Darrell & Julie Simbeck

Senior Pastors

Pastors Darrell and Julie Simbeck are the Senior Pastors and Co-Founders of Ascension Life Church in Athens, Tennessee, where they have faithfully served since its founding in November 2001. With over two decades in full-time ministry, they exemplify a powerful husband-and-wife team devoted to fulfilling God’s Kingdom purposes together.

Their ministry is marked by a passionate overflow of God’s love, mercy, and grace, paired with relevant, Bible-based teaching and strong, godly leadership. As leaders of both Ascension Life Church and Ascension Life Ministries, their calling is to plant and strengthen New Testament churches that serve as centers for family worship, biblical teaching, and spiritual training, all grounded in the message of the gospel of grace.

Married since 1993, Darrell and Julie are blessed with three children and five grandchildren.

Pastor Darrell holds a PhD in Renewal Theology, a ThM in Christian Theology, and an MTS in Biblical Studies from Regent University, along with a BS in Organizational Management from Covenant College. His academic and ministerial interests focus on the new covenant of grace, the finished work of the cross, the Father’s love, Pauline theology, fivefold ministry, spiritual gifts, and biblical church leadership.

Bobby & Mary Murphy

Pastoral Care

Elders