Deputy Garrison Chaplain James Ward to be Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

Article by: Bishop Mike Ainsworth

Conference Superintendent

Cornerstone Conference IPHC

The Cornerstone Conference joyfully celebrates the upcoming promotion of Deputy Garrison Chaplain James Ward to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The promotion ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on March 16, 2026, at Pohick Church in Lorton, Virginia. 

Pohick Church—known as the “home church” of George Washington and George Mason—offers a historic and meaningful setting for this special occasion. The church stands as a witness to the deep faith of our nation’s first President and of the commanding general who directed that every battalion have a chaplain, underscoring the long and valued partnership between faith and military service. 

For Chaplain Ward, this promotion is especially significant. Having begun his military chaplaincy journey later in life, his elevation to Lieutenant Colonel reflects years of faithful service, steadfast commitment, and obedience to God’s calling. His ministry within the United States Army embodies both pastoral care and spiritual leadership to those who serve our nation. 

The Cornerstone Conference is immensely proud of Chaplain Ward and his accomplishments. He represents Cornerstone with distinction as a Chaplain in the United States Army, exemplifying integrity, leadership, and commitment in both ministry and military service. On behalf of our Cornerstone family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and prayers as he continues to serve God and country. 

CH (MAJ) James Ward is a trained Hospital Clinician, having completed five units of Clinical Pastoral Education and advanced training at Brooke Army Medical Center. He began his career as an Active-Duty Army Chaplain on 11 September 2009, attending the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.​

Chaplain Ward first served as Battalion Chaplain for 1-21 Field Artillery(MLRS) at Fort Cavazos,

Texas (DEC 2009 - MAR 2011) and Chaplain for TFLobos, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade; deployed to Camp Marmal, Afghanistan ISOOperation Enduring Freedom (OEF) ’11-’12 (APR 2011 - NOV 2012). He then attended Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education Residency at Brooke Army Medical Center (DEC 2012 - DEC 2013) with a follow-on assignment as Hospital Chaplain for the 21st Combat Support Hospital (CSH); deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, ISO Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) ’14-’15. He served as Chaplain for the Warrior Transition Brigade (WTU) Chaplain at Fort Cavazos, Texas. 

After attending the Chaplain Captain’s Career Course, he served the 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and Army Operations Chaplain for 673rd Air Base Wing / Wing Staff Agency. He received a Master of Operational Studies from the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Most recently, CH Ward served as Chaplain for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and as Deputy Division Chaplain for the 1st Armored Division. He is now the Deputy Garrison Chaplain at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.​

His civilian education includes the Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry fromHolmes Bible College, Master of Divinity from The Pentecostal Seminary, Master of Theological Studies from Houston Graduate School of Theology, Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Carolina Graduate Divinity School (Kairos University), and Doctor of Ministry in Clinical Pastoral Education from Erskine Theological Seminary. His awards include the following: Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC); Meritorious Unit Citation (1 OLC); Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the Overseas Ribbon (Numeral 4).

He married the former Joy Michelle Fell of Augusta, Georgia. Joy is an accomplished worship leader and musician. They have three children, two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters, Felicity and Nora.​