Straight answersbefore you apply.
The questions leaders ask us most, answered plainly, and the field notes we point them to.
Let's answerthe hard questions.
Covenant deserves clarity. Here are the questions leaders most often need answered before applying.
Still have a question? Write to us directly.
Who is ASCEND for?
ASCEND is for senior pastors, church planters, church leaders, and apostolic and fivefold leaders who have served in their role for at least a year and share our convictions about God's presence, purity, healthy leadership, and discipleship. Leaders outside the United States are welcome.
What is the difference between Covering and Alignment?
Covering is a governmental apostolic relationship with direct counsel and accountability for major ministry decisions, plus a potential commissioning pathway. Alignment is a covenantal peer relationship with community, resources, and support, without formal governmental submission. Both are valued.
Will ASCEND own or control my church?
No. Your church retains full legal and operational autonomy. Even with Covering, you remain responsible for leading your local church. You are inviting trusted apostolic input and accountability into your leadership.
Is there a financial commitment?
Yes. Both tracks carry the same commitment: a one-time $150 alignment seed to begin, and $150 per month after that. The full terms are set out in a written covenant agreement before you sign, so you decide with everything in front of you.
What if I already belong to another network?
We honor existing relationships. We will ask about your current covering, what is prompting a possible transition, and whether you have had honest conversations with your current leaders. We do not seek to pull people away from healthy commitments.
Can I move between the two tracks?
Yes. A move from Alignment to Covering, or from Covering to Alignment, happens through conversation and mutual discernment as relationships and seasons change.
What happens after I apply?
Your inquiry is reviewed personally. If there appears to be alignment, we will invite you to a discovery conversation. Reaching out does not guarantee acceptance and does not itself establish a covenant relationship.
What if the relationship is no longer the right fit?
Either party may end the covenant relationship with written notice. We aim to part with clarity, honor, and prayer rather than pressure.
Teaching forthe weightyou carry.
Seven substantive guides on church order, apostolic relationship, leadership health, presence, growth, systems, and structure. Read them freely, then bring the questions to your leadership table.
Explore the resourcesYour next seasonneeds people.
If you recognize your convictions here, tell us your story. We will prayerfully discern the next step with you.
