Chaplain Stories Chaplain (MAJ-P) Alison Ward
Aug 26, 2025
Chaplain (MAJ) Alison Ward, an experienced US Army chaplain and senior instructor at Fort Jackson, shares her remarkable journey in military ministry. She discusses the transition from company to field grade and the complexities of mentoring soldiers. Alison emphasizes the significance of maintaining spiritual wellness among grieving troops and the balance required between faith leadership and military duties. She also explores the importance of community engagement and the vital role chaplains play in supporting soldiers through moral dilemmas in modern warfare.
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Maintain Spiritual Disciplines
- Read and practice spiritual disciplines to keep your ministry vibrant and avoid rote religion.
- Prioritize personal spiritual rhythms so you can pour out of a full cup, not the dregs.
Deployment Ministry In Jordan
- Ward recalled deployment ministry in the Jordan region that deepened soldiers' faith by connecting scripture to place.
- She found returning to battalion-level Bible studies and counseling especially rewarding as a brigade chaplain.
Pace Yourself And Learn Unit Culture
- Pace yourself and treat the chaplaincy as an endurance run, not a sprint, to avoid burnout.
- Learn unit culture and ask daily, "Who do I need to talk to today?" to focus efforts wisely.
