Robert Acker

Robert loves the local church and the pastors who lead them.  He pastored over 40 years in Southern California, serving in one church. Yet in that place of ministry, he has been part of various stages of development, from catalyzing a young church, to growth, maturity, challenge, and re-catalyzing for growth and health. Each phase of church life had its own challenges, opportunities, stresses, discouragements, and victories. He firmly believes that pastoral leadership is one of the hardest jobs on earth.

Standing Stone Ministry is a natural place for Robert Acker to now walk with pastors, encouraging them in their calling, family life, and ministry toward the goal of life-long learning and finishing strong. Robert wants to offer pastors spiritual friendship, wisdom, coaching, and prayer support.

Robert was born and raised in Southern California. His spiritual life as child began in a small neighborhood church. After helping to start a Young Life group at his high school Robert participated in a college-focused church that deepened his faith, developed his leadership, and nurtured his pastoral heart. Robert Acker has a BA from UCLA in economics, his M.Div from Western Seminary, Portland, and a D.Min from Fuller Seminary.

In his 40+ years of pastoral ministry Robert gave special emphasis to building teams and developing staff and leaders. Church planters, pastors, missionaries were catalyzed under his influence.  Robert wants nothing more than to see pastors growing in healthy places and healthy relationships so they can continue to develop and transform. He believes the best gift a pastor can give their congregation is an ongoing transformed life. One of his favorite verses is Philippians 1:6
…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in the Day of Christ Jesus”

Robert’s wife, Kathleen, is a trained spiritual director, companioning people in their faith journey. They are grateful for their four kids and their families, including a dozen grandkids.  Robert remains a curious learner, avid reader, and recreational golfer which gets him outdoors, walking (the preferred way to golf!), and connecting with others. Recently he’s been able to connect golfers with LINKS Fellowship, a network of groups at golf clubs around the country.