I AM AN EDUCATOR
I have studied and taught on the subject of leadership and management in the college classroom for 20 years, and hold a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. I have also led and managed paid staff and volunteers for most of my adult life. I understand what it means to lead others beyond one’s title and authority, and instead influence through personal character, service and vision— and if fathers are anything, they are leaders of their kids.
 

My degree and dissertation focused on extensive research into how identity creation occurs in children and adolescents, specifically examining the role of leaders in shaping that process. I have a keen understanding of the identity development process that starts in childhood and how parents play a crucial role in helping their children cultivate a healthy sense of self.
 

I AM A FORMER PASTOR
I was a student ministry pastor for several years leading and counseling young people (middle school through college). I then spent 25 years of my life as the senior pastor of a church while working in higher education. In the course of that work, I led dozens of parent training workshops and personally counseled numerous moms and dads. I’ve talked with overwhelmed fathers feeling as though they were unable to manage their busy careers and still invest time in their families. I’ve sat with crying parents who were angered and hurt by their rebellious teenager. I’ve walked with and advised parents of special needs children, men and women with kids who are going through a divorce, single moms and dads who feel alone in the task of parenthood, and couples who are at their wits end trying to control young, energetic, strong-willed children. These are the challenges that comprise the real world of parenting in the 21st century. I get it— and I hope to help.

I'VE OVERCOME BROKENNESS

Like many others, I grew up without a healthy model of fatherhood. Raised in a turbulent family marked by alcoholism, I had no foundation upon which to build. Yet, through God's grace and in community with other dads, I was able to pass on to my kids something far more positive and whole. If you’ve experienced brokenness, I want you to know that you can break the cycle of dysfunction and become a supportive, engaged Father-Friend to your children. Let me show you how!
 

I'M NOT PERFECT
Someone once said that to learn from your own mistakes is good, but to learn from someone else's is genius. Well, I've made plenty of mistakes on my journey. I share with dads the kind of honest wisdom that says, "This is what I did— don't do that!" In other words, you’ll find plenty of "genius" insights here.
 

Thankfully, I'm humbled to say that as a dad I also did some things right. Some I planned; some I stumbled upon; and some I stole from other dads. The result? I am blessed to have three amazing children who are living lives in healthy and fulfilling ways.
 

Please send me an email to say hello and let me know if I may help or answer a question.

 

Mike Ayers, Ph.D.