Author Archives: ashleealleycrawford

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About ashleealleycrawford

I am the Associate Director for the Office of Clergy Excellence in 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 elder in the UMC and love to talk all things discipleship, crochet, flowers, family, and friends.

Young Clergy in the Ministry of the Church

Thursday and Friday of this week, I was in Nashville at a gathering of 10 UMC young clergy. We were invited by folks from the GBHEM and two young clergy (Chris Roberts from the Indiana Conference and Jenny Smith, a … Continue reading

Posted in GBHEM, Lovett Weems, Nashville, UMC young clergy | 6 Comments

Live From Nashville

I was asked, along with 9 other young UM clergy, to be in a conversation sponsored by the GBHEM about young clergy. I along with, these others, and a few drop-in guests, have spent the afternoon and evening chatting about … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Getting Your Life in ORDER

I wrote this article for fellow campus ministers as they begin the new year. It is also found on the College Union website… It’s that time of year again, when we give a little thought to our priorities, making resolutions, … Continue reading

Posted in Campus Ministry, College Union, Sabbath | 3 Comments

To be, or not to be…emergent

This week, we hosted an event at Southwestern College that we call “Builders in Ministry Week.” It’s a three day event for current students, alumni and friends of Southwestern (whose mascot is the Moundbuilder) that allows for connection and continuing … Continue reading

Posted in Builders in Ministry, Emergent Movement, Southwestern College, Tony Jones | 8 Comments

A Sad Anniversary

It’s almost that day, January 26, when my thoughts (and the thoughts of many others) turn to one who is missed: Holly Mitchek. Last year on the 10th anniversary of Holly’s death, I wrote this little piece. I didn’t think … Continue reading

Posted in anniversary, Holly, Southwestern College, the Mound | 1 Comment

A Remarkable Witness

I read this recent article in the UM Reporter and it struck me for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s about a man who was formerly a staunch atheist and prominent Chemistry professor, so a dramatic conversion experience … Continue reading

Posted in Asbury Theological Seminary, atheist, Campus Ministry, UM Reporter | Leave a comment

An Experiment and a Plug!

I’m posting this below as an experiment (I guess I’m still a scientist at heart!). Kevin Watson at http://deeplycommitted.com has started an experiment to see how much social capital Methodist bloggers have. This experiment was prompted by the feeling among … Continue reading

Posted in blogging, UMC, YouTube | Leave a comment

Sharing the Secret

Here’s a thought for the day, or maybe for the year! It’s a good reminder for getting off to a good start… “Joy, which was the small publicity of the page, is the gigiantic secret of the Christian.” G.K. Chesterton … Continue reading

Posted in GK Chesterton, secret, thought for the day | 1 Comment

The Lord’s Boot Camp

I watched the 48 Hours Special last night on The Lord’s Boot Camp. It is akin to the documentary Jesus Camp (which I’m trying to get a hold of) and outlines 3 youth as they attend a Teen Missions camp. … Continue reading

Posted in Evangelism, Missions, Youth Ministry | Leave a comment

You Are Not Alone…

In mid October, I attended a women’s retreat led by women from my church. One of the speakers, Lisa, a woman that I’ve known for over 10 years, was sharing an experience about how God reminded her of his love … Continue reading

Posted in butterflies, personal | Leave a comment