S5:E10 | Seth Johnson

Same Orders, Different Uniform 

 

When Captain Seth Johnson switched from pulpit ministry to chaplaincy in the Air National Guard, it would have been easy to see the shift as a significant change for someone serving 20 years in the pastorate. But for Seth, it was still the same call, just a change of uniform. 

  

Seth graduated from Cedarville in 1996 with a pre-seminary degree. He joined the Connecticut Air National Guard where his brother-in-law and one son were serving.  He has another son serving as a medic in the U.S. Army. Because of his academic and ministry experience, he was commissioned directly as a captain.  

 

For Seth, the shift has also been a return to his roots. His ministry experience began as a youth pastor at a church in Beavercreek, Ohio, located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He learned early on the unique stresses and challenges that military families face.  

 

In his current role, he finds himself being a trusted release valve for airmen and those in command. His years of experience serving in the church have prepared him well as a calm and even presence for those facing difficulties of different kinds. He’s also available to everyone on base, regardless their religious beliefs.  

 

“It’s kind of bearing the fruit of the instructions of Scripture,” he explained to Cedarville public relations earlier this year. “It says be ready in season and out of season, always ready to give an answer of the hope that is within you.” 

….. 

 

In an article this summer for Cedarville public relations, Seth expressed gratitude for his Cedarville professors and for Jeff Beste, director of strategic relations, for their influence on him during his transformative 1,000 days at Cedarville.