The God’s Word for Warriors Podcast - Video

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

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. 

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. 
Discussion Questions:
1. How is the freedom celebrated on the Fourth of July different from the inner freedom Paul describes in Philippians?
Podcast segment: 0:00–3:15
2. Paul wrote Philippians from prison. What does his example teach us about finding joy when our circumstances don't change?
Podcast segment: 4:10–6:05
3. Tom Seals identifies three sources of Paul's joy. Which of the three—happy memories, prayer for others, or hope for the future—do you find most challenging to practice, and why?
Podcast segment: 6:05–15:45
4. What role does gratitude play in overcoming discouragement, and what examples from the message stood out to you?
Podcast segment: 7:15–11:25
5. The podcast ends by contrasting Habakkuk's despair with his ultimate rejoicing. What changed, and how can that perspective shape the way we face today's troubles?
Podcast segment: 15:45–18:20

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. 

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?

Tom Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, offers insight into the growing number of women in the US military and outlines how, historically, women in the military have not always received their due recognition. 
 

Tom Seals, founder of God's Word for Warriors, uses a Scripture-based approach to encourage and inspire veterans who may wrestle with feeling forgotten by God.

Tom Seals, the founder of God's Word for Warriors, offers faith-based, scripture-rich encouragement for veterans and their families who are struggling with loneliness during or after deployment. 

Tom Seals, of God's Word for Warriors, offers insights about the sentiment of "Happy" New Year and encouragement for veterans who may struggle during this season, especially after returning home from deployment. (2026)

Tom Seals discusses "cheap grace" and how faith-based communities can better serve veterans. (2025)