36 students from across North America just completed Brethren Academy, a weeklong intensive of leadership development, allowing high school students to explore God’s call on their life. The week, hosted on the campus of 

Ashland University

 places students along side peers and ministry leaders, and allows space to question, explore and probe their faith. 

The week includes lecture and discussion sessions that cover a wide gamut of topics, including Brethren life and theology, financial management, vocational calling, introductions to college life, and more. 

Brethren Academy is spearheaded through Brethren Connections, a ministry housed in the 

Office of Christian Ministry at Ashland University

, and headed by Cory 

Smith. Smith, who became an ordained elder in The Brethren Church in May 2017

, serves to help connect students and prospective students on campus to the greater Brethren movement. 

The week included the leadership of nine advisors, as well as five additional support staff.

Aidan McClung, a student from Canada, says, “I try to think I’m not, but I think more often than not, I end up accidentally leading people. When I’m at Brethren Academy, I become outgoing and make new friends. I’m very much someone who can bring people together. I can usually bring people together that don’t usually come together, and I think maybe that’s who God created me to be.”



More information and updates on Brethren Academy can be found at 

brethrenacademy.org