Military Insider: Spring 2026 Delta Edition
Welcome to the Spring 2026 D Subterm
We hope you enjoyed your Spring Break and are transitioning well into your D-term courses. It continues to be an exciting Spring semester, and we remain available if there is anything we can do to support you! – The Office of Military Affairs
Chaplains Charge
Unless the LORD Builds the House
CH (1LT) Spencer Woller, US Army Reserves
In Psalm 127:1a, King Solomon writes, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” This verse does not deny that the builder drafts the plans, clears and flattens the land, cuts the cornerstone, erects the structure, and places the roof. From a human perspective, when someone looks at a finished house and asks, “Who built it?” the natural answer would be, “The builder did!”
So what does it mean when Scripture says, “Unless the LORD builds the house”? It reminds us that if the builder works without a God-glorifying purpose, to make God look greater and more magnificent, the effort is ultimately meaningless from an eternal perspective. The builder still has to clear the property, lay the cornerstone, shingle the roof, and install the doors and windows. Still, if he fails to acknowledge God’s providence and purpose, the house becomes nothing more than a simple dwelling, lacking any greater purpose.
Similarly, when we pursue higher education, we sometimes believe we are solely responsible for the work we do. We may think, “I am completing MY assignments, writing MY papers, to earn MY grades and accolades.” While our names are attached to the work we submit, this passage warns against neglecting who we ultimately serve. You may be pursuing your degree for a military promotion, to increase your marketability in an increasingly competitive job market, or to chase a dream or passion. But the truth is, if we are in Christ, Scripture reminds us that “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
This semester, and every semester moving forward, may we remember and be humbled that, while we are writing and submitting our assignments, the Lord is building the “house!”
Army Chaplain (Captain) Kaleb Williamson
Educational Background and Calling
Army Chaplain (Captain) Kaleb Williamson is a 2023 graduate of Liberty Theological Seminary, conferring a Master of Divinity in Military Chaplaincy. Chaplain Williamson now serves as an Active-Duty Army Chaplain in North Carolina. He finds that the most impactful part of his job is the time he spends in the field environment with soldiers, where he bonds with them over the shared sufferings of limited sleep and long days in austere work environments. He finds that these times of shared suffering create organic opportunities with soldiers to talk about the Christian faith, specifically gospel-centered conversations about Jesus Christ. He loves his job but finds it challenging at times to balance being a staff officer responsible for his Unit Ministry Team with nurturing the living, caring for the wounded, and honoring the fallen in his battalion.
Liberty’s Support as a Military Student
Chaplain Williamson served as an Army Reserve Chaplain Candidate while studying at Liberty Theological Seminary. He felt incredibly supported as a military student while studying at Liberty, specifically by Dr. Keith (Retired Air Force Chaplain Colonel) and Dr. Harvey (Army National Guard Chaplain Major), the two professors who run Liberty’s Center for Chaplaincy. Chaplain Williamson credits the experience and wisdom Dr. Keith and Dr. Harvey imparted to him for building his confidence and success he has experienced as a newer Active-Duty Army Chaplain. Beyond the professors in the Center for Chaplaincy, Chaplain Williamson felt incredibly grateful that other professors were willing to help him balance his military demands as a Chaplain Candidate with being a full-time seminarian. He is especially grateful for the mentorship and wisdom he received from Dr. Kevin King, Dr. Leo Percer, and Dr. Gary Yates.
Prepared and Equipped by Liberty
Chaplain Williamson found that his chaplain-specific courses at Liberty Theological Seminary prepared him best for his current role as a chaplain. He credits Dr. Keith’s emphasis on memorizing Scripture for preparing him to share the gospel effectively in austere field environments as well as for sharing impromptu devotions with soldiers. He feels that Liberty’s seminary training has put him ahead of his chaplain peers and is incredibly grateful for the professors who prepared him for his life’s calling.
Pastoring and Chaplaincy in Tandem
Chaplain Williamson believes there is immense value military servicemembers gain by pursuing higher education while serving in the military. He knows from his role as an Active-Duty chaplain that military operation tempos are often intense, leaving little to no free time for endeavors outside of a unit’s mission. He knows that it is nearly impossible to equally balance military service with faith, family, and educational pursuits, but what makes it possible is prioritization. He believes that anyone can pursue their educational goals, but they must be forward-thinking, practice effective time management, and recognizing busy seasons on their unit’s calendar that may require them to take a knee for a sub-term to focus on their unit’s mission or their family more fully. Chaplain Williamson is thankful to Liberty University for helping train him to be a Champion for Christ, leading soldiers in the United States Army to know Jesus Christ in a saving way.
Upcoming Events
College for a Weekend: Are you or a family member interested in attending Liberty residentally? Consider joining us for “College for a Weekend” from April 9 to April 11! We host “College for a Weekend” or “CFAW” several times a year to allow you to test-drive life as an on-campus student. This is a perfect opportunity for high school juniors, seniors, and transfer students to experience residential classes, campus life, and events. A military/veteran education benefit briefing will take place on April 11, for all military-affiliated students to help with Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits and more. Click here to register and learn more information from our Planning and Visitor Guide!
Military Family Fun Day: Liberty University service members, veterans, spouses and their families are invited to attend our annual Military Family Fun Day! Join us to enjoy a free day of fun activities for the whole family, including tubing, skiing, snowboarding, lunch, activities, and more!
- Date: April 18, 2026
- Time: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center
Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony: Liberty University’s Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony for graduates of the class of 2026 will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This ceremony will honor our service members, veterans, and military spouses who have completed their degrees during the 2025-2026 academic year. Families of military graduates, as well as military staff and faculty from Liberty University, are invited to attend to celebrate the achievements of our military graduates. There will be a live stream broadcast for those unable to attend the event in person that will be hosted on the Commencement Live Stream web page. Please RSVP if you plan on joining us to celebrate your accomplishment!
- Date: May 14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Thomas Road Baptist Church Worship Center
- Address: 1 Mountain View Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
- Graduate Attire: Graduation Regalia or Military Dress Uniform
During commencement week, hotels in the area fill up very fast! For more information on this and more, visit our Commencement webpage.
In addition, we would like to extend the opportunity to you to “share your story” with us and to encourage current and future military students. We’d love to hear about how you came to Liberty and what advice you would give those working on a degree.
