Answering the Call with GBHEM Scholarship: Ashlee French’s Journey Toward Chaplaincy
“I am grateful for the Brandenburg scholarship, which enables me to pursue graduate theological education at minimal cost. It is a joy to finally answer God’s call and to do so without financial burden.”
— Ashlee French, Wesley Theological Seminary
Ashlee French is answering God’s call to ministry in a way that reflects both faith and dedication. At 54, French is pursuing an M.A. at Wesley Theological Seminary to become an ordained deacon and chaplain. While she has served her local church in creative ways, her journey to chaplaincy has not followed a traditional career path.
A crucial part of French’s ministry has been her involvement in Fresh Expressions of church—innovative, outside-the-box ministries designed to reach people where they are. One such expression, Sing, Pray, Love, is a worship ministry for a senior residential community. Another, Creative Crafters, connects her neighborhood through creativity and discipleship. However, her calling goes beyond these local initiatives: she envisions serving in hospitals, prisons, or wherever God leads.
To effectively answer this call, French knows she needs advanced theological education. “Chaplains must have a broad base of theological knowledge and a robust repository of spiritual practices to be successful,” she explains. But with limited resources, Ashlee found the financial burden of seminary education daunting.
That’s where the E. Craig Brandenburg Scholarship from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, came in. “I am grateful for the Brandenburg scholarship, which enables me to pursue graduate theological education at minimal cost,” French shares. “It is a joy to finally answer God’s call and to do so without financial burden.”
Upon completion of her degree, French plans to pursue associate board certification as a chaplain, expanding her ministry opportunities.
GBHEM Scholarship Program
GBHEM Scholarships offer financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. With this financial aid, GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world. Learn more.
Related Posts
The end of the semester always comes with a bittersweet taste. We say farewell to students who have been part of the campus community during the early years of adulthood. These students were formed on our campuses. They will carry the values of your institution for the rest of their lives.
The E. Stanley Jones Foundation and the General Boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry have partnered to develop and release a suicide prevention video training course designed to equip faith leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent suicide, respond to crises, and care for individuals and families affected by suicide loss.
NAIROBI – From April 8-10, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, 112 board members, staff, and missionaries – including eight bishops from diverse regions – converged for a three-day meeting of the boards of directors for Global Ministries (GBGM), UMCOR, and Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).
