Elders

The purpose of the elder team is to function as the spiritual authority and governing body for Branch Community, according to the pattern observed in the New Testament. (Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).

Current members of the elder team are as follows:

Steven Fisher. Steven has served on the elder team since it was formed in late 2019. He also serves as the lead elder.

Crystal Fisher. Crystal has served on the elder team since it was formed in late 2019. She also serves as the secretary.

Andy Lapp. Andy has served on the elder team since it was formed in late 2019.

Arlin Riehl. Arlin has served on the elder team since it was formed in late 2019.

Jake Beiler. Jake joined the elder team in the spring of 2022. He also serves as the secretary.

Jesse Stoltzfus. Jesse joined the elder team in the fall of 2023.

To learn more about how our church is governed please click here to view our church bylaws.

 

Oversight and Affiliations

HarvestNet International is committed to networking & equipping front-line workers for world harvest. As a church partner, Branch Community is committed to serving this vision and we also receive oversight from HarvestNet leaders.

 

Barry Wissler: Overseer

Dr. Barry Wissler is the founding President of HarvestNet International, a network of churches, ministries and businesses partnering for the harvest. Having pastored Ephrata Community Church for 37 years, Barry passed leadership to a successor and now focuses on training emerging leaders and building organizational teams. HNI serves churches in Europe, Asia, North and South America and also operates the HarvestNet School of Supernatural Ministry.

 

Dave Hess: Overseer

Dave and his wife Sheri serve as senior leaders of Christ Community Church, a vibrant fellowship of Jesus-followers in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. He is the author of three books, Hope Beyond Reason, Hope Beyond Disappointment, and his newest book, Side by Side. Dave and Sheri enjoy ministering together, doing life together, and spending time with their growing family—three children, and their spouses: Bethany and Richie, Ben and Naomi, Brandon and Tara; and three grandchildren: Micah, Abby and Madie. Their rescue dog, Hayley, rounds out the crew.

 

Wayne Kaufman: Overseer

Wayne serves on the HarvestNet International Apostolic Council and attends Ephrata Community Church. He spends a significant portion of his time traveling nationally and internationally training missionaries and church leaders. He is married to Jan and has three grown sons.