Mark Schultz Biography

Mark Schultz, born September 16, 1970, in Colby, Kansas, is a contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. After serving as lead singer for Up with People from 1995 to 1996, Schultz returned to Nashville and worked as a youth director. Under the mentorship of Rev. Mark DeVries, who encouraged him to write songs based on his ministry experiences, Schultz began developing the material that would eventually lead to his self-titled debut album in 2000 and the launch of his solo career.

Schultz's music explores themes of faith, family, and personal experience. Songs like "He's My Son," "I Am The Way," and "All Things Possible" are among the many that have achieved critical acclaim and topped Christian music charts. He is a multi-nominated Dove Award recipient, winning in 2006 for Long Form Music Video of the Year for "Mark Schultz Live: A Night of Stories & Songs."

Married to Kate, Schultz is the father of 3 children. Their youngest child, Maia Mae, was adopted. Schultz, who is also adopted, has shared how becoming an adoptive father himself deepened his understanding of being chosen and loved unconditionally.

After nearly 6 years away from releasing a full-length project to focus on family and fatherhood, Schultz returned with renewed purpose. His live album "Follow" was released August 17, 2018. The project blends new songs with fan favorites and captures the energy and storytelling that have long defined his concerts. Worship anthems such as "God of Glory" and "I Am" appear alongside fresh material, including the powerful title track, originally inspired by a story Schultz heard about a girl with a difficult upbringing and no father figure, a theme that took on deeper personal meaning as he lived with the song.

Rather than recording in a studio first, Schultz introduced many of the new songs in live settings, allowing audience response to help shape the project. The title track "Follow" reflects the guiding theme of his life and career: following God's call in every season. As Schultz has shared, different chapters require different priorities, and for 6 years his focus centered on investing in his children during their earliest years.

The album also reflects Schultz's perspective on legacy and faith. Songs such as "Before You Call Me Home" consider the example he hopes to set for his children, while "What Love Looks Like" honors Rev. Mark DeVries, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Schultz's calling and early career, including the sold-out concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium that helped open industry doors.

"Follow" also marks Schultz's first independent release in 18 years. While collaborating with producer Ted T., known for his work with for KING & COUNTRY and Natalie Grant, and co-writer Jeff Pardo on select tracks, the project allowed him greater creative control while staying true to his calling.

In the years following the release of Follow, Schultz has continued to release music that leans into his love for the classics. This includes a series of worshipful singles and hymn arrangements, such as "Great Are You Lord" (2024) and "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" (2024), a special collaboration featuring his wife, Kate. These recent works, along with his 2025 single "It Is Well," emphasize a stripped-back, intentional sound that prioritizes the timeless messages of the church.

Mark Schultz remains a respected figure in contemporary Christian music. With 2 million records sold, 10 No. 1 singles, and a career spanning more than 2 decades, his music continues to reflect what has always mattered most to him: writing what is real, pointing listeners toward Christ, and faithfully following God's call in every season.