Barbara Putnam

Barbara Putnam was ordained in 1996 and soon after began a career in military chaplaincy. In 2016 she became the first woman to attain the rank of Colonel in the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. In 2022 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity by Acadia University. Most recently, Barbara has been working in the area of Restorative Engagement, addressing issues of sexual misconduct in the military. Now about to enter retirement, Barbara describes what first drew her into chaplaincy. She shares some of the highlights and challenges from her career, including her role in responding to 9/11, working in ecumenical and multifaith environments, and listening to people’s stories through Operation HONOUR. If you are feeling called into military chaplaincy, or any other form of ministry, know that there are people who would love to speak with you and help you along that road. You can reach out by contacting us over social media or by visiting our website calledtoserve.ca and we can help get you connected. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.