Branch Church

Branch Church
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Branch Church exists to connect people to Jesus and each other through the Truth of God’s Word. Each week we come together for authentic worship rooted in biblical teaching. Our name comes from John 15:5 when Jesus said, “I am the vine, YOU are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We are excited you’ve discovered our weekly messages and hope you’ll join us for regular in-person worship gatherings and events. Find out more and plan your visit at https://branchchurchmn.org

  1. Sep 27

    Acts 19: The Power of Presence

    Overview In Acts 19, Paul spends nearly three years in Ephesus, and through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, the gospel begins to shape an entire city. People come to faith, disciples are strengthened, extraordinary things happen, and the influence of the church spreads throughout the region. Acts 19 gives us a picture of what can happen when Jesus' witnesses are present and engaged, dependent on God's power, and willing to resist the forces of darkness. But the question isn't simply what happened in Ephesus. It's where God has placed us. Wherever we live, work, go to school, and build relationships is not an accident. God calls us to be faithful witnesses right where we are—to ask good questions, build relationships over time, speak boldly about Jesus, and trust Him with the results. Acts 19 also reminds us that following Jesus means recognizing spiritual conflict and relying on Jesus alone for true spiritual authority. As we consider our own “Ephesus,” we're invited to ask: Where has God sent me, and what is He calling me to do there? Key Takeaways Where you are is not an accident. God has placed you where you are and wants to use you as a witness for Jesus in your neighborhood, workplace, school, and community. Presence matters. Paul stayed in Ephesus for years, demonstrating that God often works through long-term faithfulness rather than immediate results. Be faithful with the opportunities God gives you. Paul spoke boldly, worked with his hands, and used the windows of opportunity in his daily life to share the gospel. Jesus alone is our source of spiritual authority. The story of the seven sons of Sceva reminds us that spiritual power isn't something we can borrow, manipulate, or combine with other beliefs. It comes through knowing and trusting Jesus. Faithfulness can shape a city. When ordinary followers of Jesus live with courage, persistence, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, God can use them to bring lasting change to the places where He has sent them. Contact Info Branch Churchbranchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome to Branch Church(02:00) Paul in Ephesus(03:00) Where Are You Invested?(05:00) What Does It Mean to Be a Witness?(06:00) A Well-Placed Question(08:00) Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus(09:00) The Power of Spiritual Questions(10:00) “Who Is Jesus to You?”(12:00) Baptism & Going Public With Your Faith(13:00) The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit(14:00) The Impact of Presence(16:00) The Power of Long-Term Faithfulness(18:00) Finding Opportunities to Share Jesus(20:00) Where Is Your Ephesus?(21:00) Serving Our Community(22:00) Expect Spiritual Conflict(24:00) Understanding Spiritual Warfare(25:00) Spiritual Authority Through Jesus(27:00) Jesus Plus Nothing(28:00) Repentance & the Power of the Gospel(29:00) Knowing When God Is Calling You Somewhere Else(30:00) Faithful Witnesses Right Where We Are(31:00) Where Is God Sending You?(32:00) Prayer & Living as a Witness Keywords Acts 19, Book of Acts, Paul, Ephesus, Holy Spirit, spiritual warfare, spiritual authority, sharing your faith, evangelism, Christian witness, discipleship, baptism, repentance, gospel, Jesus Christ, knowing Jesus, spiritual growth, Christian community, long-term faithfulness, God's calling, neighborhood ministry, workplace ministry, city transformation, serving your community, Branch Church, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

    Acts 19: The Power of Presence

  2. Sep 20

    Acts 18: Keep Speaking

    In Acts 18, we see God weaving together the stories of ordinary people to advance the story of the gospel. Paul arrives in Corinth tired and discouraged, but God meets him through Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who had been displaced from Rome and were faithfully building a life and community in a new city. Later, we meet Apollos, an eloquent teacher whose understanding of the gospel was incomplete, and who was strengthened through the quiet investment of Priscilla and Aquila. This chapter reminds us that none of us are the main character—Jesus is. But every one of us has a thread that God can weave into His larger story. Sometimes faithfulness means going, sometimes it means staying, sometimes it means opening our homes, and sometimes it means continuing to speak when we are afraid. As Branch Church enters a new season, Acts 18 invites us to trust that God is already at work in the people and places He is sending us to. We don't have to know how everything will turn out. We are called to show up, serve faithfully, open our lives to others, and trust Jesus with the story He is telling. Key Takeaways Jesus is the central character. Our lives matter, but they are part of a much bigger story centered on Jesus. God uses ordinary faithfulness. Paul worked as a tentmaker, opened himself to relationships, and simply showed up. God can work through our everyday lives and work. You don't have to have everything figured out. God can use us even when we're tired, afraid, or unsure of what comes next. Some are called to go, and others are called to stay. Staying, serving, opening your home, and investing in people is not a lesser calling. It can become the foundation for what God does next. Contact Info Branch Churchbranchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome & A New Season(02:00) The Power of a Braided Story(04:00) Jesus Is the Central Thread(05:00) Reading Acts 18(09:00) Paul Arrives in Corinth(11:00) Showing Up in Ordinary Places(12:00) The Gospel Doesn't Require a Platform(14:00) Faithfulness When You're Worn Out(15:00) We Need People Around Us(16:00) Priscilla & Aquila(18:00) The Calling to Stay(19:00) The Faithfulness of Minnewashta(21:00) Heaven Keeps a Different Archive(22:00) Apollos & the Power of Private Investment(24:00) The Ministry Nobody Is Watching(25:00) Paul's Fear & God's Encouragement(26:00) Do Not Be Afraid. Keep Speaking.(27:00) Trusting God With the Results(28:00) Preparing for Branch Church Waconia(29:00) Letting Our Stories Be Woven Together(30:00) Closing Prayer & A New Chapter(31:00) Jesus Is the Central Thread Keywords Acts 18, Book of Acts, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, Corinth, Ephesus, tentmaker, Christian community, hospitality, discipleship, spiritual formation, ordinary faithfulness, calling, serving, courage, fear, evangelism, sharing your faith, gospel, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, church planting, Branch Church, Branch Church Waconia, Minnewashta, Waconia church, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

    Acts 18: Keep Speaking

  3. Sep 13

    Acts 17: How to Be a Bold Witness & Branch Waconia Commissioning

    Paul walks into Athens and finds a city full of idols — literally an altar dedicated "To an Unknown God." Instead of getting angry and walking away, he uses it. He stands up at the Areopagus, the intellectual center of the ancient world, and shows a room full of philosophers exactly who that unknown god actually is. This message pulls four principles out of that moment for anyone who's ever felt nervous about sharing their faith: look for opportunities, use a soft startup, make it about Him, and trust God for the result. This Sunday also marked something bigger than a sermon — Branch Church commissioned the Swanson family and the whole Waconia launch team, sending them out the same way the early church did in Acts 13: through prayer, confirmation, and the whole community laying hands on those who go. So here's the invitation. Pick one person in your life this week. Get curious about them. Look for the soft opening. And trust God with what happens after that. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Get curious about the people around you before you speak — knowing their world is how you find your way in. - Keep every gospel conversation centered on Jesus, not on your own performance or fear of getting it wrong. - Being sent out for God's mission starts with prayer, is carried by prayer, and depends on Him to finish what He starts. CONTACT INFO Branch Church | https://branchchurchmn.org New here, or want to be part of what God's doing next — in Minnewashta or in the new Waconia launch? We'd love to help you find your next step. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and a Landmark Day at Branch (01:00) Turning to Acts 17: Paul at the Areopagus (02:00) Acts 1:8 and the Call to Be Witnesses (04:00) Principle 1: Look for Opportunities (06:00) Paul's Burden Becomes Fury (08:00) Know Your Audience: Epicureans and Stoics (11:00) Principle 2: Use a Soft Startup (13:00) Principle 3: Make It All About Him (16:00) Trust the Word, Not Yourself (18:00) Principle 4: Trust God for the Result (19:00) Three Responses: Sneered, Curious, Believed (21:00) Why We Plant Churches — and Why Waconia (23:00) The Practice of Commissioning (24:00) Choosing Your Location and Holding Off on Visits (26:00) The Call to Serve at Waconia and Minnewashta (28:00) Commissioning the Swanson Family to Waconia KEYWORDS Acts 17, Areopagus, Mars Hill, Paul in Athens, unknown god, Epicureans, Stoics, being a witness, evangelism, soft startup, Colossians 4:6, trust God for the result, church planting, Waconia launch, commissioning, Branch Church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, Book of Acts sermon series, Swanson family

    Acts 17: How to Be a Bold Witness & Branch Waconia Commissioning

  4. Sep 6

    Acts 17: Reading The Room

    Acts 17 drops Paul into two cities and gets two completely different reactions. In Thessalonica, he reasons from the Scriptures for three straight Sabbaths, people believe, and jealousy turns a crowd into a mob that riots in the streets. In Berea, the same message lands differently — people examine the Scriptures daily to test what Paul is saying, and many believe. Same gospel, same messenger, two opposite responses. That contrast isn't just ancient history. It's still happening today, in Waconia, in Shorewood, in every branch home and every conversation with a curious neighbor. Some people meet Jesus with resistance. Others meet him with a hunger to know if it's true. The difference often comes down to whether someone is anchored to something solid — God's Word — or just reacting to whatever's in front of them. This message lands on three simple moves: be a Berean and test everything against Scripture, stay alert because God is already at work in the people around you, and don't do any of it alone. Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo sport. So here's the challenge — pick one. Open your Bible this week like the Bereans did. Watch for the conversation God's already setting up. And get in a room with other believers who'll walk it with you. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Test everything you hear — even from trusted voices — against the truth of Scripture, the way the Bereans did. - Jealousy left unchecked doesn't stay quiet. It brews into toxicity and eventually into open conflict. - The gospel is for everyone. No bloodline, status, or background puts someone outside its reach. - Stay alert. God is often preparing someone's heart long before you ever have the conversation with them. - You weren't meant to follow Jesus alone. Community isn't optional — it's how faith survives pressure. CONTACT INFO Branch Church | https://branchchurchmn.org New around here? We'd love to have you at a Sunday gathering or help you find your next step into a branch home. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and Celebrating What God Is Doing (01:00) The Waconia Launch: October 11th (02:00) The Call to Serve: Volunteer Needs at Waconia and Shorewood (03:00) Branch Homes: Discipleship That Fills Up in an Hour (04:00) Into Acts 17: Two Cities, Two Responses (05:00) Paul in Thessalonica: Reasoning from the Scriptures (08:00) Jesus Is for All People (09:00) When Jealousy Turns to Riot (11:00) Jason's Costly Hospitality (12:00) A Baptism Story from Hopkins (15:00) Sent to Berea: A Different Reception (16:00) The Bereans: Noble Character, Daily Examination (18:00) Why We Stay Tethered to Scripture (19:00) A Salvation Story at the 8:15 Service (21:00) Bible Doing, Not Just Bible Study (23:00) Agitators Follow Paul to Berea (24:00) Why Silas and Timothy Stayed Behind (27:00) Three Responses: Be a Berean, Stay Alert, Stand Firm in Community (30:00) Communion: Remembering What Jesus Has Done KEYWORDS Acts 17, Thessalonica, Berea, Bereans, Paul and Silas, Timothy, be a Berean, examining Scripture, gospel for all people, discipleship, Branch Homes, Waconia launch, Branch Church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, community, communion, salvation testimony, book of Acts sermon series, standing firm in faith, gospel and jealousy

    Acts 17: Reading The Room

  5. Aug 30

    Acts: Vision for Church Planting

    In this special message from the book of Acts, Branch Church looks ahead to a significant new chapter: the planting of a second church location in Waconia. Reflecting on five years of God’s faithfulness, Pastor Brian Suter reminds us that God has consistently done “immeasurably more” than the church could ask or imagine. Using three passages from Acts, we see a biblical picture of church planting: the church is built up and strengthened, matures in order to be sent, and strengthens other churches through multiplication. Church growth is not ultimately about filling more seats in one building, but about forming disciples who are ready to be sent into new communities. The message also calls every person at Branch to consider their role in what God is doing next. As Branch prepares to launch Branch Church Waconia, the invitation is simple: pray, serve, and trust God for the immeasurably more He has ahead. Key Takeaways God is faithful to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.A healthy church is built up and strengthened so that it can multiply.The measure of a church is not just its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.The work ahead requires laborers who are willing to serve.Contact Info For more information about Branch Church and the new Waconia location, visit:branchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Looking Back at God’s Faithfulness(02:00) The Calling to Plant a Church(04:00) Five Years of “Immeasurably More”(07:00) Trusting God for What Comes Next(08:00) Church Planting Throughout the Book of Acts(09:00) Built Up, Strengthened, and Multiplied(12:00) The Church Matures in Order to Send(14:00) Sent Into the Communities Where We Live(15:30) Churches Strengthen One Another(17:00) The Vision for a New Branch Location(18:00) What Will It Take? Laborers and Servants(21:00) A Call for Everyone to Serve(23:00) Dependence on Jesus and the Holy Spirit(25:00) The Announcement: Branch Church Waconia(28:00) Building a New Church Community(30:00) Preparing to Launch and Serve(31:00) October 11 Launch Day(34:00) Trusting God for the Next Chapter(35:00) Commissioning Sunday & What’s Next(36:00) Jesus Is the Vine(37:00) Closing Prayer Keywords Branch Church Waconia, church planting, Acts, Book of Acts, church multiplication, church growth, church planting movement, Acts 9, Acts 13, Acts 15, Ephesians 3, John 15, immeasurably more, Christian service, serving the church, discipleship, sending, missions, Holy Spirit, Jesus is the vine, Branch Church, Minnewashta Church, Waconia Minnesota, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, biblical teaching

    Acts: Vision for Church Planting

  6. Aug 23

    Acts: Community as Discipleship

    In this special message from the book of Acts, we pause our study of the early church to focus on what it means to pursue community for the purpose of discipleship and spiritual growth. As Branch Church begins another season of Branch Homes, we look at the patterns of community throughout Acts and ask what God wants His church to become. From the believers being “one in heart and mind” to gathering in the temple and from house to house, Scripture shows us that Christian community is more than friendship or social connection. It is the environment where disciples are formed, new believers are strengthened, leaders are developed, and people learn to follow Jesus together. This message challenges us to move beyond isolation and comfortable relationships, choosing instead to pursue authentic, multi-generational community. Branch Homes are designed to create that kind of space: people learning Scripture, sharing life, bearing burdens, confessing sin, encouraging one another, and becoming more like Jesus together. Key Takeaways We need both community and discipleship. Community without discipleship becomes social connection without transformation; discipleship without community becomes information without the relationships needed to live it out. The next generation belongs in the life of the church. Parents and the church community share the responsibility of teaching children to follow Jesus and live out biblical truth. Following Jesus is something we do together. A disciple is not simply someone who learns about Jesus, but someone who follows and apprentices themselves to His way of life. Contact Info For more information about Branch Church and Branch Homes, visit: branchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome & A Pause in the Acts Series(02:00) Celebrating What God Is Doing Through Branch Homes(05:30) Community for the Purpose of Discipleship(06:00) Acts 2: The Early Church’s Model of Community(09:00) Community Fosters Unity(12:00) The Importance of Multi-Generational Community(13:00) Community Has a Rhythm(15:00) The Church’s Response to Isolation and Individualism(17:00) Community Addresses Friction(19:00) Community Grows New Believers(21:00) Community Strengthens Disciples and Grows Leaders(23:00) Why Branch Homes? Community for Discipleship(24:00) Discipleship and the Next Generation(26:00) What Discipleship Looks Like in Real Life(28:00) What to Expect in a Branch Home(30:00) A Call to Get Into Community(32:00) Ephesians 3:20–21: Expecting God to Do More(34:00) Prayer for the Coming Season Keywords Acts, Book of Acts, Acts 2, Acts 4, Acts 5, Acts 6, Acts 11, Acts 14, Christian community, discipleship, Branch Homes, Branch Church, spiritual growth, church community, small groups, multi-generational church, Christian fellowship, making disciples, disciples who make disciples, church leadership, biblical community, Christian relationships, next generation, Ephesians 3, prayer, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

    Acts: Community as Discipleship

  7. Aug 16

    Acts 16: Worship in the Midnight and the Gospel That Breaks Bondage

    Continuing through Acts 16, the sermon contrasts Lydia’s conversion with the gospel reaching a Philippian jailer, showing Jesus is for all people. Paul delivers a slave girl from a demonic spirit, and when her owners lose profit, they falsely accuse Paul and Silas, leading to an unjust public beating and imprisonment. At midnight, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns as other prisoners listen, and an earthquake opens the doors and loosens chains; Paul prevents the jailer’s suicide, and the jailer asks how to be saved. Paul answers, “Believe in the Lord Jesus,” and the jailer’s household believes, is baptized, and cares for Paul and Silas. Paul later insists the magistrates acknowledge their illegal treatment as Roman citizens, then encourages believers at Lydia’s house. CONTACT INFO Branch Church Website: ⁠https://branchchurchmn.org⁠ If this message stirred something in you — whether you're carrying something that needs God's healing power or you're ready to give your life to Jesus for the first time — we'd love to pray with you. Visit our website to connect with our prayer team or take your next step. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and Setup (02:12) Why This Passage Matters (03:26) Prayer and Scripture Reading (07:28) Slave Girl Delivered (11:30) Gospel Confronts Exploitation (13:45) Beaten and Imprisoned (16:36) Honesty and Freedom (19:34) Midnight Worship Witness (23:58) Earthquake and Jailer Saved (27:27) Justice and Church Protected (29:11) Closing Challenge and Prayer Keywords: Acts 16, Lydia, slave girl, demonic spirit, injustice, persecution, Paul and Silas, worship in suffering, earthquake, Philippian jailer, salvation, belief in Jesus, baptism, church encouragement.

    Acts 16: Worship in the Midnight and the Gospel That Breaks Bondage

  8. Aug 9

    Acts 15–16: God’s Mission Advances Through Conflict, Closed Doors, and Ordinary Conversations

    We continue the church’s yearlong journey through Acts, explaining how the Jerusalem Council affirmed salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone for both Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 15:36–41, Paul and Barnabas sharply disagree over bringing John Mark and separate into two teams, showing that conflict among godly people doesn’t always have a clear villain and that God can multiply ministry through mess. In Acts 16:1–5, Paul recruits the young Timothy and circumcises him as a missionary strategy to remove barriers with Jewish audiences, distinguishing godly flexibility from gospel compromise as the churches strengthen and grow. In Acts 16:6–10, the Holy Spirit blocks preaching in Asia and redirects the team to Macedonia, teaching that closed doors can be God’s steering. In Acts 16:11–15, Lydia’s heart is opened by the Lord, she and her household are baptized, and her hospitality models gospel fruit, prompting application questions about conflict, redirection, evangelism, and hospitality. CONTACT INFO Branch Church Website: ⁠https://branchchurchmn.org⁠ If this message stirred something in you — whether you're carrying something that needs God's healing power or you're ready to give your life to Jesus for the first time — we'd love to pray with you. Visit our website to connect with our prayer team or take your next step. Chapters (00:00) Welcome and Setup (02:02) Jerusalem Council Recap (04:29) Pray and Read Acts 15 (05:58) Paul and Barnabas Split (10:57) Timothy Joins the Team (16:21) Flexibility Not Compromise (18:18) Spirit Redirects to Macedonia (20:26) Closed Doors Personal Story (26:32) Philippi and Lydia Converted (31:29) Hospitality and Final Challenge Keywords: Acts 15, Acts 16, Jerusalem Council, salvation by faith, Paul, Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Timothy, circumcision, godly flexibility, gospel compromise, Holy Spirit, closed doors, Macedonia, Philippi, Lydia, baptism, hospitality

    Acts 15–16: God’s Mission Advances Through Conflict, Closed Doors, and Ordinary Conversations
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Branch Church exists to connect people to Jesus and each other through the Truth of God’s Word. Each week we come together for authentic worship rooted in biblical teaching. Our name comes from John 15:5 when Jesus said, “I am the vine, YOU are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We are excited you’ve discovered our weekly messages and hope you’ll join us for regular in-person worship gatherings and events. Find out more and plan your visit at https://branchchurchmn.org

Information

  • Creator
    Branch Church
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Branch Church
  • Show Website
    Branch Church

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