About Redemption Ranch

The ranch is a beautiful 100 acre piece of property 30 minutes outside of St. Louis County. It is nestled in the rolling hills of Lincoln County with a picturesque rock-bottom creek, mature trees, and a large lake. Our team is committed to showing Christ’s redeeming love by providing exceptional hospitality and creating top-notch experiences in the beauty of God’s creation.

Our Mission

We help create life changing redemptive moments.

Our Story

How it Started

The property was first purchased by Bryan and Debbie Short in the spring of 1999.

El Shaddai Ranch

They founded El Shaddai Ranch as a nonprofit, interdenominational, Christian camp ministry committed to furthering the Gospel of Christ among youth and families.

New Ownership

In 2017, after much prayer and consideration, Bryan and Deborah Short, along with the El Shaddai Ranch Ministries board, decided it is time to pass the baton onto the next generation. They asked Jason Zellmer, a church planter and previous board member, to assume executive leadership of the ministry. On February 1st of 2017, the ranch came under new ownership as Redemption Ranch.

What Lies Ahead

With a passion for serving the community and developing leaders, Jason and Heather Zellmer brought a fresh vision for the next generation of ministry. In addition to carrying on the legacy of evangelizing youth through God’s creation, the leadership of Redemption Ranch has plans to expand the ministry by offering a variety of camps, leadership development opportunities, and large-scale outreach events. By partnering with local churches and other non-profit organizations, they hope to share the message of Christ’s redeeming love to the greater St. Louis community.

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Jason and Heather Zellmer

Executive Directors

Jason and Heather began their work in ministry by volunteering with a small group of teenagers at Riverside Community Church in 2001. As the ministry began to grow, Jason became a full-time youth pastor as he completed his Bachelor’s degree at Lindenwood University.

In 2004, the Zellmers joined Marc and Heidi Sikma to help plant Matthias’ Lot Church. During his time at Matthias, Jason served on the board of the El Shaddai Ranch and started an event called Rally at the Ranch. Youth and families from all across the St. Louis region would gather to worship in the beauty of God’s creation. Jason also founded a ministry called St. Louis Family Camp, a Christian camp designed to strengthen the entire family.

In the fall of 2009 the Zellmers were sent from Matthias’ Lot Church to plant Peine Ridge Church in Wentzville. Jason was also hired to a part-time role as a church planting catalyst for the St. Louis Metro Baptist Association. Through identifying, assessing and coaching new church planters, the Zellmers have partnered to plant several new churches across the St. Louis region.

In February of 2017 Jason and Heather began a new adventure as Directors of Redemption Ranch. They also began planting a new church in Winfield that same year called Redemption Road Church. At the Ranch, Jason serves as the President, providing vision and leadership to the team. Heather is the Director and handles all things administrative. The Zellmers live at the ranch with their six children – Benjamin, Olivia, Julia, Isaac, Jayda, and Titus. They look forward to greeting you on your next visit!

Meet Our Team

Jason Zellmer

President of Redemption Ranch

David Ward

Director of Business & Finance

Mandy Flood

Administrative Assistant

Elizabeth Ruckel

Wedding Coordinator

Kaylin Brooks

Wedding Coordinator

Heather Zellmer

Director of Redemption Ranch

Benjamin Zellmer

Operator and Maintenance

Isaac Zellmer

Land Maintenance

Ashley Powell

Wedding Coordinator

Crystal Keeteman

Wedding Coordinator

Marc Sikma

Director of Spiritual Formation

Kati Emanuel

Director of Summer Camps

Jackson Wright

Land Maintenance

Kristen Pearson

Wedding Coordinator