When a troubled soldier opened fire on members of his unit at Fort Stewart last month, Church of God Army Chaplain (Major) Ryan Wood and his team of Battalion Chaplains responded quickly by providing pastoral care to the wounded Soldiers, their comrades, and others impacted by the tragic act. As investigators released soldiers from the scene, Chaplain Wood provided immediate counseling and care for the Soldiers who worked closely with the shooter.
Chaplain Wood serves as the Brigade Chaplain for the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. His office sits just across the street from where five Soldiers were injured during the attack. As soon as the “take cover in place” alert was lifted, Chaplain Wood and his Unit Ministry Team mobilized to bring comfort, counsel, and a pastoral presence to those reeling from the events. Their ministry extended through the day, late into the evening, and in the days that followed as Soldiers sought reassurance, prayer, and a listening ear.
The pastoral word was not limited to the wounded and traumatized. Chaplain Wood also ensured that spiritual care reached the Soldier responsible for the shooting. Though the individual was placed under confinement without visitor privileges, Chaplain Wood intervened to secure authorization for the Battalion Chaplain to visit, pray with, and minister to him as well. This act reflects the commitment of chaplains to extend the grace and presence of Christ to all, even in moments of brokenness and crisis.
“When tragedies like this occur in the military, hospitals, prisons, or workplaces, embedded chaplains stand uniquely positioned to respond,” stated Richard Pace, director of the Church God Chaplains Commission. “Unlike local pastors, who often face access restrictions, chaplains serve inside the very institutions where trauma strikes. They provide immediate, Spirit-empowered ministry at the point of greatest need.”
Like 375 other Church of God Vocational chaplains, Chaplain Wood’s ministry is grounded in years of pastoral service to the local church and strengthened through theological training in Church of God institutions. Before answering the call to Army chaplaincy, he served on staff at North Chattanooga Church of God and earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.
For more than 70 years, the Church of God has commissioned ordained men and women to represent Christ in places far beyond traditional sanctuaries. From battlefields to hospitals, prisons to corporate offices, chaplains embody the love of Jesus Christ in settings where hearts are most open to the hope of the Gospel. When tragedy strikes, Church of God chaplains like Chaplain Wood are present, ministering in the power of the Spirit to those who need it most.
(Source: Chaplains Commission Staff)