There is no easy way to start this description. So I will get right into it.
On January 16, 2026, it came to light that I had been engaging in inappropriate conversations with a woman and with chatbots through apps and texting, seeking and soliciting inappropriate images. Our daughters first discovered this, and in that moment, I did not tell them the truth. It was only after several hours of conversation between Lacey and me that the full extent of what had been happening came to light.
This is in addition to something we shared with our board in the fall of 2025 — that I had returned to pornography for about 9 months after experiencing sixteen years of freedom.
There is no excuse for the choices I made. They were sinful, manipulative, deceptive, and deeply hurtful to my wife and girls. Bringing this into the light is incredibly painful and embarrassing to my family, but I know that it is necessary for my repentance and our healing and restoration to begin.
Last week, the board of Cultivate Ministries met and discussed a plan for our family and this process of restoration. Lacey and our girls will be receiving counseling and support, and I am pursuing intensive help for both this addiction and the deeper, unaddressed issues that led to it. Several trusted men and a ministry team from our church are walking closely with me in this process.
Over the next few months, while I focus my time and attention on personal healing and restoration, Lacey will continue to minister and teach while she also works through her own hurt and brokenness because of what I did.
During this time, we first and foremost ask that you pray for Spirit-led wisdom and direction for our ministry and our family. Pray for healing and restoration to take place in our marriage and in our home with our girls. Pray for Cultivate Relationships and how God might lead you to financially partner with us as we take this necessary time to heal and walk through this process.
We still believe that Jesus’ finished work on the cross is the key to freedom, healing, and restoration for any and every sin.  And this fact is not shaken nor moved by this sin.
Thank you for your grace, your prayers, and for allowing us the space to pursue the help we need.

Thank you and God bless,
Nathan & Lacey Steel