Author Archives: ashleealleycrawford

About ashleealleycrawford

I am the Clergy Recruitment and Development Coordinator for the Great Plains United Methodist Church. I particularly enjoy helping people see what God is calling them to do and knowing how to respond to that. I'm an ordained deacon in the UMC. When I'm not deacon-ing, I run, or read, or spend time with family or friends.

Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace for the Great Plains UMC

Posted on January 17, 2014 by ashleealleycrawford

This last week, the clergy of the newly formed Great Plains annual conference joined together for an Orders and Fellowship meeting.  We had a speaker, some workshops, some worship, and a great deal of fellowship.  I had fun seeing colleagues … Continue reading →

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Dorm Sweet Dorm: some advice for living well with others

Posted on September 4, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

I don’t know if I should be proud or ashamed, but in the decade between age 18 and age 28, I shared living space with 28 different women.  Here’s the breakdown:  10 roommates (for a minimum of a summer), 13 … Continue reading →

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5 ways to Start on the Right Foot in College

Posted on August 15, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

It’s the time of year that college students everywhere are leaving behind their summer jobs, internships, and mom’s cooking for a return to the college campus. I have worked with college students for more than a decade now and I’ve … Continue reading →

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Back-to-School Blogathon at Faithoncampus.com

Posted on August 6, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

For the last several years, Guy Chmieleski, over at Faith on Campus has been organizing a Back-to-School blogathon.  He solicits a dozen campus ministers, writers, thinkers, and pastors to write articles that can get you thinking about ministry with young … Continue reading →

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Mission to Zimbabwe, updated

Posted on August 5, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

Three weeks ago, I returned from my two week long mission trip to Doma, Zimbabwe.  Here are a few words that describe my experience:  fulfilling, exhausting, fun, beautiful, busy, productive, and cold.  (Any of these words surprise you?)  I am … Continue reading →

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My Birthday Psalm (A reading of Ps. 37)

Posted on May 17, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

On my 29th birthday, I started a practice that I have celebrated each year since on my birthday.  I was struggling with turning 29 and thus, decided to embrace the number just a little bit by reading the Psalm that … Continue reading →

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Finishing the Race: advice to new grads

Posted on May 6, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

At our Baccalaureate service, I have the opportunity to give a brief “charge” to our graduates.  Here is my 2013 version. Graduates, you may feel like your 4, 4 and a half, or maybe even 5 years of college has … Continue reading →

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God’s Voice(s) in a Call to Ministry #explo13

Posted on April 4, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

I suppose it’s true for many people, an encounter during a pivotal time in life is a window into one’s calling.  This is definitely true for me.  I came to my UMC-related college as a Baptist biology major who was … Continue reading →

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Mission to Zimbabwe

Posted on April 1, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

My closest friends would tell you that I often find myself in some situations that are somewhat out of the norm for most folks (especially when it comes to being in other countries).  I would tend to agree.  About a … Continue reading →

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Hot Off the Press: Shaping Their Future, a book for those who mentor young adults

Posted on March 7, 2013 by ashleealleycrawford

When I look back on how I ended up in ministry, I see many things in play:  first and foremost, God called me and by God’s grace, I said yes to little steps and then big steps of faith.  But, … Continue reading →

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