Rock of Ages started forty-four years ago as a prison ministry, but today they are so much more. Learn how a partnership with them will benefit you both.
I had heard about the Rock of Ages Prison Ministry for many years before I really got to know what they do. Since I have gotten to know the staff and ministry over the years, I have been stirred by their love for Christ, vision for ministry, character of their staff, and the scope of their activities. They are a very effective soul-winning and discipleship ministry. The more I learn about them, the more impressed I become.
How much do you know about the Rock of Ages Ministries?
You may be surprised to find out that this national ministrycouldhelpyoufulfill your calling and accomplish more for the cause of Christ. Whether you are a Pastor, a missionary, a preacher, or a committed church member,
this expansive ministry has something that will be a blessing to you. Let’s learn a little about this ministry and how they can help you.
What is Rock of Ages?
Rock of Ages Ministries was established in 1977. It is a worldwide outreach ministering on the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. They offer ministry outreach to prisons, schools and the military through their Publication Department, Revivals, Chaplaincy Program, Discipleship Institute, and College of Biblical Studies.
The Rich History of ROA.
This year marks the 44th Anniversary of Rock of Ages Ministries! They enjoy a rich heritage through the
strong, godly leadership of Dr. Ed Ballew and Dr. Ron Gearis. At the close of 2014, God allowed the ministry to surpass a milestone of reaching over 663,000 souls for Christ and discipling over 24,000 students daily in our Discipleship Institute.
In earlier days, Rock of Ages was the personal ministry of Dr. Ed Ballew and his family. They called it The Rock of Ages Tape Ministry, and it was based in their home. Their goal was to be an encouragement by producing audio cassettes for distribution among foreign missionaries. Between 1976 and 1977, churches who heard Brother Ballew preach began requesting copies of his tapes. The requests increased until the Ballew home was no longer adequate for the ministry. Two churches paid for materials and sent men to construct a building on Dr. Ballew’s property to accommodate the growth of The Rock of Ages Tape Ministry.
The first prison contact came from Chaplain Steel at Union Correctional Center in Raiford, Florida. A correctional officer at U.C.C. obtained one of Bro. Ballew’s tapes and gave it to an inmate to whom he had been witnessing. The man rededicated his life to Christ and gave the tape to his chaplain.
In return, the chaplain wrote Dr. Ballew asking for tapes for the prison library. Dr. Ballew was delighted to ship an assortment of messages.
Dr. Ballew contacted Pastor Ron Gearis at Grace Baptist Church in Baldwin, Florida and asked him to set up an appointment for them to meet with Chaplain Steel at U.C.C. Upon arrival, they discovered that the chaplain had only two working tape players in the chapel library, resulting in a 90-day waiting period for tapes and players. Dr. Ballew began to raise money to purchase tape players, and Pastor Gearis delivered several battery-operated Royal cassette players to Chaplain Steel.
Pastor Gearis began going to the prison for a weekly Bible study and soon added church services with special music from his church choir. Later, he was allowed to visit with the men in their living quarters, including the men on death row. His burden for inmates was growing daily.
As word spread among prison chaplains about The Rock of Ages Tape Ministry, the requests for cassettes and players began to increase.
Dr. Ballew continued to supply these through the offerings and gifts of God’s people. Later he added Dr. Oliver B. Green’s salvation booklets for free distribution among the inmates and also provided Davis Bible Dictionaries and Strong’s Concordances for the chaplain’s libraries. Churches in Tennessee and Virginia gave an A.B. Dick-350 offset press and a Multilith offset press to Dr. Ballew. He gave this testimony, “I believe God wants me to start a prison ministry.”
On January 5, 1978, Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, Inc. was chartered. Dr. Ballew was President, his wife Pauline was Secretary/Treasurer, Pastor Sammy Allen was Vice President, and local pastors formed the Board of Directors. Pastor Ron Gearis, his wife Judy, and their son Scott became the first missionary family with Rock of Ages Prison Ministry.
On April 24, 1987, Dr. Ballew retired due to health-related issues. By this time the ministry had grown to 22 missionary families offering Prison Revivals, Prison Chaplains, a Printing Ministry and a free Bible Correspondence Course to inmates. The Rock of Ages had become a nationwide ministry, with the main office located on one acre of property in Cleveland, Tennessee.
After Dr. Ballew’s retirement, Dr. Gearis became President of Rock of Ages.
Under Dr. Gearis’ leadership for the next 19 years, Rock of Ages Prison Ministry grew to 133 missionary families. It included a Discipleship Institute, Aftercare Ministries, Women’s Prison Ministry, Juvenile Ministry, Prison Prevention Ministry, Military Ministry, and the Publication of the Rock of Ages Study Bible. The ministry also purchased five additional acres and developed the Printing Ministry into a Publication Ministry. The main office was expanded, and the Rock of Ages was established on five continents.
On June 5, 2005 Dr. Terry Ellis became Executive Vice President. Upon the death of Dr. Gearis on September 12, 2006, Dr. Ellis was appointed President, and Dr. Ricky Dunsford was appointed Executive Vice President.
ROA Used of God Today
The ministry is thriving in the capable hands of Dr. Terry Ellis. I have met with him a few times as he has preached for us over the years. I am always challenged by his vision and encouraged by his fellowship. There are great days ahead for the Rock of Ages Ministries!
By the grace of God, Rock of Ages has 130 missionary families that operate in all 50 states and on all six habitable continents representing 26 countries.
Even while hampered greatly by the pandemic lockdowns, in 2020, they reported 24,570 professions of faith throughout their ministries. Their missionaries logged in 191,168 miles flown and 1,111,052 miles driven for the cause of Christ.
Ministries of ROA
Prison Ministry
ROA provides prison chaplains and organizes prison revivals.
They have increased our access to the state prison in Rhode Island allowing us to have a greater impact for Christ.
Military Ministry
This division of ROA ministers to families in the armed forces as the chaplains work in military prisons.
Public Schools
Through their “Character Under Construction” curriculum, ROA is opening doors for churches like yours to minister to young people in local schools.
Church Planting Assistance
ROA assists local churches in church-planting endeavors. Their goal is to target areas where prisoners, students, military personnel, or unreached people groups, cities, tribes, and villages exist which have no doctrinally sound Baptist church established within a reasonable distance.
Publication Ministry
The Publishing Department plays a vital role in getting the Gospel in printed form to the prisons, schools, and military prisons across America and in foreign countries. Their study Bible and Discipleship New Testaments are a great addition to every Christian library.
Missionary Training
Rock of Ages Ministries understands the need for equipping missionary families to do the work God has called them to do. Training for deputation and ministry are a requirement for each missionary.