Sanctuary Farms Retreat Center seeks to offer a tranquil and stress-free haven, specifically designed for Pastors, Missionaries, and Ministers to find respite and renewal amid the challenges of their full-time ministry. Through current fundraising to break ground, the future working farm is thoughtfully crafted to provide a holistic retreat
where they can revitalize physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Within this nurturing space, Pastors, Missionaries and Ministers will have the opportunity to lodge at the welcoming Sanctuary Farms Retreat Center, comprising exquisitely appointed bedroom suites. Through this venture, we aim to support and empower these
dedicated individuals, allowing them to return to their sacred callings with renewed vigor and a restored sense of purpose.
Sanctuary Farms is in the planning and fundraising stage, with physical plans to build the first stage of the retreat center as soon as the fundraising is complete.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of staying at a retreat center located in North Georgia. This center is thoroughly aligned with our mission of offering rejuvenation to Pastors and Missionaries who dedicate their lives to their demanding occupations. During my visit I had the opportunity to interact with some of their guests and personally immerse myself in the center’s operations and physical layout. The impact of that experience was so profound that it led me to model Sanctuary Farms Retreat Center after it.
At Sanctuary Farms Retreat Center, our guests will enjoy a resort-style environment cultivated to exemplify excellence. Once our current fundraising and future building efforts are successfully completed, we extend a heartfelt invitation to Pastors, Ministers and Missionaries.
We wholeheartedly offer you a complimentary stay and restoration any time you seek refuge at Sanctuary Farms Retreat Center, where our core mission is to serve those who serve others. We look forward to serving you! – Melissa L. Smith, Founder
This will be the first retreat center in the greater Nashville area where pastors and missionaries can get away in a Christ-centered environment. The goal of Sanctuary Farms is for them to be able to enjoy farm life, have study and prayer time, renew marital relationships and schedule counseling with a certified pastoral counselor. The farm would include a fitness facility, pool, pool house and a small theater in the basement which would include a 1950’s soda fountain. Long term goals consist of expanding the facility to include two connecting wings on either side of the inn which includes 12 bedroom suites , each with shared living rooms and a large conference room in each wing. Future goals would also include a chapel, walking trails and a basketball court.
For the last several years, Melissa has had the privilege and honor to serve as a host to guests from all over the world. – Here are some of the testimonials they have graciously given in response.
Sanctuary Farms bases its ministry on the following Statement of Faith
The Bible:
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, accurate, inerrant and authoritative word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 4:4; John 14:26; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
God: We believe that there is one God and He is the only true and sovereign God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:4-6; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ: We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus led a sinless life and performed miracles while on the earth. We believe that He was crucified, buried and rose after 3 days and is at the right hand of the Father and that He will return again in power and glory.
Matthew 28:1-6; John 1:1-4,29; 8:34; Acts 1:11; 2:22-24; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21
The Holy Spirit: We believe in the Holy Spirit and that He leads people to faith in Jesus Christ, is our comforter, encourager, instructor and counselor, whose indwelling enables believers to live a godly life.
Acts 1:8; 4:31; Romans 8:9-10; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; Galatians 5:16-18
Humanity, Sin and Death: We believe that God created us to have a personal relationship with Him, but we fall short of this purpose as sinners. We all face the judgment of God.
Luke 24:46-47; John 1:1-4; John 14:6; John 11:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Ephesians 2:1-10
Salvation: Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation through grace and His substitutionary death for us on the cross.
Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
Eternal Security: We believe those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will receive eternal life and reign with Him for eternity. We believe that those who do not believe will be eternally separated from Him and live in eternal punishment.
Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Romans 1:19-32; Romans 3:23; Acts 17:26-31
Marriage and Family: We believe that marriage, as constituted by God, is between a man and a woman and is the foundation of a family.
Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Sanctity of Human Life: We believe that human life begins at conception and is sacred to God and to us as His followers.
Genesis 1:27; Psalms 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Ephesians 2:10
