The Seven Functions
HEALTHY & GROWING
The ideal Church is described in The Book of Acts 1-2, and it functioned according to God's design.​The Church in Acts displayed Leadership, Prayer, Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship, and Ministry.
These Seven Functions are keys to a local church being Biblically healthy and growing. Churches that focus on these areas have greater impact on their community and world.
​Not only are these functions important for a church, but they are important for your family.
Bishop Branch is striving to grow and live in these biblical functions by God's grace and power.
LEADERSHIP
Acts 1:1-2 demonstrates that Jesus leads His Church. Jesus gave commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. The Church belongs to Jesus and is led by Jesus. He has also appointed leaders to help the Church accomplish its mission. These leaders, such as apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers were given to the Church to equip God's people to do the ministry and grow in both maturity and unity (Ephesians 4:11-16).
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At B3, we believe in the leadership of Christ and of those He appointed as leaders in the Church. Meet our Leadership Team.
WORSHIP
Worship is when we acknowledge the esteem and worth of God. He alone is worthy of our praise. We strive to glorify God at B3 with worship services that blend music styles, prayer, and preaching that is grounded in Scripture. Every service hopes to demonstrate the Seven Functions of a healthy Church. We want to demonstrate Christ's Leadership as He is Lord. Relationships are strengthened in Fellowship. Prayer is woven throughout the service. Ministry happens as needs are met. Discipleship occurs as we learn to live what Christ commanded. Evangelism takes place as the Gospel is shared and an invitation to respond is given. All of these functions are part of Worship.
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PRAYER
Prayer is how we communicate with God. Prayer changes us, not God. Prayer is powerful and has impact on us and those around us (James 5:16). Prayer is woven into everything we do at B3. We strive to make prayer part of the very fabric of our community of believers.
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We hold weekly prayer meetings. See our Schedule.
DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship is a word that means we learn how to live what Christ commanded. Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men." Discipleship begins by surrendering to Christ as our Lord and Savior. We ask forgiveness for our sins, which He offers through His sacrifice at the cross and empty tomb. This is how we start following Him. Then we let Him transform us, or let Him "make us become" a better follower. Then we focus on the mission He has for our lives ("fishers of men"). We dedicate our lives to carrying out what Christ commanded us.
FELLOWSHIP
God is all about relationships. He wants to restore people's relationships with both Him and with each other. Fellowship is a key function of the Church and is about unity and oneness. Bishop Branch is intentional in building relationships through our monthly Sunday Night L.I.F.E. events. We also encourage people to do life together, celebrating blessings and navigating difficulties. When you are part of B3, you are truly part of a family. We know the gospel of Jesus Christ can unify people regardless of our background, race, or nationality. We are seeking this multiethnic unity at B3.
MINISTRY
Ministry is the word we use to describe serving others. We serve others both in the Church and in the world around us. There are many opportunities to meet the needs of others and serve God's Kingdom at B3. Jesus demonstrated how to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. These two commands are the greatest in Scripture and the basis of ministry at B3.
EVANGELISM
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is our mission. We are called to share the great news that Jesus gives new life, abundant life, and eternal life. Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty of our sins, was buried, and on the third day, He rose again. His death, burial, and resurrection provides reconciliation between people and God. This Gospel, or good news, is what we are called to proclaim to a world in need of Christ. B3 is intentional in sharing the Gospel with the community and the world both locally and globally. This is seen in our special events for the community and in our gifts that supports missionaries around the planet.
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Check out our Bless Page to learn more.