In a cultural moment marked by global instability, institutional mistrust, and deep spiritual searching, church leaders across North America are asking a pressing question: What does faithful Christian witness look like right now?

This March, a first-of-its-kind gathering will bring those conversations to Virginia.

From March 10–12, 2026, Columbia Church in Falls Church will host the inaugural Ascent Summit, a gathering designed to equip pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders to navigate a rapidly changing landscape with renewed hope and joyful courage. Built around the theme “A Hopeful Witness for a Joyful Church,” the summit marks a significant moment not only for the Ascent movement but also for BGAV, which has played a strategic role in launching this new ministry expression.

Chris Backert, senior director of Ascent and associate executive director of BGAV, sees the event as both historic and timely. “I’ve said on many occasions that BGAV has done as much, if not more, for the cause of the gospel than any other regional family of churches in North America,” Backert noted.

“The inaugural Ascent Summit is another example in a long line of kingdom innovation where BGAV is helping to launch a new national ministry. I hope leaders from around the commonwealth will take advantage of this great opportunity to be both equipped and inspired.”

The three-day event brings together a remarkably diverse slate of national voices to speak into the Church’s present moment and future mission. Beth Moore will open the summit by helping leaders “meet the moment” with clarity and theological depth. Additional plenaries include sessions on global missional shifts, joy-centered leadership, church multiplication, and a practical missiology for North America led by Ed Stetzer, who will bring fresh research and community-engagement insights.

Other featured leaders include Charlie B. Dates, Mia Chang, Ed Stetzer, Carey Sims, and BGAV’s own Wayne Faison, each guiding participants into conversations about renewal, calling, discipleship, and the unfinished commission of the Church.

Backert believes the caliber of leadership converging in Virginia is significant. “It’s been many years since there has been a BGAV-related gathering with this caliber of leaders all making their way to the commonwealth,” he said. “This event promises to help orient churches and leaders to the kingdom opportunities in this moment and to provide practical support for ministers in all areas and levels of church leadership. Plus, we are engaging the affordability challenges of the moment by making this a very inexpensive event, particularly for leaders in BGAV-participating churches.”

Beyond plenaries, the summit will feature workshops, conversations with practitioners, prayer and worship gatherings, and networking moments designed to foster fresh collaboration among churches. The hope, organizers say, is not merely to host another conference—but to help spark a renewed movement of mission across North America rooted in biblical hope and Spirit-shaped joy.

BGAV pastors and ministry leaders are encouraged to secure their discounted rates early.

BGAV attendees receive an exclusive discount using promo code BGAV80. Register today!

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