About Linden Grove

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

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 Leadership Cohort of young pastors meeting monthly with Pastor Matt and an LGM board member. In addition, we have initiated a Fellows Program with Reformed Theological Seminary in New York City, a program which rolled out in the fall of 2021 with 10 Fellows. This program involves both group meetings and one-on-one mentoring in what we call Personal Hours.

In addition to the programs already described, LGM plans 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

So what on earth does the name “Linden Grove” have to do with mentoring pastors and church leaders? “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.”