(Pending RE-Endorsement)             

Audra Gehler is a Savannah native who returned to her childhood home on the beautiful Isle of Hope. Audra is married to Jay Gehler of Waterloo, WI, and both are congregation members and were married at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension. Audra has two adult children: daughter Caitlyn, who lives in Savannah, is in culinary school and is married to Ryan McCullers, a Pooler firefighter. Her son Nelson is a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Army and is stationed at Ft Stewart and is engaged to Brenna Meek, a Labor and Delivery nurse at Memorial Hospital. Audra has thirty years of administrative and event planning experience, primarily at the University of Georgia. Audra volunteers with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and is recognized as an Honorary member serving in the Communications Team. When she’s not with family or cooking, Audra can be found on the golf course or cheering for her Bulldawgs, Bananas, Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.

Audra accepted a Call to serve as the Lutheran Church of the Ascension Parish Administration in July 2019. She is passionate about growing her faith and building community. She has been enrolled at the Pacific Theological Lutheran Seminary in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries Program (TEEM) and graduated on May 24, 2025. As part of the internship program with TEEM and the Southeastern Synod, she served as a Vicar at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Wilmington Island in Savannah, GA.

Audra serves the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA Communications Committee and Diversity and Justice Task Force.

Audra Nelson Gehler is a dedicated community leader and volunteer in Savannah, Georgia. She has contributed to various local initiatives and the Lutheran Church of the Ascension ministers. Her involvement extends to supporting educational and philanthropic activities in the region, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the well-being of the Savannah community.