Not everyone reading this will know who we are, so let me tell you a little about us. Elaine and I have been married thirty-four years. I have served as a pastor for nearly thirty three years, nine of those with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in England. We have three children, Travis, Breanna (married to Michael) and Brett, and were the guardians of two other children, Zachary and Natalie. Having served in ministry for three decades, we believe we are now led to serve those who are going through challenges and difficulties on the frontline of ministry.
We are burdened for what many have to endure today. Elaine and I also have firsthand knowledge of ministry pain. And we have endured personal loss. Our son Travis lost his battle to cancer at the age of twelve. Elaine and Brett are cancer survivors. We believe God wants to use all of these experiences and use us to encourage others as we point them to Jesus.
– Mitch & Elaine Schultz
God has stirred our hearts to begin a ministry of care for ministry
leaders who are discouraged or wounded. Men and women in full time
Christian ministry, here and abroad, are in desperate need.
The need for encouragement and practical support is overwhelming!
YES, we want to see healthy pastors. YES, we desire to see discouraged
pastors reclaim their passion for preaching, leading, and serving.
YES, we long to see cross-cultural workers in crises restored and
renewed. YES, we want to see each one enjoy a healthy marriage.
Ultimately, we desire this so these men and women and their churches
will be heavily engaged in the mission of giving every man, woman, and
child repeated opportunities to hear and receive the gospel of Jesus.
Endorsements
“With the high rate of burnout and perpetual loneliness many pastors face, there is a great need for shepherds. I am thankful to see a ministry whose aim is to bring grace to servants in need for the sake of individuals, families, churches and the kingdom. Pastors need to be pastored, too, and this is an answer to prayer.”
-J. Carr (Pastor in Augusta, GA)
“As pastors, we struggle with issues of identity, worth, temptation, disappointment.. We are people! Yet, many in the faith communities we shepherd expect us to hove everything together …and quite honestly we don’t. We need someone to come alongside us that con understand the unique struggles of ministry and be able to extend truth, grace, and refreshment. The folks at Fruitful Vine have been through deep waters personally and hove been called by God to help others navigate the treacherous waters of ministry and life.”
-J.Shipman. (Church Planting Leader in SC)
“The loneliness of ministry can be overwhelming and yet often unaddressed The pastor is a sheep; the leader is a follower We all need the Great Shepherd to core for us; a ministry like this is a great way to give the Lord access to leaders – by the hands of leaders, from the heart of a leader, for the soul of a leader Praise the Lord for people like those a t Fruitful Vine. Their willingness to step into the mess is on essential ministry to the Body of Christ.”
-D.Handy. (Pastor in NC)
“Those called by God to serve as pastors in His church hove received a High and Holy calling. Theirs is a unique role of servant, teacher, pas tor and leader in the body of Christ and the building of God’s kingdom. They too need to be loved, mentored, coached and cared for. Ibelieve Fruitful Vine Ministry IS greatly needed and will be of tremendous help to those in the front lines of ministry leadership.”
-C.Mackey (Cru Staff NC)