No cookie-cutter solutions here.
You don’t need another program. You need a tailored pathway shaped for your church’s unique culture and calling.
Pastor Cary Phillips
Certified Church Consultant
Cary came to Christ at age 11 and grew up in the same church where he would later serve on staff for nearly 30 years. During that time, he had the privilege of being discipled and developed by Pastor Tim Dowdy and a faithful team of leaders as the church grew from about 30 people to more than 3,000.
Over the years, Cary served in many areas of ministry—student ministry, college ministry, adult discipleship, communications and creative leadership—and later spent ten years pastoring one of the church’s campuses. In that role, he experienced firsthand the joy and pressure of leading a congregation: preaching weekly, shepherding people, guiding staff, managing systems, and carrying the responsibility of church life as a whole.
Across every season, one calling remained consistent: developing and investing in leaders. Cary has spent decades mentoring pastors, training ministry teams, building staff culture, and helping churches grow in clarity and health. Most recently, he has served as a church planting assessor with the North American Mission Board, helping pastors and planters clarify calling, character, and readiness for ministry.
These experiences have formed in him a deep love for both the local church and the pastors who lead her. He knows the joy of seeing lives changed and the church strengthened—and he understands the weight and weariness that ministry can bring.
Because he has served in so many roles over so many seasons, Cary brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to church health, leadership, and care. He has seen how the parts of a church work together—and how strong, supported pastors are essential to healthy, thriving churches.
The Ascent Network was born out of this calling:
to walk alongside pastors and ministry teams with encouragement, clarity, and practical support—so they can lead well and live whole.
A Network of Support
Over the years, God has blessed Cary with relationships across pastors, ministry leaders, consultants, and specialists who share a heart for the local church. When a church faces a situation that calls for additional insight or support, Cary draws from this trusted network to ensure churches receive wise, thoughtful guidance—not just quick fixes. The Ascent Network is personal at its core, but no leader walks alone. We have a team of people ready to help!
A Biblical Foundation
The Ascent Network is rooted in the unshakable conviction that healthy ministry flows from a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word. We believe the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God, revealing one true God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We believe Jesus lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and will one day return in glory to make all things new. We joyfully affirm the Church as God’s chosen instrument for advancing the gospel and making disciples of all nations.
Our work with pastors and churches grows from these shared convictions and from a dependence on the Spirit’s power to bring lasting fruit for the glory of Christ.
