About the Founders

Pastors Ron & Carla Ives have been married and in full-time ministry for 44 years.  They began doing Street Ministry together, then shifted into Youth Ministry with several churches before pioneering The Potter’s House Family Worship Center in Central Michigan in 1986.  From the early days of pulling their children in a wagon and ministering to people door-to-door, the Ives walked with the growing church through building projects, new ministry development, and countless events.  The goal of the local church has always been to mend broken people with the love of Jesus, and God has been faithful to do it!

Carla began and directed a separate non-profit mission’s organization over 30 years ago.  The ministry was first called Reach the Children of the Word Ministries but was renamed Heart Cry International with a goal of training and equipping international pastors, teachers, and parents to reach and disciple the next generation. The training and written materials impacted over 45 nations as of 2020.  Meanwhile, Ron was busy establishing a training school for pastors and leaders called Vessels of Honor School of Discipleship and Ministry.  These schools multiplied, with students in Nigeria, Guatemala, and the USA.  

Two years ago, Ron and Carla merged their two ministries into one, calling it the Potter’s House Global Network.  They soon realized God was calling them to a new ministry to train leaders for a coming and great harvest; leaders who would be trained and equipped to make disciples of every age and minister healing to a broken world with the love of Jesus.  In 2024, they determined to transition from pastoring their local church to serving PHGN full-time.  Rather than retiring, they are re-firing!

Ron and Carla have 23 grandchildren.  Carla calls them her only hobby!  More than anything, they want to model for their family a love for Jesus that never fades and a passion to do His will.  They want to bring this same passion to churches and ministries here in the USA and around the world through their on-line training, discipleship programs, schools and curriculum, as well as speaking at churches in the USA.  They believe in unity; in the body of Christ networking together to advance His kingdom here on earth.  

To learn more or to schedule them to speak at your church or ministry in the USA:  Contact us or call (989) 506-2703