Audra Nelson Gehler is a Savannah native who returned to her childhood home on the beautiful Isle of Hope, where her roots in faith, community, and service continue to shape her ministry today.

Audra is married to Jay Gehler of Waterloo, Wisconsin. Together, they are members of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, where they were married. Audra is the proud mother of two adult children. Her daughter, Caitlyn McCullers, lives in Savannah, is pursuing culinary studies, and is married to Ryan McCullers, a firefighter serving the Pooler community. Her son, Nelson, is a Sergeant in the United States Army stationed at Fort Stewart and is married to Brenna, a nurse at a local doctor's office.

Before entering rostered ministry, Audra spent more than thirty years in administrative leadership, communications, and event planning, primarily through her work with the University of Georgia. Her ministries throughout her church history include teaching second-grade Sunday School, assisting in the children's choir, middle school Sunday School, food ministries, assisting in inreach/outreach fellowship events, stewardship, and various worship positions, from Livestream to Assisting Minister. 

In July 2019, Audra accepted a call to serve as Parish Administrator at Lutheran Church of the Ascension. During that season of ministry, she discerned a deeper call to Word and Sacrament ministry within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She enrolled in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and graduated in May 2025.

As part of her candidacy and internship formation through the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, Audra served as Vicar at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Wilmington Island. Since June 1, 2025, she has faithfully served Mt. Zion–St. Luke Lutheran Church as Synod Authorized Minister (S.A.M.), leading worship, providing pastoral care, and helping strengthen the congregation’s outreach, faith formation, and community partnerships throughout Macon County and beyond.

Audra also serves the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through participation on the Communications Committee and the Diversity and Justice Task Force, reflecting her passion for hospitality, inclusion, and building relationships across communities.

Deeply committed to servant leadership and community engagement, Audra’s ministry reflects a heart for connecting people through faith, compassion, outreach, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Whether serving in congregational ministry, supporting community initiatives, or simply gathering around the table with family and friends, she seeks to embody Christ’s love through presence, encouragement, and service.

When not serving in ministry, Audra enjoys cooking, spending time with family, golfing, and cheering on her favorite teams — the Georgia Bulldogs, Savannah Bananas, Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers.