Leading Lady Monday: Associate Pastor Ashley Blanchard – Abundant Life Fellowship

Cyndi Kay Green: Give us a brief introduction including your spouse, and introduction to the ministries within the church.
Ashley Blanchard: My name is Ashley Blanchard. My husband, Ed Blanchard and I are Associate Pastors at Abundant Life in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. We have 3 adventurous children. Besides being a wife, mother, and associate pastor, I also work at Shiloh Christian school as an Administrator’s Assistant and do some bookkeeping on the side. Needless to say…there is always something going on.

My husband Ed is also the Case Manager for the Tahlequah Day Center. It’s a place that helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, by providing a meal, a shower, and case by case assessment. Everyone has a unique situation. So, there are no cookie cutter answers. But we do our best to encourage everyone to take the next step out of their situation to a better life. All the while providing tools to do so.

Abundant Life has a plethora of ministries to get involved in, and in that there is something for everyone
Prison Ministry
Celebrate Recovery
We partner with other churches to serve the Hands of Grace warehouse (provides food and necessities to struggling families)
Life Groups
Men’s and Women’s ministry……Just to name a few…..

CKG: Does Abundant Life have groups that promote growth in the Word?
AB: At Abundant Life we believe that Life is done better in circles than in rows. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, we are not a church WITH groups. We are a church OF groups. We know that Life Groups are essential for personal growth. And we believe it happens with discipleship through relationships and practical application of God’s Word. We have new groups popping up all the time. The best way to check one out is to go to our website alft.org

CKG: Can our readers participate in an online bible study through Abundant Life Website?
AB: We have some groups who cast their study to online platforms like Facebook. And we hope to have more in the future.

CKG: What do you feel draws people to church at this time of uncertainty?
AB: If there has ever been a time in history when people need hope, its right now! I believe the God-shaped hole that exists inside of every human being is calling out for the peace and hope that is only found in relationship with our Creator. We are passionate about seeing every believer, no matter where they are in their walk, take the next step. Every step taken is a step closer to God and who He has created them to be.