Here are some reasons why Branches make such a difference:

1. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: People talk more in small group settings.
   Branches are designed for 6-8 people. In this small group setting, everyone is more likely to participate in discussions than in a large class. Since there are fewer people, there is more opportunity to talk and less room to hide.
   
   
2. UNDERSTANDING: Branch members realize that others face similar problems.
   People often think there is something uniquely wrong with them. When they hear that others have similar struggles, they feel relieved and encouraged.
   
   
3. SERVICE: People use their gifts and talents to minister to one another.
   God doesn’t expect pastors and teachers to do all the ministering. He has given each of us gifts and talents to encourage, teach and challenge one another. Branches provide the perfect setting for Christians to minister one to another.“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
   
   
4. ENCOURAGEMENT: Branch members encourage each other in their faith.
   We strengthen each other’s faith. In his letter to the Romans, Paul taught us that when we see the faith in another believer, it encourages us in our own faith.
   “… that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12
   
   
5. GROWTH: Branch members encourage each other to grow.
   Regardless of a Branch’s focus or format, after a while people are likely to share personal insights and testimonies. When people share, other Branch members see new ways they can draw closer to God and new steps they can take with others.Changing is hard. There is nothing like a word of encouragement when someone feels hopeless or discouraged. Branch members support one another, both during meetings and outside them.

   “We can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4
   
   

6. ACCOUNTABILITY: Branch members hold each other accountable.
   If someone announces he or she plans to work on making a change, other members of the Branch may ask how it went the next time they get together. This can be done in a friendly, informal way. Or Branch members may make a plan to be accountable to each other.As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).

   Likewise, when people know they will be meeting with a small group of friends, they are motivated to do their homework and memorize the weekly Bible verse or other assignments.
   
   

7. PRAYER WARRIORS: Members pray for one another.
   God honors and answers prayer. When people become connected emotionally, they are more open to praying for one another. Branch members can exchange prayer requests or become prayer partners.

   “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
   
   

8. APPLICATION: People are more likely to practice what they learn.

   For all the above reasons, members of a Branch are more likely to apply what they learn than those in a large class.
   
   

9. SUPPORT: Branch members can support each other in hard times.
   People often feel isolated, alone or abandoned when facing grave health, emotional or financial problems. Branch members can provide a “safety net,” supporting one another in hard times.
   
   
10. FRIENDSHIPS: Friendships are built.
    Many people, including Christians, lack close friends. When people get together in a Branch, close friendships form and often remain long after the Branch ends.