Hello! My name is Ashley Penrod. I am blessed with one son (so far) and a fantastic husband. We live on the small family farm I grew up on in eastern Iowa. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute. The ministry course options at CLI equip me for my ministry calling from God.
My Story
My family very rarely missed church. The days I grew in my faith the most were in 8th grade, which was a confirmation year for me. At this time, my church did not have a full-time pastor. Our pastor retired and moved away, and we had not yet found a new pastor. I had a great confirmation teacher and a great mentor. My father took me to church council meetings and was a part of finding a new pastor.
While in high school, it crossed my mind that I could go into the military and become a chaplain. However, I could not go this path as I had some health issues with asthma and with my joints. I had several ankle surgeries. We prayed before each one, and they all went without issue.
College, Work, and Marriage
After high school, I started to pull away from my faith. I worked on weekends as college was Monday through Thursday. I attempted to attend church and even conducted the bell choir for a year. However, I later moved to the apartments at my local community college. Once again, my faith went on the back burner. I went to school to become a diesel mechanic and earned my agricultural business management degree. For a few years, I worked as a mechanic until a shoulder injury made it impossible for me to work on heavy-duty trucks.
Thankfully, I met my husband when I was in the diesel program. We married one year after graduating from school. He helped me with many prayers when I could no longer do what I loved.
Ministry Course Options at CLI
I later went back to college and became a paramedic. At this point, I began attending church more and reading my Bible again. I often contacted God when a serious call came over the radio. It drew me closer to God, and my faith in Him grew. Then, I began to look into ordained minister courses as I did in high school. Generally, one pays a lot for ministry courses. So, I thought I would not get to grow in my faith and become a minister.
I was at work between ambulance calls and looked again at my ministry class options. That was when I came across the Christian Leaders Institute. It worked perfectly for me. In a difficult place financially, I was thrilled to find out that there was an option at the Christian Leaders Institute. I could take classes while still working and donate when I could. It was inspiring for me. I signed up and started my classes that day. Therefore, I can study while work is slow and fit schooling for ministry in my free time.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
