Hank Jones has been in the ministry for 39 years and is the founding pastor at Simple Life Church of the Cumberlands's which started on June 7, 2017. Prior to that, he was the founding pastor of Cumberland Fellowship for 20 years in Crossville, TN.

The attributes that best describe Hank as a pastor are enthusiastic and relational preaching, leadership development and counseling. He has a strong desire to lead  Simple Life Church of the Cumberlands where biblical views are embraced and encouraged. Simple Life Church of the Cumberlands is about  members who care about the needs of those around them and who want to connect others to the body of Christ. Hank takes worship and preaching very seriously as is dedicated to reaching out in our community and growing believers in Christ. 

Hank has lived in Cumberland County for 31 years and is happily married to his sweet little Becky for 15 years. 

Chris South is the Worship Pastor for Simple Life Church and also serves as a Church Director. Chris has been in ministry for over 20 years and has a passion for leading worship. He feels that Praise and Worship is what prepares the heart and mind for the Word of God presented by Pastor in the sermon. It is an opportunity to fully focus on the Lord and prepare to hear what He has to say to us.

Chris is blessed to serve with his wife of 30+ years, Michele, who serves in the Technical Ministries of the Church. Chris and Michele have three grown children, Jared and his wife Alyshia, Kristen and her husband Nathan Garvin, and Patrick. Chris is bi-vocational and serves as the Fire Chief for the City of Crossville Fire Department. 

Renee Taylor is a Cumberland County native who has worked as a church secretary and in church administration for 25 years. She attended Nashville Tech Community College with a focus on business administration.  God redirected her career plans and has used the skills and knowledge for His purposes.

Renee and her husband, James, have three children and six grandchildren, who are their pride and joy.

Jake DeRossett is a Cumberland County native and a senior firefighter/AEMT for the City of Crossville since 2008. He attended TTU with a focus on engineering and was then led to Chattanooga State for Fire Science. His relationship with the Lord started  as a child at Calvary Baptist Church.

Jake is married to Ashley, and they have three wonderful children, Kadyn, Raylie, and Lilah Kate. The technical field has always been his gift, and he has a passion for serving God in this position!

Matthew McCulley has been married to my wife, Christa, since 2006. They have four boys, one of which was recently adopted.  He has lived in Cumberland County his entire life, excluding a 5-year time while he was in the US Army.  He has served previously as a worship leader for 3 years prior to coming to Simple Life.  He has also been certified as a Coach and Speaker with John Maxwell's Maxwell Leadership Team.

Kristen Garvin is the children’s director and also serves as a worship leader in the church. Kristen has been leading worship in church for 10 years. She has a passion to sing and to teach our children about the love of Christ. Kristen is incredibly blessed to sing alongside her father, Chris South, and her fellow praise team members. 

Kristen and her husband, Nathan who serves in Technical Ministries and her co-director of KFC, have been blessed to lead in church and learn together.

Being a mother, is her favorite job! Ashley is the Nursery Director for Simple Life. Ashley has three kids of her own, Kadyn, Raylie and Lilah Kate.

Nursery provides her with a wonderful outlet to love and grow with God’s smallest children and their families.
Ashley is blessed to serve at Simple Life alongside her husband, Jake, Technical Ministries Director. Her favorite verse is Psalms 139:14 which can also be found on the wall in the nursery.

Ashley also works in Middle Tennessee for the Department of Tourist Development. She spends her free time coaching cheer, spending time with her family and camping.