Connections: What have you learned about Triad through your experience as a deacon that you didn't know before?

Ayers: It has been wonderful to see how God takes people of different ages and diverse spiritual gifts or talents or abilities and blends all of this and uses their willingness to serve to accomplish His plan. 

Connections: How do you see your service as a deacon helping Triad fulfill its mission of pointing lives toward Christ?

Ayers: If we embrace our new members and encourage them to use their abilities to serve in our ministries at TBC, they will be helping others and pointing lives toward Christ. Our Assimilation Team follows up with each new church member approximately eight weeks after they join TBC and it is exciting to hear what many of them are doing to serve Christ. During an Assimilation visit, I always bring up our ministry opportunities at TBC.

Connections: What do you consider some of Triad's biggest challenges and opportunities in the years ahead?

Ayers: I believe that staying focused on what is really important is our biggest challenge and opportunity—continually seeking God's plan and God's will for Triad. We have been blessed through the preaching and teaching of God's Word by Pastor Rob and the other pastors on his staff. If we seek His will and be obedient and grow spiritually, all challenges and opportunities will have the right result.

Connections: Tell us a little about your family and some of the other ministries you and your family have been involved in at Triad.

Ayers: My wife's name is Peatie and we have been married for 45 years. When we first joined TBC, we helped some with Food and Fellowship. We have been active in our Sunday School Class. We served in the ESL ministry and Peatie has been with me during some Assimilation visits. I have served as a Finance Committee member, Usher, Discipleship, VBS, Life Groups and the Assimilation Team. The Bible Institute and Bible studies with two friends from TBC has been wonderful. Continuing with our family, we have two daughters, Dawn (and her husband, Tim) and Chrissy (and her husband, Michael). We have a granddaughter and three step grandchildren. Our two daughters are nurses.

Connections: How did you become a Christian?

Ayers: I grew up in a Christian home and at a young age was taught that I needed to be saved but I really didn't understand. I had doubts about my salvation but several years later, on a Sunday night in November, I was saved and my doubts were gone and I'm at peace in knowing that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. 

Ayers: I would say my Dad. Although He has faced alot of heartache, his walk with God has been consistant. No matter what happens, he marches on and has a positive outlook. I guess I would describe Him as a "happy Christian.' Since joining Triad, many have influenced my faith through their preaching, teaching, fellowship and friendship.