MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Greenhouse Ministries gathered friends, supporters, and community leaders Thursday (4/16/2026) for a double‑header celebration—first at breakfast, then again at lunch—at The View at Fountains. Co‑Founder Cliff Sharp and his daughter, CEO Christy Sanford, stood side‑by‑side to share how far the ministry has grown "deep roots" in this community over the past 27 years and where they believe God is leading it next. For Christy, who grew up inside the rhythms of the ministry, the day felt like both a family reunion and a milestone moment.
Cliff spoke with the same steady conviction that has guided Greenhouse since day one: serve people with dignity, listen to their needs, and respond with compassion and practicality. He reminded the crowd that one of his earliest dreams was to create a campus—a place where people could find help, hope, and the tools to rebuild their lives. Today, that dream is no longer a sketch on paper. It’s taking shape on both South Spring and South Academy Streets.
(L-R) Co-Founder Cliff Sharp and CEO Christy Sanford with a lively and informative interaction with audience
Greenhouse’s “deep roots” are visible in programs like Life University, where men learn job skills, financial literacy, and what it means to be strong husbands and fathers. This year’s class is living in the new apartments built above the ministry’s headquarters at 307 S. Academy St., giving them stability while they work toward long‑term independence.
The campus continues to grow with services that meet everyday needs. The Garden Patch Thrift Shop has become a favorite local stop for upscale bargains. Spring House provides food and personal essentials with dignity and warmth. And coming later this spring, the Ivy on Spring Coffee House, Boutique, and Consignment Shop will open its doors—another creative way to serve the community while supporting the ministry’s mission.
But Cliff’s dreams don’t stop there. He shared his hope for a 24‑hour childcare center, built in partnership with a major corporation, that would allow parents working nontraditional hours to know their children are safe and cared for. The vision includes reserving a portion of the childcare slots for employees of the partnering company while also opening the service to working families across Rutherford County.
And then there’s the dream that drew the biggest reaction: eliminating homelessness one person at a time. Cliff imagines churches adopting individuals, walking with them, mentoring them, teaching life skills, and helping them regain stability. It’s a simple idea, but one he believes could change the landscape of homelessness in Murfreesboro. His pilot plan has been tested and it works. Greenhouse is simply waiting to link with more local churches.
Thursday’s Deep Roots, New Growth gatherings left many in the room energized—ready to support the next chapter of a ministry that has already transformed thousands of lives. After 27 years, Cliff and Jane’s “Dream Big” mantra seems less like a slogan and more like a proven strategy.
For more information, visit GreenhouseMin.org or call (615) 494‑0499.
Listen to Bart's conversation with Cliff Sharp, CLICK below:
