Connected Branches: Why We Need Each Other This School Year

As this new school year begins, I keep hearing one clear, unshakable reminder from the Lord: Stay connected to the Vine.

In John 15, Jesus says:

“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 know this truth well because our life flows from Him. But here’s something I don’t think we talk about enough: branches aren’t just connected to the Vine—they’re entangled with each other through the Holy Spirit.

And here’s the beautiful part: we don’t have to go searching and striving to find the “right” people to connect with. Instead, we look with prophetic sight and recognize who God has already placed around us. This year, take the limits off God. Your connected branches might not even be on your physical campus. They could be:

• Parents connected to the students on your roster

• Friends who serve in other schools

• Custodians who quietly intercede while they work

• Homeschool co-ops tied to your church community

empowerED Conference '25 was a regional gathering hosted at Goldsboro Worship Center in Goldsboro, NC, for Christians connected to education. On July 26, 2025, over 100 people came together under one banner--Jesus.

At empowerED Conference ’25, we repented for allowing the enemy’s divisive tactics to cause separation and disdain toward other educators serving in spaces different from our own. Unfortunately, for far too long, Kingdom Ambassadors have come into agreement with systemic mindsets like public charter schools are hurting public schools and private schools do not have the interest of all students in mind. But as Christians in education, we are unified under one banner—Jesus—and He has divinely entangled us with a community connected to Him. We trust that He, in His Sovereignty, has positioned His children within all educationals sectors and when we speak ill of them, we are speaking ill of the call of God on our brothers and sisters who serve there. Jesus reminds us we are to remain in Him and connected to other branches. Through those unified connections, He promises that FRUIT will be produced.

Why is this crucial for the year ahead?

1. The storms will come. Branches that stand alone are more vulnerable to breaking. But branches intertwined with others can withstand far more because they are reinforced together in the Spirit.

2. We need shared discernment. Other branches who rooted in the same Vine can spot subtle deception and lovingly call us back to truth.

3. Fruit feeds more than you think. The fruit you bear isn’t just for your own satisfaction—it’s meant to nourish others. And in seasons where your branch feels bare, their fruit can sustain you.

4. Unity is part of the testimony. Our oneness under Jesus is a witness to a fractured world. The world sees the fruit and the unity and it points them to Him. (love this song linked that speaks to the one testimony that redeems every story)

This isn’t the year to isolate or assume your personal connection to Jesus is all you need. The Holy Spirit has already woven a living network around you. See it. Strengthen it. Move with it.

Because if we stay connected as branch to Vine, branch to branch, we won’t just survive this school year. We’ll bear much fruit… together.

Reflection Questions:

• Who are the “other branches” God has already entangled you with?

• How can you strengthen those relationships this year?

• Are there places where you’ve allowed division or comparison to weaken connection

• If yes, will you repent and restore unity?