In the summer of 1998, Bryan and Wendy Collier came to Tupelo to begin a new United Methodist Church, which would become The Orchard. Meeting with a small core of interested people, they began to dream about an alternative expression of The Gospel that would appeal to the 20,000 unchurched people in the Tupelo area. After six months of preparation, The Orchard held its first public worship service on December 6, 1998 at the Mississippi Complex of The Tupelo Furniture Market.

Over the next three years the congregation would relocate numerous times and grow to over 400 people. Eventually a rented warehouse on Cliff Gookin Boulevard became The Orchard’s home as the congregation grew to over 1,200 people with strong ministries aimed at helping people Grow Deep in the love of Jesus and Branch Out (Mark 12:30-31) to others with that love (Matthew 28:19-20).

This mission continues to drive the congregation today. Even though The Orchard has grown tremendously and inhabits its first permanent facility at 1379 North Coley Road, the heart of its mission and people have never changed. Today, local and foreign mission opportunities, creative children’s ministry, strong youth ministry, life-changing small groups, and vibrant worship all work together to move this community of faith ever closer to its God-given vision…to be wholly devoted to the cultivation of fruit for Christ’s Kingdom (John 15:16).