Tom L. Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, tells the story of Alan, who served in Force Recon during the Vietnam War and later struggled with PTSD, moral injury, and the challenges of returning to civilian life. His story emphasizes veterans’ spiritual and emotional needs and calls on faith communities to offer understanding, connection, and support.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why might veterans struggle to talk about what they experienced during combat, even with people who care deeply about them?Look around 3:15–4:35
2. Why might a veteran feel spiritually hungry yet still feel disconnected from a traditional church?Look around 8:35–12:35
3. What does the image of interlocking redwood roots teach us about the kind of community veterans may need after returning home?Look around 15:00–18:20
4. What are some practical ways a church can support veterans without treating them simply as people who need to be “fixed”?Look around 18:25–19:50
5. If community is an important part of healing moral and spiritual injury, what would a genuinely veteran-friendly faith community look and feel like?Look around 26:45–29:40
27 Jul 2026
E11: My Dad isn't Coming Home
In this episode of the GWFW podcast, Dr. Tom L. Seals interviews Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Saucier, a retired U.S. Air Force chaplain. They discuss how deployment and military responsibilities affect soldiers' spiritual lives and how important it is for healing to care for a veteran's spirit.
29 Jun 2026
E10: Freedom Beyond Personal Circumstances
Dr. Tom L. Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, considers Paul an example of someone who experienced freedom beyond his personal circumstances. During this season of celebrating the United States' 250th year, it is especially poignant to consider our personal freedom in light of being a veteran who has sacrificed for their country.
Be sure to check out the transcript of this episode for discussion questions that may help you dig deeper into this material.
28 May 2026
E9 Vietnam - Just or Unjust War?
Dr. Tom L. Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, offers up support for the idea that the Vietnam War was indeed a just war. This may be especially helpful for Vietnam War veterans who wrestle with this question as part of their own healing.
Check out the transcript of this podcast episode for discussion questions that may help someone go deeper with this idea.
29 Apr 2026
E8: What Makes the Church a Church?
Tom Seals, of God's Word for Warriors, discusses what makes a community a church. Using scriptural support and examples, such as the Amish community that lost members and offered forgiveness, he suggests that community becomes a church when it reflects Christ.
To engage deeper in this offering, consider these discussion questions:
(Around 0:40–2:30)Tom describes the Amish community’s response to tragedy, especially their immediate forgiveness and support for the offender’s family.What does this example suggest about what it truly means to live out Christian beliefs—and why does it feel so rare or difficult in modern society?
(Around 3:00–4:30)Philippians 2 is used to highlight Christ’s humility and obedience.How might adopting this mindset—self-emptying and humility—change the way individuals and churches operate today?
(Around 7:15–8:30)Tom critiques the modern view of church as a place, program, or service provider.What are the consequences of viewing church primarily as an activity or institution rather than a mission or identity?
(Around 9:15–10:30)Early Christians are described as people recognized because “they had been with Jesus.”What would it practically look like today for someone to live in such a way that others clearly recognize that influence?
(Around 11:30–14:45)The lesson contrasts the ideal vision of community (referencing John Lennon’s “Imagine”) with the reality of human brokenness and unmet intentions.Why is it so difficult for people to embody the change they desire in the world, and how does Tom suggest the church can bridge that gap?
30 Mar 2026
E7: It is Not Good
Tom Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, speaks on the topic of women veterans, an increasing demographic in the US military, and the historical failure to support them well.
26 Feb 2026
E6: An Ever-Absent God
Tom Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, explores this difficult topic with a Scripture-based approach that may inspire and encourage a veteran who feels forgotten by God.
29 Jan 2026
E5: The Pain of Loneliness
Tom Seals, the founder of God's Word for Warriors, offers faith-based, scripture-rich encouragement for veterans who are struggling with the loneliness that often comes during and after deployment.
29 Dec 2025
E4: What is Happy and New About 2026?
Tom Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, shares thoughts on the sentiment of "Happy" New Year and offers ways and encouragement for veterans wrestling with the struggles of returning home after deployment. (2026)
26 Nov 2025
E3: Veterans and Faith Communities
Tom Seals discusses the concept of "cheap grace" and how faith-based communities can better support veterans after deployment. (2025)
29 Oct 2025
E2: War and Invisible Wounds
Tom Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, offers insight and encouragement for veterans and their families who have experienced suicidal thoughts or loss due to suicide associated with veteran trauma. (2025)
22 Sept 2025
E1: Moral and Spiritual Injury
Tom Seals speaks to the moral and spiritual injury inherent in the work that our veterans are called to. He offers a scriptural approach to releasing veterans from the guilt and shame that often comes home with deployed military members. (2025)
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