To understand what we do, you need to understand who we are.

We are cultivators.

To cultivate means to prepare, nurture, and help something grow. It mainly refers to soil and crops —

but it can also mean cultivating relationships, and cultivating spaces where relationships can thrive and people can reconnect with God, each other, and nature.

That is what we have always done. It is what we are still doing.

Phase One — Scottsdale, AZ — 2012 - 2025

The Simple Farm began on a patch of weed-choked land owned by the house church Michael pastored. He had a vision to reclaim it — and I envisioned beauty and gardens. Together we wanted to use that land to connect with the community around us. So we rolled up our sleeves, picked up shovels, and got to work.

In time, what grew from that small plot became known as The Simple Farm — an oasis in the middle of Scottsdale. A place to escape the hustle of city life. A place where people could slow down and reconnect with God, each other, and the rhythms of nature. Goats, gardens, tables under trees, farm dinners. Through it all, we kept seeing the same thing — people needed to slow down, connect, and be seen.

For several years, we held a vision — a retreat space with woods and a creek, a modern house, something unhurried. After thirty years of pastoral ministry, a chapter closed and a sabbatical came. We spent a season in Southern California, near family — the people closest to our hearts. It was a gift. And after about eight months, we simply knew — it was time to begin looking for that place in TN to begin building what we'd been carrying.

In April of 2026, the property found us — a modern retreat house on a quiet piece of land, trees, a gently flowing creek. It felt like a gift.

This is The LOFT. And the table is set.

→ You Are My Hiding Place

→ Read their stories