Derek Turner

Founding Pastor

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Derek graduated from Oral Roberts University with a B.S. in communications and played varsity soccer there. He then attended and graduated from Word Of Life Bible Centre in Uppsala, Sweden. Sarah attended Carson-Newman College and Oral Roberts University. She graduated from Bible School in 1995. They met and married in 1996 at Kenneth Copeland Ministries, where they were both on staff.

Derek and Sarah came to Charlotte in 2002 with a dream to be a part of a great family of believers. With their 5-year-old daughter, Caroline, they started the Branch in their living room in January, 2003. One family was in attendance. From that simple beginning has grown a thriving, exciting place of worship made up of some of the friendliest people around. Derek and Sarah are unashamed to talk about Jesus and the difference He makes in all our lives. And they continue to do their part to increase the church- with the addition of baby Kate, the Turner’s have a happy home living God’s plan for their everyday life and The Branch Family Church.

John MacManamy

Worship Pastor / Family Life

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Patty MacManamy

BCA Principal / Family Life

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John, Patty and the kids moved to Charlotte to do life at the Branch almost a year after the the Turners. John is a musician and songwriter focused on Jesus centered worship. He played sax for the Boomer Sooner Band @ the University of Olkahoma leading them to victory over Nebraska in the 1979 Orange Bowl. Patty leads the children's ministry and is the principal of the Branch Christian Academy. They also handle many of the day-to-day situations that come up in every family: Pre-marriage counseling, marriage/family counseling, and all things family related. Plus there's never a dull moment at the Mac shack with Whitney, Tori, Bryce, Susanna, and John Blake all living life at full speed.

Scott Jenkins

Youth & College Pastor

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Originally from Tampa, Florida, Scott graduated from L.I.F.E East Bible College in 1995. He soon went on staff at Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius, NC as Youth and College pastor for 11 years. In 1998 he married Patti, and they have three terrific children- Zack, Chase, and beautiful little Meg. Scott joined the Branch staff in 2006, leading the Youth and Young Adult ministries. Scott is an avid sportsman and roots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Florida State Seminoles and Branch Fighting Squirrels softball. He is also a big fan of pretty much anything chocolate.

Walter R. Hoefflin

Executive Pastor

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Walter and Michelle are California raised and definitely bring a West Coast vibe to The Branch. Married since 1993, the Hoefflin’s are on the go with their two children, Madison and Maverick. Walt played college football at Azusa Pacific University, graduating in 1993 from Life Bible College with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministries, and he has begun his Master’s program. Walt has led youth ministry at both the District and National level for the Foursquare Church. After being senior pastor at The Lighthouse in Garden Grove, California, he and Michelle made a big move east and planted a church in Charlotte. He became a part of the pastoral staff at The Branch Family Church in 2007.

Grayson Berkowitz

Worship Leader

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A local guitar hero, Grayson has played in bands in the Charlotte area, has led worship in various churches throughout the region, and is a studio session guitarist. Along with being on the Branch worship team and writing original music, Grayson helps with some of the church's technical areas: audio, CD service editing, web site upkeep. He is also engaged to be married to Tori. Another great benefit of attending the Branch!

Victoria Berkowitz

Children's Ministry

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The second daughter of John and Patty, Tori has grown up in ministry. Before graduating from Word Of Life Bible Centre (the same one Derek attended) she began working at the Branch part time as the janitor along with her sister Whitney. They even had matching jumpsuits. Now Tori is full time working as the children's ministry coordinator for Sunday services and oversees chapels at BCA and is a part of the worship team.

Kara Dixon

Ministry & Outreach Coordinator

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A Charlotte native, Kara graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2005 with an International Relations degree. She first came to the Branch in 2004 after hearing friends tell her about this great new church, and right away felt at home. Since coming on board in 2005, she has brought her organizational skills into the office and is also coordinating missions trips at home and abroad. Kara has traveled worldwide to places such as Nicaragua, Guatemala, Afghanistan, Singapore, and Spain.