Rich & Melissa Short - Mobile Member Care Consultants

Serving Global Servants through Encouraging Prayer and Presence

“This year more than 7,000 missionaries will quit. Nearly half of those will have managed only one term on the field. But that’s not the worst part. At least twenty missionaries will pull the plug today. Every fifteen minutes one decides to throw in the towel. But that’s not the worst part. Many of those who quit are lost not only to the cause of missions, but to their faith as well. Disillusioned beyond belief, wounded beyond recognition, they turn their back on everything that reminds them of their pain. But that’s still not the worst part. The worst part is that 70% of those losses are preventable!” 

 ~~“Too Valuable to Lose” by Taylor William

We are Rich and Melissa Short. After 20 years of ministry service in Japan, Germany and Thailand, we are now called to encourage others in their kingdom work for the long haul (Galatians 6:9), providing Pastoral Care to missionaries and other people in ministry who feel alone, wounded, or burned-out in their service.

“I have seen Rich and Melissa encourage not only me but others as well.  I think because of the vast experience they have had over the past 20 years in ministry and the training they have been through in the last 4 years they have grown at a soul level which gives them even greater ability as they minister to others.  They provide a safe place for others to let down their guard and get to the root of issues.

There is a great need for people in full-time ministry to have a listening ear and wisdom from someone who has been down that road before.  Often with the relational stress and issues that crop up in ministry, there are very few outlets for a trusted ear that can also be an encouragement to help you make it through those seasons.  I have seen first hand how pastoral care for those that serve can give them strength to continue to serve even in difficult seasons. I have seen Rich and Melissa come alongside others and have experienced their love myself during some dark seasons in my own life.”

 ~Buddy Rathmell – Stop Slavery Director – Chiang Mai, Thailand

In our own experience, Christian missionaries and leaders often experience immense feelings of loneliness, isolation and discouragement. We offer a “Jesus Incarnate” style of ministry. We go to them and walk alongside them in their own environments, and then we stay connected long-term. We have discovered that having safe, gracious people to be 100% real with is invaluable for longevity in ministry.

“Rich and Melissa have a transparency and authenticity that is attractive to other believers. Every single one of my team members in our mobile impact team in Thailand was drawn to the Shorts in some capacity in desperation for counsel, encouragement, support, and guidance. I believe that the church needs more people to lead us in being vulnerable and rejoicing in our weaknesses, so that the beauty of Jesus’ finished work and strength can be displayed in us. That is exactly what I see in the Shorts; they encourage us to not become better versions of ourselves but to live in the new heart we have in Christ.”

~MJ. – Short Term Missionary- Chiang Mai, Thailand

Our heart is to see full-time missionaries and ministers walk in FREEDOM intimately with the Lord, abiding in Christ, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, and following His leading in all areas of life. We also want to see God give HOPE, HEALING, and RESTORATION to those who have been deeply wounded while serving; experiencing a renewed JOY in their uniqueness and seeing them become more effective for THE Kingdom

“Ministers need to know they do not have to be perfect but they also need people to help support them, encourage them and listen to them even through difficult times.  Rich and Melissa listen to others and provide care so well.  I know they would bless others in this role and have for some time already been acting in this role while doing many other jobs.  Rich’s heart for men’s ministry is so greatly needed today.  Men need a safe group of guys to share their struggles with and encourage one another.  This in turn creates better marriages, families and all the while bringing the men closer to God and building a stronger community.”  

~JC. – Member Care Consultant- Asia

“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12

To contact the Shorts directly, please write to us at richmelissa.short@gmail.com

Rich and Melissa Short are funded completely by donations.

Gifts to our ministry are tax-deductible.  To give online use the “Donate Now” button on this page.  To donate by mail, please make checks payable to “Community Ministries” & write the name “Shorts” in the memo field of the check.

mail to:
Community Ministries International
For: Rich & Melissa Short
P.O. Box 1245
Tempe, AZ 85280-1245