So, What’s Next?

“When recognizing something remarkable, there is an opportunity to express both gratitude and honor. It is with joy that we highlight the 17 years of Glen Volkhardt’s dedicated ministry, serving Paraclete Mission Group as the Chief Executive Officer from 2009-2025. We praise God and offer sincere gratefulness for his unique blend of compassion, Godly guidance, and outstanding leadership skills. Glen steered Paraclete through a period of impressive growth in numbers of associates and ministries – allowing the organization to continue making an impact throughout the global mission community.

“Of special note, Glen served not only as the leader and manager of the organizational machine, but also as the chief shepherd of the ministry. He lived out the mission of Paraclete by his example in coming alongside the Paraclete associates as they served Christian mission agencies, workers, churches, and their leaders in the work to which they have been called by God.

“The Board of Directors thanks both Glen and Shelly, who operated in this ministry space as a couple, anointed by the Holy Spirit. We have all greatly benefited from their gifts, and we honor them for their investment in each of our lives.”

“Glen and Shelly have taken PARACLETE to new higher levels of impact, expansion and effectiveness. Through their deep commitment to God, the agency’s ethos and all the peoples of the world, the success of their Spirit-filled ministry in Christ has come from preaching and teaching the Scriptures, leading righteously and deeply loving and caring for not only one another and their own family, but also all the Associates and staff of this burgeoning work. They have made PARACLETE a much honored and highly respected, growing international mission agency both here and abroad, not only increasing its footprint, but its desirability.”

What’s the highlight of your time in the CEO role?

“If I (Glen) had to pick a specific time, it would be the 2024 Paraclete associate retreat in Ashville, NC. It was a great time of community, teamwork for staff, and team building for the associate attendees. But even more meaningful than a specific time is the growth that Paraclete saw during my tenure. We grew from 28 to 159 people and saw an income increase of over 600%. Most of that growth came from word-of-mouth referrals, and that’s significant to me because it means Paraclete was serving its associates well.”

“The highlight for Shelly would be the freedom that she experienced to use her gifting in ministry. I have heard her say many times that when we joined Paraclete, she felt like a bird in a cage that was set free to fly.”

What was your biggest challenge?

“The biggest challenge for both of us in Paraclete during my time as CEO goes hand-in-hand with the highlight I mentioned—building community in a rapidly growing organization that is diverse in ministry and geographically dispersed. Working on a sense of Paraclete community was the thing that I spent the most time on, and it’s probably the biggest ongoing task I left for Tim Bedford, my successor.”

So, what’s next?

“We are both looking forward to a ministry trip to Asia that begins in late February. Shelly is speaking at two women’s events in Japan, and we will both meet with Paraclete associates and others serving in the region. Shelly was born in Taiwan to missionary parents, and we’ve never been to Taiwan together, so our time there will fulfill dreams. After that we want to take a sabbatical. Shelly has never had a sabbatical in 47 years of ministry. I had a sabbatical in 2008, and I’m looking forward to an extended time for rest, reflection, and listening for what God has next. We plan to continue as Paraclete associates, and as best we can see from here, what’s next will be more public speaking, mentoring, and spiritual direction for Shelly, and writing, mentoring, and consulting for me.”

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

“We are both thrilled that the Paraclete board chose Tim Bedford as Paraclete’s new CEO, and we have every confidence that God will continue to bless all our efforts under Tim’s leadership to come alongside Christian leaders around the world.”

“I am profoundly thankful for the friendship and Christ-centered leadership that Glen and Shelly have modeled in my life. I have known Shelly for over 20 years, dating back to our PWOC Bible studies at Fort Carson. Through the years, she has been an incredible mentor, consistently investing her wisdom, encouragement, and faith into my life. I am especially grateful to her for connecting me with Thrive Ministries, which opened the door to countless ministry opportunities that have shaped my walk with the Lord in meaningful ways.

“I have also deeply appreciated Glenn’s leadership in Paraclete and the steady encouragement he has offered over the years. His faithfulness and servant-hearted leadership have been a blessing to so many, including me.

“Together, Glen and Shelly exemplify a Godly marriage and a life fully surrendered to Jesus. Their love for the Lord, commitment to ministry, and genuine care for others continue to inspire me. I am incredibly grateful for their faithfulness, their example, and the lasting impact they have had on my life.”