This faith story is part of a series where we are speaking to people who are due to be ordained next month (June).

 

When illness brought Lynne Ashley-Emery’s life to a sudden halt she was determined it would not be the end of her story – a few years later, she is now studying for stipendiary ministry.

Lynne has always worked hard and built up a wealth of education and life experience. But during the chaos of the pandemic, as she worked on her doctorate, her life changed dramatically. She was rushed to hospital with a suspected heart attack and told she might not live to retirement.

She recalls: “I was taken into hospital with a suspected heart attack – but it wasn’t a heart attack.

“I had a hereditary condition and was told I would die prematurely and that I wouldn’t make retirement. I was advised by the hospital to give everything up and enjoy what time l had left.

“I sat at home and thought, I have gone from living an active life, to doing nothing, waiting to die.”

Yet Lynne sensed this was not the end God had for her. Determined to understand her condition, she began researching her diagnosis and found the correct medication. That decision proved life-changing – today she is alive, well, and able to pursue her calling to ministry.

Faith has been a constant thread throughout Lynne’s life. As a child growing up in rural Lincolnshire, she first encountered the Church of England when the local vicar visited her primary school and invited children to join the choir.

At the age of nine, Lynne took herself along.

“I loved it and felt at home,” she says. “I have always had a close relationship with God. Ever since I can remember, my faith has been really strong.”

Her faith was woven into her everyday life.

She says: “I had a horse, and when I went riding, I talked to God.”

After school, Lynne studied Travel and Tourism before taking a year out to work for the Youth Hostel Association. During that time, she discerned a call to nursing.

She says: “My heroes, who inspired me, were Florence Nightingale and Vera Brittain.”

She completed her adult nursing training in Derbyshire and took her first staffing post at Guy’s Hospital, working in A&E.

“I was 23 and in charge of the observation unit,” she explains. “I had to grow up very quickly.”

Following her training, Lynne went on to become a midwife and eventually became a health visitor, spending 32 years working in public health and latterly child protection.

Then, around 2011, came another call.

“I was driving to work when I sensed God asking me to become a priest,” she remembers. “My immediate response was, ‘I am not good enough’ – but I began to explore the idea.”

Lynne started a Divinity degree at the University of Aberdeen and entered the discernment process for ordination with the Church of Scotland. Despite a strong sense of vocation, she was turned down at the final stage.

She says: “The feedback was, ‘Lynne is called to ministry, but we are saying no’.”

Although painful, this did not end her journey. She continued her studies, later completing a masters degree at Durham University, and then began doctoral research in spirituality, health, and theology.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Lynne returned to the frontline service, using her medical experience to support the health visiting service. It was during this time she became seriously unwell and admitted to hospital.

Following her recovery, Lynne moved to Portsmouth, where her husband was serving in the Royal Navy. There, she began attending a Church of England on HMS Nelson that would reopen the path to ordination – this time for stipendiary ministry.

Now, as she prepares for ordination in June, Lynne speaks with hope and anticipation about what lies ahead.

“I am really excited and feel very blessed,” she says. “I am going to be based in St Blazey, Treverbyn, Charlestown and Par.

“My journey has been marked by challenge, resilience, and a deep trust in God’s faithfulness. What once seemed like an ending has become a new beginning.”