Snapshot: Branches of Christ Church

Web site: www.branchesofChrist.com

Services: 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays

Worship Style: Contemporary

Average Sunday Attendance: 175

Minister: Steve Pettit

Denomination Affiliation: Non-Denominational

Mission statement:

“Branches of Christ exists to glorify God by creating an atmosphere of acceptance, introducing people to Jesus Christ and developing them through the Word so that they will do the same.”

History:

The church was started in March 2001 and named after the John 15 passage where Jesus describes himself as the vine and his followers as the branches. Pettit said the name is a constant reminder of the church’s mission.

“We’re always looking for and praying about what God wants us to be. We know he’s the vine. It’s not our ministry – it’s his ministry. We also want to branch out to other churches, the world and our community.”

Pastor’s path:

Pettit grew up on an Illinois farm, one of five children of Christian parents who discussed faith regularly with their children. Those dinner-table discussions laid the foundation for the kind of pastor Pettit is today.

The senior Pettit sent each child to St. Louis Christian College for a year after high school to establish a firm Bible-based foundation. While Pettit initially wanted to be a lawyer, he was encouraged to pursue ministry and gave up a state scholarship to the University of Illinois to return to Bible college.

A few weeks after enrolling, he was asked to preach at a small Midwestern church. While that church and two others that he led grew under his pastorate, Pettit stressed that his style of ministry isn't about fitting into stereotypes or categories or increasing membership.

“I preach in a way I know I’m going stand before Jesus and give an account for what I said,” Pettit said. “Did I say what was convenient or popular, or was it the truth? My focus is how to grow people closer to God and that will grow your church.”

The pastor moved to Atlanta 12 years ago and has led Branches of Christ since its founding in March 2001.

Ministries:

“We try to be careful not to create stereotypical ministries that people can hide out in,” said the pastor. “I’m more concerned about you being a witness wherever you are than knocking on doors every Thursday night.”

With a focus on changing the lives of individual church members, the church offers a full slate on Sundays and Wednesdays for all ages – Bible studies, teen gatherings and children’s services. Wednesday’s service is preaching-teaching with time for questions.

Members support a local 12-step alcohol and drug abuse program and participate in other outreach efforts.

“Our leadership is convicted that we want ministries to bubble up from the congregation rather than be dictated by the leadership,” said Pettit.

Thoughts from the pastor:

“We accept people where they are and hope to enhance their own walk with Christ. We don’t have a plan or a track to force you into. Rather, we want each person to continue to experience their own growth with Jesus.  We have been successful if we have helped people know Jesus.”