ASCENT WEEK #2
JULY 26 - 31, 2026
Speaker: Brian Onken
Topic: A Study of Abraham
This week, we invite you to journey with us through Genesis 12–22 as we study the life of Abraham and the friendship he developed with God. We will practice reading Old Testament narrative as it was meant to be read and how to see the truth of God communicated in the story being told. Together we’ll discover how these stories are designed to shape us, not just inform us, while we trace Abraham’s remarkable path of faith and how he grew into the only person Scripture calls “the friend of God”!

Brian came to faith in Christ while a junior in high school. After undergraduate studies in California, his life took a decidedly different turn as the Lord led him into vocational ministry.
Brian has a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Talbot Seminary and pursued additional doctoral-level course work in theology, obtaining a second Master’s Degree in Theology from Regent University. He has pastored in both large and small churches, served in leadership roles in two church plants, and was a lead researcher/teacher for the Christian Research Institute and for Walk Thru the Bible.
With over three decades of experience in church and para-church ministry, Brian Onken serves as the Executive Director and an instructor for The River, a ministry focused on helping people learn to become better readers of the Bible. He has taught in Bible schools and discipleship programs in Romania, the Caribbean, as well as in the States. Whether through online classes, in-person instruction, or through books he has written, Brian has “one string on his guitar”—he is committed to helping people read and understand the Bible
Brian makes his home in South Carolina, with Sue, his wife of over forty years. They have two grown children.
Pricing & Other Info
Here’s the basic breakdown for the full week. This includes lodging, towels, linens, all meals, and guided activities.
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Adults (18+): $625
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Youth (11-17): $400
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Child (4-10): $284
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Infant/Toddler: $0
There will be a $149 non-refundable deposit after registration. Remaining balance will be due one month before your trip. If the week is already filled, your registration will be added to our waiting list.

Ascent Week Sample Schedule
Sunday:
4:00pm – 6:00pm – Guests check-in/welcome
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – BIBLE session 1
8:30pm – Evening snacks & fellowship
Monday:
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am – BIBLE session 2
11:00am – Morning Adventures: options like hiking, rock climbing, biking, and fly fishing
*If you or your family members opt out of a day’s programmed activity, there are
plenty of options for fun or relaxing at TL, as well as lots to explore in town!
3:30pm – 5:30pm – Free time, clean up
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – BIBLE session 3
8:00pm – Evening snacks & fellowship
Tuesday:
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am – BIBLE session 4
11:00am – Morning Adventures
3:30pm – 5:30pm – Free time, clean up
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – BIBLE session 5
8:00pm – Evening snacks & fellowship
Wednesday: (FREE DAY!)
8:00pm – 9:30am – Open Continental Breakfast
10:30am – Enjoy a quiet day at TL or explore the many activities just a few miles away including a high ropes course, rafting, Rocky Mountain National Park, downhill mountain biking, shopping in Winter Park, etc!
5:30pm – 7:00pm – Formal Dinner for the adults (Children fed separately)
7:30pm – Family Fun Night!
Thursday:
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am – BIBLE session 6
11:00am – Morning Adventures
3:30pm – 5:30pm – Free time, clean up
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – BIBLE session 7
8:00pm – Evening snacks & fellowship
Friday:
Before 8:30am – All guests move out of rooms and pack up cars
8:45am – Cowboy Breakfast at the Ranch
10:30am – 11:00 am – Good-byes, departure
