Former Revivaltime Announcer Lee Shultz Dies

Leland (Lee) Glenn Shultz, 90, well-known as the voice of the Assemblies of God Revivaltime radio program and former Communications director at the AG national office, peacefully passed away Thursday night following a long illness.

Shultz was born to Jesse and Minnie Shultz on June 19, 1927, in Fowler, California. He was one of seven children, and grew up in Fresno, California. When he was 16, Lee received Christ as his Savior, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and called into the ministry all in one eventful night at church.

Upon graduating from Southern California College (now Vanguard University) in the spring of 1948, Lee and Valerie (Peterson) Shultz began a 53-year marriage and ministry on July 17.

The couple’s ministry began quickly, starting off with directing the district camp at Huntington Lake, California, the summer of their marriage. Following that, Shultz pastored First Assembly in Jerseyville, Illinois; was an associate pastor in Oakland, California; and then spent a total of 10 years pastoring churches in Slayton and Sherburn, Minnesota. In 1959, Shultz was appointed to serve in the Minnesota District as D-CAP (district youth director) and Sunday School director. He also served on the faculty of North Central Bible College (now North Central University) in Minneapolis.

In 1962, Shultz began his career at the AG national office in Springfield, Missouri, serving as College Youth representative, editor of Campus Ambassador magazine, and the first full-time Chi Alpha Campus Ministries director.

But it was in 1964 that Shultz took on his most memorable role when he was asked to serve as secretary of the Radio Department, and be the producer and announcer of Revivaltime radio broadcast. He became famous for his baritone introduction of the show: “It’s Revivaltime across the nation and around the world!”

Shultz was named the national director of Communications in 1973, but would remain the announcer of the Revivaltime broadcast for a total of 26 years. As Communications director, his duties included administration of Advance magazine, Office of Information, Pentecostal Evangel magazine, Radio-TV, and Audiovisual Services. Shultz’s abilities were highly regarded across the nation, and in 1977 he was elected as second vice president for the National Religious Broadcasters organization.

During his tenure at the national office, Shultz also produced Turning Point, the Fellowship’s only national television program, originated Every Day With Jesus, a daily radio broadcast, and served on the adjunct faculty of Central Bible College (now a part of Evangel University) in Springfield.

Shultz retired from the AG national office in 1992 after nearly 30 years of service. However, as John Maempa observed in a 1992 article recognizing Shultz’s many accomplishments, “ . . . he [Shultz] has set in motion many ministries and programs that will continue to be a blessing to the church for generations to come.” And so they have.

Valerie preceded Lee in death, passing away in 2001. In 2003, Shultz married Regina Northrop McCorcle.

Shultz was known as a loving father to his four children, eight grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Funeral services will be held at Central Assembly of God in Springfield at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Services are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Burial will be in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Boys Ranch.

AG News Staff