Christy Berghoef was raised on a generational forty-acre flower farm in Holland, Michigan. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Calvin University, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for a member of Congress. After growing dissatisfaction with the world of politics, she attended Calvin Theological Seminary. After seminary, Christy and her husband Bryan began a ministry planting churches. While Bryan took the lead pastor role, Christy served as part-time worship coordinator while she and Bryan raised their four children. They have planted churches in Traverse City, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; and Holland, Michigan. In addition, Christy has over a decade of experience speaking and consulting in the area of civil discourse, working with churches, schools, politicians, boards, businesses, and community groups. She also is a mindfulness practitioner and leads retreats and pilgrimages that focus on contemplation, mindfulness, and spiritual formation. Much of her published writing has been in the areas of contemplation, nature, faith, and politics. She regularly writes on her Substack, which can be found at christyberghoef.substack.com. Christy has a Doctor of Ministry degree in the Sacred Art of Writing from Western Theological Seminary and is the author of Cracking the Pot. Christy enjoys contemplative photography, gardening, wandering in the woods, reading, writing poetry, and extended backpacking excursions around the globe. She sings, plays guitar and fiddle and writes music. Her books and photography can be found at christyberghoef.com. She lives in Holland, Michigan, adjacent to the forty-acre flower farm of her childhood.