What’s in a Name?

The Significance of “ASCENT”

From late last year through this past March, God impressed upon us a number of experiences and biblical themes that deeply rooted in our hearts the concept of “ascent.”

The word refers both to the idea of a challenging climb to higher ground and to the high point that rises above the surrounding landscape. Our home, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, provides countless opportunities to step away from our regular activities and venture into the wilderness, trekking along ridgelines and reaching the mountain summits. These excursions provide wonderful opportunities to meditate, pray, and worship God amid the beauty and majesty of His creation. They also offer an ideal setting for reflection on personal spiritual growth and development.

Scripture contains numerous examples of God’s leaders entering wilderness places, often journeying to higher ground, to commune with Him and gain clarity regarding the direction He desired them to take.

The biblical term for a New Testament overseer (episkopos) emphasizes the importance of a pastor or elder standing on higher ground—perceiving the proper path forward for his people and discerning the destructive strategies of the Enemy.

A trek to higher ground is also an apt description of the life and ministry of a spiritual leader. We are called to grow, advance, and mature. Most often, this growth occurs through the challenges of ministry—the hard work of pressing upward despite the obstacles encountered along the way.

We must continually seek to stand on higher ground.

God also drew our attention to the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), with their emphasis on cultivating a heart that is spiritually centered so we can worship and serve Him in humility and integrity.

Finally, moving from North Carolina to the other side of the globe, God has burdened our hearts for the Church in South Asia. Much of the Church there is experiencing intense persecution and is in great need of spiritually prepared and committed pastors, church planters, evangelists, and other ministry leaders. We love these men and women and are committed to helping them become fully equipped to thrive amid the ascents and ravines of ministry.

All this led us to embrace the name, “ASCENT.”