Our Story

A non-profit Christian organization established in 2020, Linden Grove Ministries (LGM) mentors current and aspiring pastors, church leaders, and their spouses, promoting godliness, effectiveness, and longevity in ministry. Both men and women participate in our ministries.

Karen Ristuccia, Associate Mentor and Director of Curriculum Development, thinks back on someone who seemed at first to be a most unlikely mentor. “Who? Me? You want to mentor ME?” But the unlikely happened in an unlikely way, and Karen has been different ever since. Listen to find out how and why.

  • “The mentor who changed my life was an unlikely candidate. Older than me and moving in different circles, she seemed too godly to spend time with me. But the gospel had given her different eyes.

    After she observed me teaching a church Sunday school class, she recognized my teaching gift. She believed God was at work in me. And so, she built into me. She championed me. She became my mentor—for life.

    Because of her I have taught dozens of Bible studies that have led many women to deeper faith in Christ. Because of her I have traveled abroad in order to disciple women being persecuted for their faith. Because of her I have mentored other women toward maturity in Christ.

    Don’t discount mentorship. It makes a gospel difference.”

Based on firsthand experiences of the challenges and even the failures of local church leaders, the LGM founders resolved to make a difference. Knowing that mentorship is a proven key to success, they joined with Matt and Karen Ristuccia, two experienced Christian leaders, as Linden Grove’s first mentors.

LGM started operating in September 2020, and within two months had launched its first cohort of young pastors meeting monthly with Pastor Matt and an LGM board member. In conjunction with our cohort meetings, LGM also offers one-on-one mentoring in what we call personal hours.
In addition to the programs already described, LGM continues to develop programs for both lay church leaders and spouses.

Because our mentees generally do not have a surplus of financial resources, we do not ask them to pay for our services. As a result, LGM funding depends on the generous contributions of supporters. Linden Grove is an officially recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible. Click here to learn more.

We invite you to explore our website, learn about Linden Grove Ministries, and contact us if you want to know more.

What Our Name Means

What does the name “Linden Grove” have to do with mentoring pastors, church leaders, and their spouses? Pastor Matt Ristuccia, Ministry Director and Member of the Board, answers that question in this short one-minute video. (Transcript below.)

  • “In June, the town where I live is dotted with linden trees in bloom. The flower is tiny, but it blossoms in drifts all over the tree. The tree itself is ideally shaped: round, symmetrical, with dense foliage for shade and shelter. And linden trees can live for hundreds of years.

    Imagine a grove of linden trees. Older trees, younger trees, saplings. A grove filled with beauty, shade and shelter, life, growth and blessing. 

    This is the metaphor for Linden Grove Ministries. We are a community of experienced mentors, nurturing and teaching younger leaders so that they can become fruitful men and women of God who will serve Jesus’ church well.”