Ascent: A Movement of Churches in North America

WHAT IS ASCENT?

For the past six years, BGAV has been in conversation with like-hearted partners across North America about the need for a national, collaborative platform whose aim is to create space for centrist, orthodox beliefs that are faithful to scripture, the historical Christian faith, and free of ideological and cultural baggage. These conversations have led us to a national platform called Ascent. Ascent is a catalytic movement of the Spirit focused on a common kingdom mission to re-engage and re-energize North America with the Gospel. BGAV is the supporting foundation and host of this collaborative platform, with the BGAV Executive Board as Ascent’s governing entity.

Ascent will:

• Connect leaders and networks, organizations, and movements so that new alliances and friendships may form, and unique synergies of the Spirit developed.

• Curate relationships and resources that lead toward effectiveness in mission.

• Convene and join others in courageous conversations concerning the pressing issues that affect the church and her mission.

• Champion ideas, practices, relationships, and resources that lead toward effectiveness in mission.

Ascent is named for the Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120-134, which were songs reminding people of God’s grace, mercy, provision, and protection. The Ascent logo is intentionally reminiscent of Kintsugi—a Japanese art form of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. In this usage, it is a metaphor for embracing flaws and imperfections. All God’s children live with some form of brokenness, and Ascent’s aim is to re-engage that brokenness with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Currently there are two signature projects of Ascent:

• Strengthening and equipping rural churches

• Developing methodologies for reaching and discipling 20- and 30-year-olds

From those who have been involved from the first day to those who have joined along the way, there is much enthusiasm. People and organizations from different denominational affiliations— bringing a variety of experiences and gifts—are among those who want to be part of Ascent and its commitment to reengaging and re-energizing North America with the Gospel.

WHY IS THERE AN ASCENT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN?

Initiating a movement, and pressing it forward, requires those involved to make many different kinds of contributions. Ascent needs partners to donate time, spiritual giftedness, wisdom, ingenuity, and funds.

In summer 2022, as John Upton retired and brought his tenure as executive director to a close, BGAV held its first fundraising event for Ascent in Richmond. At that time, many longtime supporters and friends came together to celebrate John and to hear his wishes for those who want to honor his legacy: for individuals, churches, and organizations to give financially to Ascent.

John’s bold vision of Kingdom Advance, which he cast in 2001, was focused on BGAV’s commitment to advancing the Redeemer’s Kingdom through four teams: Empowering Leaders, Courageous Churches, Emerging Leaders, and Glocal Missions and Evangelism. In the past 20 years, those four teams have evolved into six entrepreneurial enterprises – Uptick, V3 Church Planting, Fresh Expressions US, Missio Alliance, Impact Missions, and Kairos. Kingdom Advance’s success has uniquely positioned BGAV to live into where God is leading— and that bright future is Ascent.

This fundraising campaign, commissioned by BGAV’s executive board, is currently being led by Treasurer David Washburn and a team including Jim Baucom, Kent Brown, Sarah Burnette, Darrell Foster, and Todd Fuller. They’ve spoken with individuals, churches, and partner organizations about making initial gifts to help ensure a successful Ascent launch. The overall goal is to raise $1 million between now and next November’s annual meeting, when BGAV will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

At this year’s annual meeting, David Washburn reported that reaching that goal is well underway: numerous donors have already given $260,000 to the campaign—and more are committing to give, day by day.

David Washburn, treasurer, announces the Ascent campaign as part of the 2022 BGAV annual meeting.

HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THIS MOVEMENT?

You and your church can participate in Ascent by:

• PRAY for the Ascent movement and those who are partnering in its leadership and mission.

• LEARN by subscribing to the Ascent e-newsletter, soon to come in 2023.

• GIVE to Ascent by visiting AscentMovement.org/donate or mailing a check to Ascent c/o BGAV, 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, VA 23294.

SCAN THE CODE TO SUPPORT ASCENT!