focus on growing in the Love of the Son of God, shine light on injustice, and focus on prayer.
2029: Shade, Shelter for the Vulnerable
From January to December of 2029, our theme is Shade—the relief from the dangers of the world. Shade reminds us of:
• Our need to rest
• The vulnerable who ask for a safe place to gather
• The ways many branches provide more shade
Branches are encouraged to remember their unique position: to honor the Sabbath, welcome in the wanderer, and work together to help others.
Purpose of Branches
Branches exist to help churches:
• Pray together
• Build relationships
• Grow in faith
• Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
• Share resources such as office equipment, curriculum, or volunteers
• Attend each other’s events like VBS, Bible studies, potlucks, concerts, or mission days
• Serve the community in ways that are more impactful together than alone
The Branch model is meant to be a blessing, not a burden. No church or pastor is required to participate. Branches grow at their own pace, in their own way, according to the gifts of their people.
Annual Challenge: One Act of Love
Each year, every Branch is invited to choose one shared ministry that offers the love of Jesus Christ to the community. This could be:
• A joint food distribution
• A shared worship service
• A community prayer walk
• A combined youth or children’s event
• A neighborhood clean-up
• A seasonal outreach (Advent, Lent, Back-to-School, etc.)
The goal is not complexity—it is connection. One act of love, done together, can bear abundant fruit.
Canopies: When Branches Work Together
Some Branches may choose to collaborate with other Branches, forming Canopies. A Canopy might:
• Host a district-wide worship service
• Organize a multi-branch mission project
• Share training or educational events
• Expand outreach to a wider region
Canopies are optional, organic, and Spirit-led. They grow naturally when Branches discover shared passions and complementary gifts.
Leadership: Laity at the Center
Beginning in 2026, each Church will identify a Local Church Branch Coordinator. This may be the Lay Leader unless someone else is designated. The Local Church Branch Coordinator shares information with the local congregation, and is the link from the local congregation to the Branch.
Also, every Branch will identify an Overall Branch Manager. The Overall Branch Manager stays connected to the Local Church Branch Coordinators and calls the Branch to action.
The Overall Branch Manager will:
• Receive and share information
• Help coordinate ideas
• Call people together when needed
• Encourage collaboration among churches
Clergy will support these efforts, but Branch life is intended to be lay-led, empowering the gifts and leadership already present in our congregations. Branch Clergy are invited and encouraged to meet to pray and support one another.
Local Church Branch Coordinator
The invitation is for churches that make up a Branch to work collaboratively whenever possible. This includes praying for each other and with each other, supporting ministries, working together to offer the Love of Jesus Christ to the world, etc. To do this well, every church needs to have someone to be the point-person.
A Local Church Branch Coordinator communicates with the other Local Church Branch Coordinators in the Branch and shares prayers and ministry opportunities. The Local Church Branch Coordinator helps the local congregation know what is happening in the Branch and shares with the rest of the Branch what is happening in her or his local congregation.
The Local Church Branch Coordinator is the Lay Leader, or another person the local church designates. The Branch Model is lay-led.
Overall Branch Manager
Each Branch will have one person who is keeping track of the whole Branch. The Overall Branch Manager is the person each Local Church Branch Coordinator communicates with to gather information or share ministry ideas.
The Overall Branch Manager helps to call the whole Branch together to do at least one project each year that offers the Love of Jesus Christ to the world.
The Overall Branch Manager can be one of the Local Church Branch Coordinators, or another lay person in the Branch.
Pastor Branch Connections
While the Branch model is lay-led, pastors need support and connections with other pastors. The Branch provides a way for pastors to reach out to one another and grow together as Christian leaders.
A Blessing, Not a Burden
Offering Christ together as a Branch is an invitation to grow together. Branches are a way for churches to rediscover the joy of connection, the strength of shared ministry, and the beauty of abiding in Christ together. As we continue to grow through the themes of Water, Sunlight, and Shade may we remember that:
• Christ is our source
• The Spirit is our sustainer
• We are called to bear fruit together
May our Branches flourish, our Canopies expand, and our ministries overflow with the love of Jesus Christ.
