“I lift my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1–2
An Update From Cary
A brief update on where God has me, what this past year has held, and the launch of my new website.
The Climb, the Calling, and a Clear Path Forward
Almost a year has passed since I stepped away from pastoring the Griffin Campus, and God has been incredibly faithful and kind in this season. Many of you have asked how I’m doing and what I’m working on now, so I wanted to share a personal update.
A few months after the transition, I stepped into something I had never experienced in 27 years of ministry: a true sabbatical. I know most people never get that opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly. It was truly a gift from God. Those early months were filled with Scripture, prayer, camping, some snowboarding, and creating space to listen to the Lord.
During that time, God clarified something that has been true in me for decades:
I am a shepherd. I pastor people. I develop leaders. And that calling didn’t disappear when my season at Griffin ended — it became sharper.
A few weeks ago, Eli unknowingly gave me a clear picture of that calling again.
He and his friend Jack decided to take their first backpacking trip completely on their own. It just so happened that the first section they chose was a trail I had backpacked before — climbing from Cosby Campground up the steep Low Gap Trail to the Appalachian Trail, and then on to the Mount Cammerer fire tower.
I knew those switchbacks.
I remembered the strain of climbing nearly 3,000 feet in three miles with a full pack.
I knew what was ahead of them because I had felt it myself.
Because I’d walked that trail, I could prepare them — set expectations, give direction, offer advice, and help them climb well. And when they returned, they confirmed the trail was as challenging as I’d said… but they had a great first experience (other than a very windy, sleepless night on the mountaintop).
That’s exactly the work God has called me to continue with pastors — walking with them in the steep places I’ve climbed myself, helping them see the trail, prepare for the climb, overcome internal obstacles, and lead with wisdom and spiritual health.
Leadership — especially in the church — is a climb. Not only over external challenges, but internal ones: self-doubt, isolation, fear, discipline, discouragement, fatigue, and the weight of guiding others.
And that’s where the vision for The Ascent Network came from.
The Birth of The Ascent Network
During my sabbatical, I sensed God asking a simple question:
“What can you be doing right now with what I’ve already placed in you?”
The answer was immediate: strengthen pastors, develop leaders, and help churches navigate the climb of ministry.
Over this past year, I also became a certified church consultant — a role that fits naturally with what I’ve been doing for decades: helping churches and leaders find clarity, health, and wise direction.
On May 8, 2025, I formally established a nonprofit, The Ascent Network — not as a new idea, but as the organized foundation of the work I’ve done my entire adult life.
Since then, God has opened doors I could never have orchestrated. This year alone, I’ve walked with over a dozen pastors and churches — helping them navigate transition, discern direction, grow in spiritual and emotional health, strengthen creative communication, and take wise next steps.
It has been one of the sweetest and most aligned seasons of ministry I’ve ever experienced.
Questions You May Have
“Will you ever pastor again?”
Yes — I believe I will.
Pastoring is not something I walked away from. It’s who I am. Even my work with pastors and leaders is a form of shepherding — shepherding shepherds.
I believe God has given me this season to fully develop The Ascent Network. And in His timing, I trust He will align my life with a church where the call to shepherd becomes unmistakably clear — to them and to me.
I’m also open to planting a church if God leads that direction.
But whenever that happens, it won’t replace this work. It will continue the calling I’ve always lived: pastoring people and developing leaders — side by side.
“Is this a fundraiser?”
No — this update is not about raising money.
I’m not sharing this because I need money from you. I believe God has called me to this work, and I trust Him to provide and sustain all that’s needed for it to flourish.
At the same time, I never want to stand in the way of what God may prompt someone to do. If the Lord prompts you to be part of this ministry, know this:
Your generosity fuels how I’m able to serve and strengthen pastors and churches who desire to make a gospel impact — but only give as God leads, and only in joy, never pressure.
“What do you actually need from me?”
Your prayer and encouragement.
This work is deeply relational, often quiet, and sometimes heavy. Pray that I would walk faithfully, humbly, and wisely as I serve pastors and churches.
And if God brings me to mind — reach out. Your encouragement always lands deeper than you may realize.
A Family Update
One of the sweetest parts of this year has been watching God’s faithfulness to our kids.
Abby has grown tremendously in her first two years of college and recently transferred to the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick. She’s thriving — working, building friendships, and surrounded by an exceptional Christian community. Her month-long mission trip to Boston was transformational, and her love for people continues to shine in everything she does.
Eli completed his first quarter at SCAD, where his artistic gift is being developed in all the right ways. He’s also playing lacrosse on scholarship. He started in his first college scrimmage and played in all the fall matchups. His first official season begins January 28, and he’s ready.
Both kids have found solid churches and are growing deeply in their walks with Jesus. Lisa and I are incredibly grateful — and many of you helped shape them over the years.
Lisa continues teaching at Strong Rock Christian School and pouring faithfully into the next generation. She remains the steady anchor of our family, serving with grace and strength in a long season of change.
Thank You
To everyone who has been part of our ministry journey — The Griffin Campus, The Young Marrieds Group, XAO College and Young Adults, Student ministries, and every season in between — sincerely, thank you.
Those seasons helped shape our family and helped form the foundation of The Ascent Network.
Thank you for your friendship, your prayers, your encouragement, and your love.
I’m hopeful about this next chapter, grateful for what God is building, and excited to continue serving pastors, leaders, churches, and the Kingdom wherever He leads.
If you ever want to talk — about life, ministry, or where God has you — I’d love to connect.
Grace and gratitude,
Pastor Cary
I also want to invite you to explore the newly launched website for The Ascent Network — something I’ve been quietly building for a while. On the site, you’ll find more about the mission, resources, and the ways this ministry walks with pastors and churches to see more gospel impact! I’d be honored for you to take a look around. Any feedback you have is appreciated.
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