Reverend Erick Ashley has faithfully served the United Methodist Church throughout Florida for over twenty years. With extensive experience in administration, discipleship, preaching, and teaching, Erick has cultivated a ministry vocation focused on helping churches grow meaningfully and connect more deeply with their surrounding communities.
At the heart of Erick’s ministry is a passion for helping individuals experience a life-changing relationship with Christ. He emphasizes the sacred worth of every person and the vital role each plays in the body of Christ and the community's life. This commitment is evident in his current appointment at Clearview United Methodist Church in Saint Petersburg, where he has helped guide the congregation toward renewed vitality and mission. Under his leadership, Clearview continues to embrace its mission of “living an embodied faith, sharing God’s love for all" and its current focus of "Feeding Hope, Ending Hunger, and Building Community."
In addition to his pastoral work, Erick serves as a Spiritual Director, walking alongside individuals as they deepen their faith and discern God’s unique calling. As an adjunct professor of World Religions at St. Petersburg College, helping students engage with diverse belief systems through a lens of respect and understanding. Recently, Erick has been named to the Board of Directors for the Florida Dream Center, a non-profit social services organization that serves the Lealman community and greater Pinellas County.
Erick is married to Reverend Tracie Ashley, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport. They will celebrate their 32nd anniversary in May. They are the proud parents of four wonderful adult children—Kenny (28), Hannah (24), Howie (22), and Kara (20). They are joyfully anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild this summer, marking a beautiful new chapter in their family’s journey.
A native of New Port Richey, FL, Erick is a graduate of Gulf High School, Stetson University (Bachelor of Music Education), Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University (Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership), the United Methodist Course of Study at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and the United Methodist Advanced Course of Study at Duke University Divinity School.
With a heart for service and a vision for holistic, community-centered ministry, Erick is eager to offer his gifts and experience to this new and innovative approach to church leadership in South Pinellas. He continues his lifelong commitment to building God’s kingdom through compassionate action and transformative love.
