After exploring the three distinct roles, schedule a time to meet with us to discuss the Soul Care Ministry and determine what role will be the best fit for you and your skillset.
Soul Care Training
Providing Biblical counsel and support to Ascend Church and our local community
Ready to get trained to serve in our counseling ministry?
1. Connect with Us
2. Attend a Training
Each spring and fall, Ascend Church hosts training sessions to help you become equipped to serve within the counseling ministry. Additional training opportunities will also be offered throughout the year.
3. Start Serving
Once you’ve received training, you’ll be equipped to help those in our church and community who are struggling. You will also receive further training in order to help you progress through our different volunteer positions!
Who We Are
Ascend Church is a nondenominational Christian church located in the suburbs of Kansas City. We are committed to seeing lost people saved, saved people matured, and mature people multiplied to the glory of God.
Our Affiliations
Our Counselors
Chad McKinley
Director of Discipleship
Chad is the Director of Discipleship at Ascend Church, primarily overseeing the small group and soul care ministries. These two ministries are near to his heart because God uses them to transform and deepen people’s relationship with Christ.
Chad grew up in the church and, for many years, thought being a good person would get him to heaven. In 1995, God led Chad’s family to a church where he heard the gospel for the first time. Instead of good works saving him, he heard the truth that he must trust and believe in Christ and His work in order to have a relationship with Him. God opened his eyes and heart, and Chad committed to have Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Chad has a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Master of Arts degrees in Biblical Counseling and Divinity from Baptist Bible College and Graduate School. As a counselor, he is certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
Chad is married to Maggie, and they have three daughters (Rowan, Bristol, Isla) and two sons (Hudson, Titus). He enjoys spending time with his family, playing superheroes and princesses. He is also a lifelong Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan.
Ursla McCarthy
Associate Director – Biblical Soul Care
Ursla is the Associate Director of Soul Care at Ascend Church and a full-time biblical counselor, working to grow and strengthen our members to counsel the Word of God not only to themselves but to others.
Ursla is a Veteran spouse and after many years of trying to manage the military life outside of her relationship with Jesus Christ, God, in His mercy, brought her to a valley where her only option was to look up. She rededicated her life to living for Christ in 1997 and has not looked back.
Ursla has a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and Christian Women Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary and College of the Bible. She is also certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
Ursla is married to Bob, and they have 3 sons and 1 daughter-in-law. Ursla enjoys fishing, working out, and going to the range with her husband.
