Ascent Summit 2026
A Hopeful Witness for a Joyful Church
March 10-12, 2026
Falls Church, VA
Ascent Summit 2026
A Hopeful Witness for a Joyful Church
March 10-12th, 2026
Columbia Church
Falls Church, VA
We are living through a time of profound upheaval—nations trembling, economies shifting, and institutions faltering. Even the Church, amid the uncertainty, has wrestled to rediscover her true voice and calling.
In a moment marked by meanness and cruelty, the ground is ripe for a move of God defined by hope and joy.
Throughout history, the people of God have embodied their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ with joy and hope. From Paul and Silas singing in chains, to the martyrs who shone through the flames, to everyday congregations serving their neighborhoods, the Church has stood apart from the unsettled world by exuding a bright hope for tomorrow.
If you long to see a new chapter in the witness of the Church across North America, join us for the inaugural Ascent Summit, where together we will explore A Hopeful Witness for a Joyful Church.
Meet Our Presenters
Join us for an inspiring time together featuring a diverse lineup of speakers who are leaders in their fields. Each presenter brings unique insights and experiences that will enrich your ministry and empower your mission.
Ascent Summit 2026 Schedule
Day One- Tuesday, March 10th
9.00 – 12.00: Vital Preschools Pre-Conference
12.00 – 2.00: Check In & Arrival
2.00 – 3.30: Session 1: A Joyful Church
3.30 – 4.00: Break
4.00 – 5.15: Forum 1: A Hopeful Witness
5.15 – 7.15: Dinner Break
7.15 – 9.00: Session 2: The Joyful Leader
9.00 – 10.00: Summit After-Parties
Day Two- Wednesday, March 11th
8.45 – 10.15: Session 3: A Hopeful Witness: A Practical Missiology for the Gospel in North America
10.15 – 10.45: Break
10.45 – 12.00: Forum 2
12.00 – 1.30 : Lunch Break
· Junia Network Engagement Lunch
· Church Planting & Multiplication Engagement Lunch
1.30 – 2.30: Workshop Sessions # 1
2.30 – 2.45: Break
2.45 – 3.45: Workshop Sessions # 2
3.45 – 4.00: Break
4.00 – 5.00: Affinity Sessions
· Missions Pastors, Directors, and Leaders
· Youth Pastors, Directors, and Leaders
· Children’s Pastors, Directors, and Leaders
· Associate Pastors
· Executive Pastors
· Seminary & Theological Educators
· Non-Profit Ministry Leaders
· Others TBD
5.00 – 7.00: Dinner Break
7.00 – 9.00: Called to Joy & Ascent Celebration Service
9.00 – 10.00: Summit After-Parties
Day Three- Thursday, March 12th
8.45 - 10.15: Mission in Transition: Decline in the West, Rise in the Rest
10.15 – 10.45: Break
10.45 – 12.30: The Unfinished Commission
Transportation and Lodging
Airports: Columbia Church is conveniently located a short distance from both Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport. Baltimore-Washington International Airport is also a driveable distance.
Hotels: A number of hotels within a 30 minute radius of Columbia Church have been secured. Please see the hotels, costs, and relevant links below.
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Friends
About Ascent
Ascent is a new mission connection for the church in North America. We are comprised of local churches, regional and national networks, seminaries, mission agencies, and Christian non-profit ministries. Together, we share a common goal of living out the Great Commission locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
Our calling is energized by Jesus’ Gospel as expressed by the global, evangelical witness articulated in the Capetown Commitment of the Lausaunne Movement and focuses on 3 priority areas: Under-Gospeled & Unreached People, Mission & Ministry Gap Areas, and Leadership Development & Mobilization.
The March 10-12, 2026 event serves as the inaugural Ascent Summit in North America. We are expecting hundreds of leaders from all over the continent to join together to bear witness to a new day for the church and to pray for a fresh engagement with the gospel for our time.