Membership in the Branches Institute is reserved for high-impact Christian entrepreneurs, executives, and owners who believe business is a calling. It is a place for leaders who desire authentic community, biblical leadership support, and the opportunity to integrate faith and business for eternal impact.
APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP
The Branches Institute is a selective community to protect trust, authenticity, and the depth of relationships within the community. While no single factor determines acceptance, members share these qualities:
We welcome inquiries from qualified entrepreneurs, executives, and owners. Each application is thoughtfully considered to ensure a trusted, balanced community where leaders can grow together in faith and influence.
The Branches Institute provides three core benefits for every member:
We bring together a select group of high-impact Christian entrepreneurs, executives, and owners committed to growth and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Within this trusted, private circle, authentic relationships thrive. Through intentional gatherings and ongoing connection, members experience deep friendships, meaningful conversations, and a community of leaders who encourage, inspire, and refine one another.
The Branches Institute is a Christ-centered learning environment where honest, humble conversations foster spiritual growth, critical thinking, and lifelong discipleship. Members sharpen one another in wisdom, character, and leadership as they wrestle with big questions, exchange insights, and apply biblical principles to the complexities of business.
Our biblically rooted content equips leaders to build businesses that transform communities and reflect Christ’s love in the marketplace. Grounded in Kingdom principles, the teaching and resources members receive are both practical and mission-driven, helping them honor God, serve others, and create lasting impact through their organizations.
Membership includes three immersive 2.5-day, in-person gatherings held throughout the year, thoughtfully designed to deepen learning, strengthen trusted relationships, and inspire courageous, faith-driven action in business and life.
PETE OCHS
A lifelong entrepreneur, Pete has spent more than 30 years building prosperous businesses God’s way. His mission is to inspire and equip business leaders worldwide to live with a purpose greater than themselves. He is the author of High Impact LIFE and High Impact Business.
ALAN BARNHART
Alan Barnhart is a lifelong business leader who has spent nearly four decades growing Barnhart Crane & Rigging into a leading heavy lift company. Following Christ-centered convictions, he transitioned ownership to a Christian trust and now invests company profits into global Kingdom impact through the Kingdom Companies Group and the GROVE Group.
Gathering #1 invites members into a trusted learning community centered on Christ-honoring leadership, personal formation, and relational depth. Through guided dialogue, biblical reflection, and peer learning, leaders clarify how faith shapes their leadership calling and the way they steward influence within their organizations and communities.
Gathering #2 deepens learning through a hands-on experience with a redemptive business, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour hosted by Alan Barnhart and Barnhart Crane & Rigging Company. This immersive gathering challenges leaders to wrestle with real-world decisions around stewardship, culture, and operational excellence while integrating faith and business with courage and conviction.
Gathering #3 focuses on integration and impact—helping leaders translate insight into action. Through self reflection, peer counsel, and forward-looking conversations, members discern next steps for leading redemptively, strengthening their organizations, and extending Christ’s influence through their work and communities.
Membership investment is $8,000.This investment includes all programming, meals, and excursions during the three annual gatherings. Members are responsible for travel and lodging to each gathering.
Each gathering is a 2.5-day, in-person experience designed to deepen learning, strengthen trusted relationships, and inspire courageous, faith-driven action in business and life. One gathering includes a hands-on tour of a redemptive business, offering real-world insight into how biblical principles are lived out through organizational culture, leadership decisions, and long-term stewardship.
Membership in the Branches Institute is selective to maintain authenticity and trust. If you are a mission-minded leader committed to integrating your faith and business, we invite you to inquire today.
