What if succession left you, and the outgoing pastor, and the congregation in a healthier place?
We’ve helped guide 200+ lead pastor transitions. You don’t have to do it alone.
Elevate Your Leadership
The Ascent is a year-long development program designed to engage ministry leaders in transparent conversations and one-on-one coaching with world-class leaders.
Structured around relational cohorts with 6–9 peers, The Ascent helps you grow your skills and develop your character.
With behind-the-scenes access to global leaders, you’ll learn from mentors who can speak into your life with accuracy and insight.
Go deeper with a dynamic circle of peers to expand your skills and find support through trusted relationships.
Conversations
Listen in on candid conversations with global leaders for insights into their lives and ministries.
Featured Mentors
Rich Villodas
Lead PastorNew Life Fellowship 
Jud Wilhite
Senior Pastor Central Church 
NT Wright
Theologian, New Testament Scholar, Retired Anglican Bishop 
Larry Osborne
Pastor North Coast Church 
Danielle Strickland
Author, Speaker, Trainer Global Social Justice Advocate 
Steve Carter
Pastor+Teacher+Writer 
John Ortberg
Senior PastorMenlo Church

Derwin Gray
Lead PastorTransformation Church

Carey Neiuwhof
Teaching and Founding PastorConnexus Church

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Chris Brown
Senior Pastor, North Coast Church Read More
"I have been involved in a lot of cohorts and been invited to many others, but there is nothing out there like the Ascent. The excuse is that no one in leadership really has time for something like this, but the reality is that no one should be taking on the responsibilities of leadership without being in a group like this."
Josh Surratt
Lead Pastor, Seacoast Church Read More
"Instrumental to my ministry leadership! Everything exceeded my expectations. The best cohort gathering I’ve been a part of."
Kevin Queen
Lead Pastor, Cross Point Church Read More
"One of the most moving, important, and needed times in my leadership journey."
Jeff Dart
Lead Pastor, Brookside Church Read More
"This has been the opportunity of a lifetime! I can't wait to dive into a second year!"
Aaron Brockett
Lead Pastor, Traders Point Christian Church Read More
"I have a renewed excitement for ministry each time my cohort meets. I joined a few years ago and keep coming back…it’s like I found my tribe."
Joel Thomas
Lead Pastor, Buckhead Church Read More
"My experience in the Ascent Cohort has been the single greatest contribution to my spiritual, emotional and practical development as a leader in the most challenging season I’ve faced to date."
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