Ascending Leaders

08/21/2026

In her first week, Samantha has already proven to be a terrific fit—someone who will help empower our vision of a world filled with vibrant churches and authentic Jesus followers!

Welcome to the team, Samantha Carrell!

We're thrilled to introduce our new Director of Operations & Grant Development.

Samantha brings nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership experience — operations, strategic planning, grant development, and team leadership — and a heart for building systems that help mission-driven teams thrive.

"I am excited to bring my experience to Ascending Leaders during this season of growth and possibility," Samantha shares. "I look forward to strengthening operations, expanding grant and funding opportunities, and contributing to our reach and impact."

Founder Mike Johnson calls her "the pivotal leader to help us get there" as Ascending Leaders works toward doubling our impact by 2030.

A Texas native now in Dallas with her husband Kevin and their son, Samantha leads with integrity, humility, and a deep walk with Christ — and she was drawn to our mission of discipleship and developing Christian leaders.

Join us in welcoming Samantha to the family! 🙌

08/21/2026

Welcome to the team, Samantha Carrell!

We're thrilled to introduce our new Director of Operations & Grant Development.

Samantha brings nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership experience — operations, strategic planning, grant development, and team leadership — and a heart for building systems that help mission-driven teams thrive.

"I am excited to bring my experience to Ascending Leaders during this season of growth and possibility," Samantha shares. "I look forward to strengthening operations, expanding grant and funding opportunities, and contributing to our reach and impact."

Founder Mike Johnson calls her "the pivotal leader to help us get there" as Ascending Leaders works toward doubling our impact by 2030.

A Texas native now in Dallas with her husband Kevin and their son, Samantha leads with integrity, humility, and a deep walk with Christ — and she was drawn to our mission of discipleship and developing Christian leaders.

Join us in welcoming Samantha to the family! 🙌

08/19/2026

The next generation isn't asking for more programs. They're asking for purpose.

They're asking for authenticity. They're asking for leaders who will walk with them toward Jesus.

The churches that thrive in the future won't necessarily have the best production. They'll have the clearest pathway for discipleship.

08/17/2026

Discipleship can’t keep being a “someday” priority.

Church calendars fill up. Programs launch. Sundays keep coming.

But building a discipleship culture requires an intentional decision to start now.

Take one step. Start one conversation. Equip one leader. Strengthen one group.

Let’s not just talk about making disciples. Let’s do it.

The future of your ministry depends on what you intentionally build today.

08/05/2026

Episode 43 Now Available 🎙️ - https://mailchi.mp/e6483985aac2/episode-43

07/23/2026

Every church has a discipleship strategy. Some are intentional.
Others happen by accident.

The question isn't whether you have one... The question is:
Can you clearly explain how a person moves from curious about Jesus to fully surrendered to Him?

If not, your people are navigating without a map.

07/16/2026

Most Christians have heard hundreds of sermons. Many have attended countless Bible studies.
Yet many still feel spiritually stuck. Why?

Because discipleship isn't primarily about information.
It's about formation. At some point, every church must ask: Are we helping people know more? Or helping people become more like Jesus?

07/09/2026

The early Church didn't spread because people attended services.

It spread because ordinary believers became disciples who made disciples.

The mission has never been creating better spectators.
The mission has always been forming people who follow Jesus deeply enough to help others do the same.

07/06/2026

Most churches know:
✔ Sunday attendance
✔ Budget numbers
✔ Volunteer counts

Far fewer know:
How many people are actively growing in Christ?
How many are discipling someone else?
How many are taking meaningful next steps?
If we can't answer those questions, we may be measuring activity instead of transformation.

07/04/2026

In Cherished Memory of Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr.

Our hearts are heavy this independence day as we join Houston Christian University and the entire HCU family in mourning the homegoing of Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr.

From 2016 to 2020, Dr. Sloan served faithfully on the Ascending Leaders board, bringing deep wisdom on how people are transformed, how leaders grow and on organizational leadership. His kindness also helped open doors of pre-Covid partnership between Ascending Leaders and Houston Christian University — experiences of collaboration we are grateful for to this day.

Dr. Sloan gave twenty remarkable years of leadership to HCU and the entire Houston community and his impact on Christian higher education and on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him will not be forgotten.

We grieve, but not without hope. We take comfort knowing Dr. Sloan now stands in the presence of his Savior, freed from the pains of this life.

Please join us in praying for HCU First Lady Sue Sloan, their children and grandchildren, and the entire HCU community during this time of profound loss.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." — Psalm 116:15

With deep gratitude and heavy hearts,
The Ascending Leaders board, staff and greater family