Rev. Joanne P. Ward was licensed to preach the gospel on August 9, 1998, and ordained on July 6, 2002, both at Greater Spiritual Fellowship Community Church.  She gives thanks to Christ Jesus, her Lord, who has enabled her, counted her faithful, and put her into the ministry to preach and teach His Word (I Timothy 1:12).

                                         

Rev. Ward has been a member of the Fort Washington Baptist Church for nine years.  Rev. Darin Poullard is her Pastor, and he allows her to exercise her gifts and calling in various ministries at “The Fort.”  Rev. Ward is the Minister of Comfort and Visitation, Vice Chair of the Family Life Ministries, Vice Chair of the Bereavement Ministry, one of the Women’s Ministry Partners, Christian Education teacher; and member of the SWAT team and Prayer Ministry.  She also assists with Pastoral care and counseling.

 

Since being licensed to preach, Rev. Ward has spoken at retreats, prayer breakfasts, Pastor’s anniversaries, outdoor revival and many women related programs. 

 

Rev. Ward has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland University College; a Master’s of Divinity from the New Hope and Life School of Religion, and a Doctorate of Theology from the Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary where she used to be one of the professors where she taught classes on church leadership and currently serves on the Board of Directors.  Currently, she is working on a Doctorate in Clinical Christian Counseling through National Christian Counselors Association where she is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor.

 

She was born and grew up in Henderson, NC, in the midst of a large and loving family of 10 and has a twin sister.

 

Rev. Ward is married to Oscar L. Ward and resides in Fort Washington, Maryland.  They have one son, a loving daughter-in-law, two handsome grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter.

 

Rev. Ward retired from the federal government with a little over 35 years of service.  During her career, she facilitated several noon-time Bible studies on the job where she equipped people with the gospel and prayed for them and their family members.

 

Rev. Ward also volunteers three or more times a month for Daughter for the Day, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing seniors over 69 years with free one-on-one personal assistance, where she takes them out to various appointments in the metropolitan area.  As a result of her servant’s heart, her Church presented her with the 2012 Drum Major for Service Award signed by President Obama.

 

Rev. Ward’s favorite scripture is Romans 8:28:  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”  Her outlook on life is:  “if you take away all she has, she will still have everything because you can not take away her Jesus!”