VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE INFLUENCED THE WAY THAT I APPROACH PASTORING AND SHEPHERDING MORE THAN MARK SCHUITEMA. HE AND EMILY ARE SATURATED WITH THE WORD OF GOD AND HAVE GOD-GIVEN WISDOM IN BEING ABLE TO HELP CHRISTIANS GROW AND FOLLOW JESUS IN THE DIFFERENT SPHERES OF LIFE. MARK'S INSIGHT INTO DIFFERENT MINISTRY CHALLENGES AND AREAS OF THE HUMAN HEART COMBINED WITH A DEEP WELL OF MINISTRY EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY VALUABLE FOR ME AS HE HAS HELPED ME TO GROW AS A PASTOR, A PARENT, A HUSBAND, AND MOSTLY AS A CHRISTIAN. I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE MARK AS A MENTOR AND A FRIEND.
Luke H., Pastor
Throughout my journey, Brother Mark and family has provided invaluable assistance regular monthly calls, and ongoing encouragement via WhatsApp communication. Their consistent presence and words of wisdom have not only strengthened my faith but have also inspired me to deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in my service to others. What sets Faithful shepherds apart is their heartfelt understanding of the challenges faced in ministry and their ability to offer practical, spiritual, and emotional guidance. They have played a significant role in helping me navigate relationships and remain steadfast in my calling, all while keeping Christ at the center of my work and personal life, even while being overseas.
Suleman, Disciple
Kasey C., Pastor
Mark's deep love for Jesus and joyful commitment to the church, positions him perfectly to lead leaders to the Good Shepherd. His ministry leadership experience has helped me navigate real conversations that were improved by his coaching. Ultimately, his mentorship helped me discern God's direction and calling in my life.
Fred C., Elder
As an elder in a local church, I have walked with many shepherds who faithfully bear the burdens of their faith family. But shepherds are sheep too, and sometimes they need help. Unfortunately, too often a shepherd's struggles are only disclosed after the shepherd fails and the church suffers. So, this new work, led by Mark — whom I have witnessed being a faithful and loving shepherd to shepherds-- is incredibly timely. Mark has been deeply formed by God for this ministry. What a gift to the church!
Bjorn C., Pastor
As I transitioned from parachurch ministry into a staff Pastor role, I came face-to-face with my own sense of inadequacy. My focus had shifted from gazing at Jesus to myself, and true to form, Mark lovingly discipled me back to where my true adequacy comes from, coached me through some unique challenges, and helped me prioritize faithfulness over fruitfulness in my ministry.
Bo H, Elder
Mark and Faithful Shepherds bring a wealth of experience in coaching and counseling for pastors and leaders. As a smaller church, he provides our Lead Pastor with valuable insights and Biblical wisdom. His Christ-focused approach is equipping our pastor to lead our church to being a gospel community on mission. In addition to Mark's influence in local church ministry, I've also seen the impact of his coaching and counseling with full-time Christian workers around the world bringing encouragement and fresh perspectives.
Kendall C., Pastor's Wife
Emily's heart oozes Jesus. Any conversation with her will be filled with the words of Scripture spoken with compassion, humility, and authenticity. The Schuitemas have walked alongside us through years and years of growth and struggle, parenting and marriage, work and ministry, rejoicing and suffering. They've been a definitive influence in our lives and home. Emily's wisdom, example, and counsel have consistently pointed me to Christ and His Word and left me reminded of my hope and abiding joy in Him.
Kaely B., Pastor's Wife
Mark and Emily have been faithful and trustworthy mentors of ours for over 16 years. Their empathy and wise counsel have shaped my husband and I significantly, especially our abiding with Christ. Under the headship of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Mark and Emily exemplify what a good human shepherd is, namely: protective and caring for the flock of God’s people through the ministry of God’s Word. Their commitment to believing Jesus and following his commands has produced life giving fruit that we have had the benefit of sharing in with them.