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OUr LEADERSHIP
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LEAD PASTOR
Bill is the Lead Pastor of Ascent Church. Bill and Jackie, alongside Jim and Karin Candy, founded Ascent Church in the fall of 2013. Prior to starting Ascent, they led for 14 years the Annex, a ministry to thousands of college students attending the University of Colorado. Bill has spent most of his 27 year career in ministry unpacking scripture and sharing the love of Jesus in a way that is accessible, humorous, and tangible – words that speak directly to the love of Jesus. Jackie is also a gifted leader and pastor. She has walked through life with hundreds of moms, wives, and students through the countless issues of life and faith. Bill and Jackie and deeply invested in Jesus and his church. They have four kids, Ella (married to Justice), Jack (married to Emily), Maggie and Abby - and two grandchildren, Brynlee and Dean.
EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Beth is the Executive Pastor for Ascent. Beth and her family have been with Ascent since its inception in 2013, serving in a number of capacities in both paid and volunteer roles. She served as our Director of Operations for five years before taking on the role of Executive Pastor. Prior to her time at Ascent, Beth served in college ministry (working with Bill at the University of Colorado), on the leadership board at a church in Montana, and has been primarily overseeing non-profit finances for over 15 years. She brings a unique combination of gifts - strong management and attention to detail mixed with a true pastor's heart, desiring to walk alongside staff and churchgoers through the many challenges life presents. She is married to her amazing husband Cody and is mom to Greta and Simon.
OUr LEAderShip team
Ascent Community Church is governed by a leadership team or board of directors.
This team, led by Dennis Lewis, receives regular communications about the direction and finances of the church, and meets monthly. The purpose of the board is to provide oversight and strategic leadership to accomplish the mission God has called Ascent. The team serves in an advisory role to the lead and executive pastor, and in a governance role over finances and budget, land and building acquisition, lead staff performance review, and issues requiring church discipline and or correction.
Our Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor both sit on this board.
Bill stephens
LEAD PASTOR,
ASCENT
DENNIS LEWIS
BOARD CHAIR
RETIRED PRESIDENT & CEO, DENTAL AID
JEREMY HOLBURN
CERTIFIED LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Dennis KYLE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT
ZAYO GROUP
Kathy NARUM
CERTIFIED LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Sarah Whitehead
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
BETH LILLSTROM
EXECUTIVE PASTOR,
ASCENT
LEAD PASTORS COUNCIL
The Lead Pastors Council is responsible for the spiritual care and accountability of Ascent’s Lead Pastors. The council’s purpose is to assist in preserving Bill and Jackie’s spiritual health and integrity as they serve Ascent Church. This council is made up of people with longstanding relationships with Bill and Jackie.
Don Bachman
RETIRED
EXECUTIVE MANAGER,
IBM
AISHA COX
SPEAKER, WRITER, ACTOR
MIKE GAFFNEY
SR VICE PRESIDENT, ASIA PACIFIC,
YOUNG LIFE
DENNIS LEWIS
RETIRED
PRESIDENT & CEO,
DENTAL AID
BETH LILLSTROM
EXECUTIVE PASTOR,
ASCENT
KATHY RAYBIN
MENTOR AND RETIRED LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
DOCTRINe COUNCIL
The Doctrine Council guides and protects the foundational beliefs of Ascent Church, and confirms any and all changes to the foundational beliefs of the church. The council’s purpose is to ensure the safeguarding of our doctrine and its practical implications.
Bill stephens
LEAD PASTOR,
ASCENT,
DENVER SEMINARY
Maurice cox
RACIAL RECONCILIATION & TEACHING PASTOR, ASCENT
NORTH PARK SEMINARY
CHRIS STURGEON
FORMER CARE PASTOR,
ASCENT
FULLER SEMINARY
RAY DONATUCCI
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING INITIATIVES,
YOUNG LIFE
FULLER SEMINARY
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