Wild Branch Christian Ministries, which is better known as the “Big House Family,” is a Christian group founded by Michael Galeotti out of a Los Angeles Bible study group. It is best known for the former involvement of television actor Bethany Joy Lenz, who was part of the group for about a decade.
Lenz joined the Bible study group at age 20 when she had just arrived in Los Angeles and was beginning her pursuit of an acting career. Jeanine Jackson, the head of the group, occasionally invited Galeotti, a self-described minister, to deliver sermons. In time, Galeotti became the de facto leader of the Bible study group and used it to promote a church he was establishing in Idaho.
Lenz began to regularly visit the Idaho site, where Galeotti was called “Papa Mike” by his congregation. When she was cast in a leading role on the television drama “One Tree Hill” and moved to North Carolina, where the show was filmed, members of Galeotti’s group would regularly travel there for group sessions with her. She later said that her acting salary funded the ministry and a motel that Galeotti owned. Lenz eventually married Michael Galeotti Jr. and when their daughter was born, only the Galeottis were present, having refused to let Lenz’s mother be there.
The group moved from Idaho to a mansion in Battle Ground, Washington, that was owned by Jackson, the founder of the original Los Angeles Bible study group. She and her husband let Galeotti’s church live there rent-free, and the 10-room home became known as the “Big House.” The property included a guest house, several storage facilities, and a large multipurpose room that was primarily used as a gym.
Life at the “Big House” was highly structured. Women were awakened at 3:00 a.m. to prepare breakfast, and women and children were required to do all housecleaning. Men handled maintenance and yardwork. Each adult member was expected to contribute at least $600 per week plus 10% of their earnings as a tithe. All adult members were expected to hold two paying jobs in order to support the community. Those who lived at the house were hand-selected by Galeotti, while other members of the group lived in the surrounding area.
Lenz left the Big House Family and her marriage in 2012, shortly after the end of “One Tree Hill.” She sought custody of her daughter and also filed suit to recoup money lost through investments made through the Galeottis. Other former members confirm Lenz’s claims that the group separated them from their relatives, and several women who left say that it was “illegal” to question their husbands while part of the church.
Wild Branch Ministries is still based in Battle Ground, Washington, characterizing God as a “Holy Papa,” Jesus as the “Truest Friend,” and the holy spirit as “manifest presence of God’s love.” They describe themselves as a “hidden church” made up of “wild branches,” serving God outside of traditional Christian churches. Michael Galeotti Sr. has denied Lenz’s accusations, telling one publication, “It’s not the way it went down.” Michael Galeotti Jr. has declined to comment.
Key Sources:
Harris, S. (2024, October 30). “One Tree Hill” star Bethany Joy Lenz mines her cult past for a memoir. The Los Angeles Times.
Lenz, B. J. (2024). Dinner for vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!). Simon and Schuster.
Styles, R., & Ashford, B. (2024, October 22). One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz’s “cult” claims fiercely denied by ex-husband’s family as they slam her “clinging to fame.” The Daily Mail.
Walsh, S. (2024, October 23). “I was in a cult for 10 years”: Bethany Joy Lenz on reclaiming her past and One Tree Hill’s complicated legacy. Vanity Fair.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 