![Jenna Carson poses for photo against black backdrop](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-11/Carson-headshot-banner.jpg?itok=nqyYrJOb) # Ministry Is Her Mission Jenna Carson, MDiv ’18, is a chaplain, writer, and podcast host. In August 2025, she completed her active duty with the U.S. Air Force, where she served as a military chaplain. She spoke with HDS about breaking glass ceilings, the influence of her time at HDS, and the deeply meaningful work of chaplaincy. November 10, 2025 [ Tyler Sprouse ](/people/tyler-sprouse) ## What led you to HDS as a student? A college professor of mine asked me if I’d considered HDS. After researching the School, I felt drawn to the community; I could not stop thinking about it! HDS was the only graduate school I applied to. I knew I was taking a risk, but I felt it was the place I was supposed to go. I started the MTS program and then discovered chaplaincy, which led me to pursue the MDiv degree. ## Can you talk about your journey to becoming the first female military chaplain endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)? It was a long and difficult path. While studying at HDS, I began advocating for endorsement but was repeatedly denied because LDS women aren’t ordained, and military chaplaincy involves duties typically reserved for ordained men in my church. I was approved for hospital and prison chaplaincy instead. After years of persistence, I became the first woman endorsed by the LDS Church for military chaplaincy. I joined the U.S. Air Force in 2022. My journey included years of back and forth with the LDS Church—being told no, praying, centering myself, and asking what to do next. I felt that I was supposed to keep pushing, and so I did. I called LDS Church headquarters many times and eventually wrote a letter to the top leader; amazingly, the letter reached him. He said yes, but an official below him said no. I had to navigate bureaucracy and certain people’s views of women’s roles in ministry. I briefly considered endorsement through another organization, such as the Unitarian Universalist Association. Ultimately, I felt I wasn’t supposed to move in that direction. I’m glad I persevered, but it was a psychologically painful process—I’m not afraid to share that. Working for institutional change is hard. Receiving the endorsement was almost anticlimactic; it was surreal after nearly seven years of working toward that “yes.” I felt grateful. I knew it was right. But there was some sadness because it had taken so long. That said, this sadness was mixed with joy. It was a big moment in my life. ![Jenna Carson giving a pep talk in military uniform to group of military personnel](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_1_1__960x960_scale/public/2025-11/Carson-PepTalk.jpg?itok=Sb5iC5FQ) Chaplain Jenna Carson, MDiv '18, gives a pep talk to Air Force trainees on base. Photo courtesy of Jenna Carson. ## What are some important aspects of your ministry? Counseling as a military chaplain is incredible because we have a total confidentiality blanket. Due to this provision, which precludes normal reporting procedures, military personnel often tell us things they’ve never told anyone else. They see us as a lifeline. To hear people’s confessions and sufferings is a lot to bear, so I always try to give those burdens to God, knowing I can’t carry other people’s pain—but I can be with them, listen, and empathize. Doing this work is a great privilege—one that I love and do not take lightly. I love leading worship services. In the military, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is umbrellaed under Protestantism, which allowed me to lead and preach during our three Protestant worship services. Leading worship has been especially meaningful, because that isn’t something I would normally do as a woman in the LDS Church. Additionally, military chaplains provide religious accommodations. We uphold military members’ constitutional right to observe and practice the tenets of their faith. We also advise our leadership on moral, ethical, and religious issues. ## How has the multireligious focus of an HDS education informed your work? HDS opened new worlds to me. Getting to worship and practice alongside different spiritual and religious groups was transformative. I worked with Chaplain Kerry Maloney as a chaplain intern and learned about supporting people from many backgrounds. My time at HDS changed who I am because it helped me see that everyone is trying to find purpose in life, and my spiritual path is not the only way. I believe there are countless ways for people to reach for and experience the divine and find peace. I’m grateful that HDS exposed me to many faiths and perspectives in different environments. That prepared me for the Air Force, where I was entrusted to expand the religious offerings on base to better reflect the multireligious community in the military. My time at HDS changed who I am because it helped me see that everyone is trying to find purpose in life, and my spiritual path is not the only way.” Chaplain Jenna Carson, MDiv '18 ## What insights from your work as a chaplain have been most meaningful to you? I ask God every day to help me see people—to really see their humanity and feel love for them. Whether in a prison, hospital, or the military, chaplaincy invites me to look for the good in others and in myself. It makes me want to be a better person. There is a virtuous circle of seeing good in others, seeing good in myself despite all my flaws and failures, and seeing how we’re all connected. During my three years in the Air Force, I served at a training base and counseled many young service members. So many of them were carrying trauma and searching for purpose. Many felt unseen. My goal was to offer a space where they felt seen, heard, valued, and supported. That work lit up my soul. It was a privilege to serve alongside those who serve our country. *Banner photo courtesy of Jenna Carson* ### Dean's Report Learn more out about Harvard Divinity School’s recent research, teaching, and impact. [Read the Report chevron\_right](/alumni-friends/deans-report) ![2025 Dean's Report cover](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-11/2025-DeansReport-sq.jpg?itok=xUjPiRss) See also:- [ Alumni News and Profiles ](/discover-stories-about/alumni-news-and-profiles) - [ Ministry ](/discover-stories-about/ministry)