Our Mission
“Empowering military couples to build resilient, God-centered marriages through faith-based resources, practical tools, and transformative support.”
About
For over two decades, Chaplain Major Matthew Spencer and his wife, Kristina, have been dedicated to counseling military couples, addressing the unique and often overwhelming challenges these families face. Unlike their civilian counterparts, military couples contend with high operational tempos, frequent separations, and the emotional toll of service. Yet, counseling resources within the military are largely limited to active-duty personnel, leaving spouses underserved and families struggling to find the support they need.
Recognizing this gap, Matt and Kristina partnered with organizations like XO Marriage and Focus on the Family to bring transformative counseling and programs to military couples. However, they saw a troubling pattern: while these services were powerful and life-changing, their costs often put them out of reach for service members, as insurance typically did not cover them.
In response, they developed Valor and Vows: A Tactical Guide to a Mission-Ready Marriage, a curriculum tailored specifically to the needs of military families. During 2023-2024, they tested this program across 10 conferences, witnessing incredible results as couples experienced restored communication, renewed intimacy, and strengthened resilience. The overwhelming success of these sessions inspired them to officially launch the curriculum in 2025.
But Matt and Kristina’s vision doesn’t end there. Moved by the financial barriers that prevent many military families from accessing help, they are committed to raising funds to provide free counseling sessions, conferences, and retreats. They believe that when service members’ marriages and families are aligned and thriving, they can better fulfill the critical missions they are tasked with, while also fostering personal and relational health.
Through Valor and Vows, their mission is clear: to empower military couples with faith-based resources that transform marriages and build resilience, one family at a time. Strong marriages ripple outward, stabilizing homes, uplifting communities, and strengthening the readiness of the military as a whole. By integrating Biblical principles with practical strategies, Valor and Vows equips couples to weather the unique challenges of military life and create God-centered relationships built to last.
Chaplain, Major Matthew Spencer
Chaplain, Major Matthew Spencer is assigned to the 37th Training Wing, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Chaplain Spencer is responsible for providing for the free exercise of religion along with facilitating personnel, moral and spiritual growth through worship, religious education, visitation, and pastoral care. Chaplain Spencer provides pastoral support to the 737th TRG Military Training Instructors and permanent party members to the Air Force’s sole Basic Military Training.
Chaplain Spencer joined the Air Force in 2000 as an enlisted Security Forces member. Chaplain Spencer was assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base as an Airman first-class where he served for two and a half years. Chaplain Spencer was then reassigned to Kunsan Air Base Korea where he served for one year. Chaplain Spencer then received orders to Wright Patterson Air Force Base Ohio where he served his final two and a half years of his enlistment. Chaplain Spencer was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in 2010. Following Officer Candidate School and the Chaplain Candidate Course Chaplain Spencer served as a Chaplain Candidate at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling near Washington D.C. He later commissioned as a Chaplain as an IMA Reservist at Tyndall Air Force Base Florida. Chaplain Spencer then transitioned to Active-Duty Chaplaincy where he served at Robins AFB and Eglin AFB. Chaplain Spencer is currently assigned to the 737th Training Group True North Program at Lackland Air Force Base and is the Chaplain for the Military Training Instructors and permanent party assigned to basic military training. Ch Spencer is an Ordained Protestant Chaplain and is endorsed through Liberty Baptist Fellowship.
Kristina Spencer
With over 20 years of dynamic leadership experience in ministry, I bring a creative and energetic approach to event coordination, worship planning, and marriage ministry. My journey includes serving in a thriving church of 6,000+ members, where I managed staff and volunteers, coordinated large-scale events, and ensured seamless operations for services and special events. As a certified marriage mediator through XO Marriage and an XO Marriage content writer, I am deeply passionate about strengthening relationships and equipping couples with the tools to build resilient, God-centered marriages.
My husband and I have had the unique privilege of coaching and mentoring military couples and families, helping them navigate the challenges of military life while building strong, faith-filled relationships. Drawing from our personal experience as a military family, we have developed a deep understanding of the unique stressors faced by military marriages, such as deployments, frequent relocations, and high operational tempos. Through workshops, conferences, and one-on-one coaching, we have provided practical strategies, biblical principles, and heartfelt encouragement to help couples thrive in every season of life.
An ordained minister and seasoned public speaker, I’ve also led impactful women’s ministries, young adult groups, and specialized programs. During my time as an Airmen Ministry Coordinator, I further sharpened my ability to serve diverse communities, blending innovation, faith, and relationship-building. Whether speaking at events, leading worship, or writing, my goal is to inspire others to discover their purpose, deepen their faith, and strengthen their relationships.
My educational background includes Ministerial Leadership training from Southeastern University, Propel Women leadership, and extensive coaching in marriage ministry through XO Marriage.
Whether I’m coaching military couples, leading worship for thousands, mentoring young adult vocalists, or sharing God’s message from the platform, my mission is to empower others to grow in their faith, build meaningful connections, and pursue God’s purpose for their lives. With creativity, excellence, and a heart for ministry, I strive to leave a lasting impact in every opportunity God places before me.