Care and support for ministry leaders and their families

Who We Are

Fred and Ann Ayers, a former pastoral couple, have spent years counseling and supporting church members, but are now using their experience for ministry leaders, offering wisdom, guidance, and care to those serving in leadership.

Fred Ayers

Ann Ayers

"I wholeheartedly recommend this ministry of Fred and Ann to any and all who have a burden to see more healthy Pastors and healthy churches. The Ayers have lived it, survived it, and are skilled at coming alongside others to help them do the same."

- Pastor Matt Schoolfield, Fellowship Raleigh

What We Do

Mission

We help leaders create thriving ministries by offering safe, preventative, and confidential support for pastors, their spouses, missionaries, and other church staff. Our services encompass soul care, mentoring, biblical guidance, and a listening ear to assist with personal challenges.

We aim to collaborate with ministry leaders to improve their well-being, recognizing that healthy ministers contribute to thriving churches. With seventeen years of experience in business and twenty-four years as a senior pastor and pastor’s spouse, we have developed strong, trustworthy relationships with ministry staff and have navigated diverse challenges and discouragements.

Reach Out

Story

After retirement, we frequently encountered pastors and their spouses facing challenging ministry situations. Our engagements with these struggling ministers and their partners made us recognize that we could draw from our years of ministry experience—filled with heartaches and loneliness—to assist them in fostering healthy ministries.

Method

Once we have made contact, we will contact the prospective pastor, their spouse, or a ministry leader to schedule a meeting, ideally in person or via video call. In our initial meeting, we will request that they complete a basic Spiritual Intake form. We will maintain this relationship as long as needed, providing support with out charge.

Cost

Our financial partners provide essential support in this effort. Our service is free of charge.

Support Our Ministry

We have a heart for those who lead. As shepherds with Standing Stone, we walk alongside ministry leaders, offering counsel, encouragement, and support—completely free of charge. Our ministry is 100% funded by partners who stand with us in prayer and financial support, allowing us to care for those who pour into others. All gifts are tax-deductible, as we are part of a 501(c)(3) IRS-approved nonprofit ministry.