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
When I talk to young people about peacemaking, I hear their cynicism. They’ve told me, “Why bother?” They seem to think no one is trying.
The proposal to unify four general agencies of The United Methodist Church — Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries (GBGM), Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and United Methodist Communications (UMCom) — to create a new connectional ministries agency has passed its next significant milestone.
I had one of the most beautiful experiences at an Albergue. On El Camino de Santiago there are many opportunities to stop. Albergues are inns, places where people can stop for the night and rest. Some albergues offer different amenities during the day. Some serve as cafes, places where you can have a bite to eat, use the restroom, and refill your water bottle. Most of them would charge a euro to use the restroom. Some would not allow you to use the facilities unless you were a customer.
