Prestonwood Baptist Church, led by Pastor Dr. Jack Graham, has made a significant commitment to honoring and supporting veterans in the community. The church recognizes the profound sacrifices made by these brave men and women and seeks to provide both spiritual and practical support.
“At Prestonwood, we give honor to whom honor is due,” said Pastor Graham. “We are united in our gratitude for our heroes—our veterans. We offer the highest regard and respect and love.”
The church’s dedication to veterans stems from a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to serve those who have served their country.
“Real heroes are not celebrities or athletes,” Graham said. “They are men and women who are willing to pay the price for our freedom—even through blood, sweat and tears. Real heroes are veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces, first responders, law enforcement officers, and rescue workers who are willing to risk all to save others. They exemplify the true meaning of courage under fire and laying down one’s life for another.”
Prestonwood’s approach to veteran care is holistic, addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of these individuals. By creating a welcoming environment, providing opportunities for fellowship and growth, and offering practical support, the church is making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans through several key strategies. In fact, much of Prestonwood’s veteran outreach began when a group of veteran church members, passionate about sharing their faith, helped mobilize the church’s people and resources for this effort.
“We encourage churches to create a safe and welcoming place where veterans can engage with your church family and surrounding community,” said discipleship pastor Jason Snyder, who recommended that church leaders form partnerships with veteran congregants. He noted that veterans themselves can help foster a more supportive community than church leadership can alone.
Prestonwood has many specific initiatives to encourage spiritual health and well-being and address the practical health of veterans. The church organizes bimonthly veteran connection luncheons, providing a space for veterans to connect with one another and build lasting relationships. As Snyder explains, “In order to serve a veterans group well, fellowship is key. It is critical that churches provide opportunities for fellowship with other veterans.”
Troy A. Miller, president & CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, who served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, was a speaker at a September luncheon this year. This Veterans Day, the church will feature Ken Cooper, who served in the U.S. Army and Air Force and is known as “the father of aerobics.”
Prestonwood offers Bible studies and other spiritual resources tailored to the unique needs of veterans. Snyder emphasizes the importance of creating a place where veterans can “grow healthy spiritually and encourage one another to be healthy as they do life together.”
Veterans are encouraged to participate in various church ministries, allowing them to use their skills and talents to serve others. Snyder notes, “It’s important to create a place where they feel wanted, with opportunities to serve the church and community—a place where they can use their gifts.” In addition, veterans at Prestonwood assemble care packages for active-duty military personnel as well as veterans in local Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals.
The church works with a Texas-based program called Valor, which provides in-custody, inpatient treatment for incarcerated or recovering veterans. The church helps provide them with spiritual support and practical resources. Their Life Recovery Ministry offers specific classes on post-traumatic stress and recovery. Their annual Veterans Day celebration welcomes hundreds of people for a meal served by their ministers, patriotic music, and a song by Prestonwood Christian Academy first graders, along with letters they wrote to the veterans.
Prestonwood’s commitment to serving veterans is a testament to their dedication to spiritual discipleship and their desire to honor those who have sacrificed so much.
“We love our veterans,” Snyder said, “and we are so blessed to be a blessing.”
The radio and television broadcast ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church, PowerPoint Ministries, has been an NRB member since 1993. Learn more at JackGraham.org.