Texas band Branch remains true to its roots

HOUSTON—Through their music and message, the Texas-based worship band known as Branch challenges students and young adults to become rooted in God's word, so they will be grounded in foundational truths during the storms of life.

"When I was 13 years old, I woke up a week before Christmas to my mom standing over my bed telling me that my father was killed the night before in a car wreck," lead singer Steven Patterson said.

"It was devastating, and I remember a real sense of abandonment and anger towards God. As an eighth grader trying to make sense of it all, I remember saying that if there was a God that allowed this, I didn't want anything to do with him.

"My mom gave me a guitar for Christmas, and I began to play music as a way of dealing with the pain of losing my dad. Two years later, I was hoping to meet a girl, so I finally convinced myself to visit a local youth group. However, something more life altering happened—I met Jesus there. I built friendships with people who modeled the love of Christ and who taught me what it meant to live for him.

"Everything changed once I surrendered my life to Christ. Despite not having any formal music training except for being in choir in high school, I started leading worship for my youth group. It was a drastic change from where I had been, and I realized the power of God's love and redemption."

Patterson attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and served as one of the leaders of Grace Bible study. During his time at HSU, Branch formed as a worship band, taking its name from the words of Jesus in John 15:5: "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."

More than a decade later, Branch continues to lead worship for DiscipleNow weekends, retreats, conferences and camps, such as the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Super Summer.

Band members desire to help build bridges for churches to use in attracting youth and ministering to their needs. In addition to his role with Branch, Patterson serves as a worship pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Houston.

"I love doing youth events because it's such a crucial age for people as they make decisions about who they are and what they believe," Patterson said. "Statistically speaking, it's our best chance to reach people with the gospel."