Mentoring, Soul Care, and Counsel for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Ministry Leaders
traversing the ascents and ravines of ministry — together
Faithful, Spirit-led, impactful ministry leadership is something we all long for—and it really is possible. God created each of us with purpose and calls us according to His plans. He prepares us, empowers us, directs our path, guides our steps, and protects us so He can accomplish His purposes through us. Ministry can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding callings in life.
At the same time, many leaders discover that ministry is harder than they expected. It can be discouraging, even painful, and sometimes personally draining and destructive. Thriving in ministry isn’t easy. On a practical level, it calls for a wide range of leadership skills—things like visioning, planning, team building, communication, and collaboration—skills that often take years to develop. On a deeper level, it requires spiritual maturity: theological wisdom, faithfulness in spiritual disciplines, and a steady posture of humility, compassion, and love toward others. It’s no surprise that frustration and discouragement are so common.
Ministry leadership is a trek filled with both thrilling ascents and deep challenging valleys—and it’s not a journey you’re meant to take alone.
ASCENT SHEPHERDING journeys with current and future pastors and ministry leaders, helping them build strong, biblical practices that shape their personal lives, relationships, and leadership. Our goal is to help them navigate both the highs and the lows of ministry with faithfulness, clarity, and resilience.
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD... He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”
Isaiah 2:3
MENTORING
Journey individually or as a team with an experienced ASCENT mentor as you navigate practical decision-making, planning, organization, and team-building issues.
journeying alongside leaders
COUNSEL
In-depth, intensive counseling from God’s Word for individuals and couples struggling through deep spiritual or personal ravines.
SOUL CARE
Focused development of your heart of leadership, so you are fully prepared for the ascents and ravines along your ministry journey.
SOUTH ASIA
Comprehensive leader development for pastors, evangelists, and church planters in the persecuted churches of South Asia.
the practice of godly leadership
Trekking is a significant undertaking—it takes real preparation. You’ve got to be mentally and physically ready for the demands of the trail. But it’s not just about that—you also need the right gear so you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
In much the same way, those called to ministry leadership must be carefully and prayerfully prepared. Each day brings its own circumstances, challenges, and trials, and faithful leaders seek to respond with wisdom, discernment, and grace.
ASCENT Shepherding Resources are designed to serve you well as you daily fulfill your call. They are practical, time-tested tools for the daily work of shepherding, grounded in the truth of Scripture and shaped by decades of lived leadership experience. Our hope is that they will serve you well as you lead in a way that honors God and cares deeply for His people
what our clients are saying…
“David and Dawn played a vital role in guiding our church leadership toward greater spiritual health during a season of significant conflict. Their investment in both my personal leadership and our elder team brought clarity, unity, and a deeper commitment to handle challenges in a biblically grounded way. This foundation proved invaluable as we later navigated the difficulties of COVID. I am still serving in pastoral ministry today because of their influence..”
— Fred, Lead Pastor
“Navigating the challenges of ministry requires daily focus to bring God glory. As a teacher, discipler, and pastor's wife, external distractions and critics as well as one’s own internal thinking can cause a leader to lose focus. Ascent Shepherding came alongside me at the time when I needed encouragement, biblical accountability, and someone to help me refocus my thinking. I appreciate knowing their counsel is biblically consistent and just a phone call or email away.”
—Kim, Women’s Ministry Leader, Pastor’s Spouse
“We are so grateful for the time we spent with ASCENT… it seems that you are doing just what God created you to do. The combination of their obvious compassion and love for us, along with their godly skill in helping us, is something to praise God for.”
— Darien, Discipleship Pastor
“We landed stateside from the mission field in a fog, confused, and wondering how to sort through the unexpected first-term trials. Our debriefing and counseling with David and Dawn cleared the clouds from our confusing and difficult situation. We continue to employ the practical tools they gave us, and they are always accessible for counsel and guidance as we continue to serve in full-time ministry!”
—Doug and Amy, Missionaries
“ASCENT’s program has been truly enriching and spiritually uplifting. The material is well-organized and deeply rooted in biblical principles, making it both meaningful and practical for daily life. It has strengthened our leaders’ understanding and faith in a powerful way. Overall, it is a very valuable and inspiring learning experience.”
— Anant, Coordinator in South Asia
“I am grateful for David and Dawn Phelan, they are faithful co-laborers in Christ whose wisdom, strength, and unwavering commitment continue to sharpen me, refine me, and strengthen all those around them. Just as iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17.”
—Eric, Volunteer Leader
“We experienced the love, care, compassion, and veracity of our Lord through you as His appointed ministers. The Spirit of God used you to open our eyes… Thank you feels shallow and inadequate, yet thankful to God and you, we are.”
—Libby, Pastor’s Spouse
“ASCENT’s training has improved our students’ knowledge and proficiency in studying the truths of scripture on their own with ease and understanding.
ASCENT’s facilitation provides better learning options by encouraging and guiding the students to learn God’s Word simply and accurately.”
— Ratan, Group Leader and Translator
ready for the first step?
We would enjoy spending some time with you over a cup of coffee or on a hike here in the beautiful hills of western North Carolina.
Or, lacking proximity, via a video call. We love God’s leaders and are passionate about making a difference in your life and ministry.
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