top of page

OUR LEADERSHIP

IMG_6886%20(1)_edited.jpg
AscentHeadshotFinals-18_edited.jpg
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 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 sits on this board. Our Executive Pastor attends the meetings, but is not a voting member .

ascent headshots stuart-4.jpg

Bill stephens

LEAD PASTOR,
ASCENT
AscentHeadshotFinals-18.jpg

BETH LILLSTROM

EXECUTIVE PASTOR,
ASCENT
Dennis Kyle.jpeg

Dennis KYLE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT
ZAYO GROUP

Sarah Whitehead

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Kathy Narum.jpeg

Kathy NARUM

 CERTIFIED LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
AscentHeadshotFinals-25_edited.jpg

Chris lagedrost

NEXT GENERATION PASTOR, ASCENT
bottom of page
https://di.rlcdn.com/710152.gif