Cultivating Faith and Spiritual Disciplines Through the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ

Our Core Values…

A faithful defender of the gospel is one who is humble (James 4:10; 1 Pet 5:6) and has surrendered to and accepted the finished work of Jesus Christ as truth. Therefore, they are teachable (Prov 3:5-12; 1 Cor 2), offering their heart and mind to the Word of God so their eyes and ears will continually be opened to His direction and available (Matt 16:24; 2 Pet 1:3-10) to His sanctifying power. They become flexible (Is 6; Acts 16:6-10), allowing His movement in their lives. Ultimately, they are a visible (Matt 5:14-16; Phil 2:12-15) display of God's transforming work in their lives.

Our Philosophy…

All around, women are going through the wildernesses, deserts, and valleys of this world without hope. A glance at the world—and often the Church—through the magnifying glass of a Biblical lens reveals a gap in the understanding of the character of God and the realization of how many women have not surrendered to the full gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, they are easily persuaded to give themselves over to false teachings that align with their personal desires.

2 Timothy 3:7-8 says, "[There are] those who worm their way into households and deceive gullible women overwhelmed by sins and led astray by a variety of passions, always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." The Devil intends to lead their hearts and minds toward false teachings and personal desires to "steal, kill, and destroy."

Therefore, the philosophy of A Heart Refined Ministry is to nurture faith and encourage subsequent spiritual disciplines through the full gospel of Jesus Christ. Our aim is to help her work toward intimate fellowship with Him so that her emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms match the fruit of the Spirit. From that, a woman can become a faithful disciple and an effective disciple-maker even in the valley the Lord has allowed in her life.

This begins by ensuring an understanding that salvation includes the recognition of their sinful nature, becoming humble, and making a contrite admission that they have a desperate need for Jesus as their Savior (James 4:10; 1 Pet 5:6). Humility in Him will lead to a hunger or yearning for God's direction through His Word and the ability to speak freely regarding the things of Christ (Prov 3:5-12; 1 Cor 2). This fellowship will lead to the willingness to deny themselves and continually make every effort to confirm their relationship with the Lord. By sharing in His divine nature, they open themselves to a lifelong journey of sanctification (Matt 16:24; 2 Pet 1:3-10).

Consequently, she becomes aware of the movement of God, calling her to His purpose and pleasure for His glory, the salvation of others, and their own personal good. Thus, through prayer and submission, they are compelled to go and share the gospel wherever He leads (Is 6; Acts 16:6-10), and in every place, they stand as a light to the corners of the lost and dying world that God has entrusted to them (Matt 5:14-16; Phil 2:12-15).

Since Jesus "has come that [we] may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10). A Heart Refined Ministry will help women rise to live in resurrected freedom found in Jesus Christ through local events, retreats, community Bible study, and encouraging extended biblical mentorships.

Meet the Team

Founder and Director

Rachel Menard

After recovering from a drug overdose, Rachel found herself in a season of worship and extensive study. Gradually, she realized the things God was teaching her from His Word are a part of the ministry for women He designed for her. Rachel encourages women to open their minds and hearts to the realities of God‘s mercy, beauty, and holiness, understanding that their identity and abilities will only be found in Him. She is married to Paul, and they have two adult children Benjamin and Harley Grace and a bonus son, Harley’s husband Elliot. She is also a Memaw to her precious grand-girl, Ember Grace.

Retreat Administrator

Ashley Storie

Ashley loves using her background in Organizational Communication & NonProfit Leadership to help us create dynamic events. Her desire to help other women understand the depths of Christ’s love for them makes her a great fit for our leadership team.

Hospitality Coordinator

Jan Hayes

Married for 52 years to her best friend and partner in faith. God has blessed Jan with 3 incredible children, 3 beautiful grandchildren, and 1 sweet great-granddaughter. For 25 years, Jan owned and operated a catering business, where she found joy in serving others through hospitality. Her heart is for encouraging women, building strong families, and walking in God’s grace every step of the way!

Worship Leader

Amanda Welton

Amanda has been leading worship for over twenty years. She currently serves on her church’s worship team as the Vocal Team Leader. She has been married to her husband, Tyler, for fifteen years and they have three beautiful children. She is passionate about seeing people grow their faith and understanding of God through worship and song.

Prayer Team Coordinator

Wanda Collins

Wanda Collins is the proud mother of Emily and grandmother to Lilli. After retiring from a career in education with the Rutherford County Board of Education, she returned to the workforce as a bank teller. However, her true passion lies in serving the Lord and advancing the Kingdom of God. Whether ministering in various African countries, serving in her local church—A Heart Refined Ministry—or being a light in her workplace, Wanda’s heart remains fully surrendered to God’s calling. Her life is a reflection of her desire to “go” wherever He leads. To God be the glory.

Prayer Team Coordinator

Janie Burnett

Janie Burnett, 73, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and has dedicated over five decades to ministry, faithfully serving in various churches as both a worship leader and teacher to all age groups. She was married to Pastor Randy Burnett for 40 and a half years before his homegoing to Heaven, and together they raised two children: Delana (Eason) Franklin and Joshua (Carrie) Burnett. She is affectionately known as “Mamaw” to her beloved grandchildren, Madison and Kamryn Burnett. Today, Janie continues to invest in others through her service at The Church at Station Hill in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where she mentors young adults in Bible study and leads efforts to bring widows together for fellowship and spiritual growth. In addition to her ministry, she runs her own small business, “Mamaw’s Alterations,” combining her practical skills with her heart for serving others.

Mentor Team Coordinator

Sarah Cooley

Sarah is passionate about serving in her church in a variety of ways and raising her children as disciples of Christ. She is a single mom of two - Katie (15) and Grayson (11), has been divorced for 11 years, and now actively co-parents with her ex-husband and his wife. She has experienced growth personally and in her relationship with God through grief and wants to encourage others who are grieving as well. She loves leading worship at church and enjoys growing flowers, reading and crafting.

Team Support

Jennifer Kerr

Jennifer is a woman of faith and encouragement, passionate about helping others and uplifting others. A devoted wife and proud mom to two girls, she and her husband are now navigating the empty nest chapter together. Guided by her life verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, Jennifer embraces being beautifully broken and wrapped in God's grace, seeking daily to savor the gift of life and inspire those around her.