Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by OCF Communications

Episode 38 show notes

In this episode, Crosspoint host Josh Jackson chats with pastor and author Chris Plekenpol, who recounts an incident with a suicide bomber in Iraq and also talks about God’s word, God’s spirit, God’s people… finding God’s will.

Chris graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and served in the Army for seven years. Upon God’s call in his life to ministry, he attended Dallas Theological Seminary and received his Masters in Theology (ThM.) Chris traveled as an evangelist and missional group trainer with iamsecond.com for two years before becoming the Lead Pastor of Wells Branch Community Church.

Chris is the guest speaker during week 7 of Summer RNR at White Sulphur Springs. If you haven’t made summer plans, or if your plans suddenly change, check out the White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon websites for availability this summer, or start planning ahead for the fall and winter programs we offer at both conference centers.

Here are some of the topics Chris and Josh talk about:

Chris shares his story, including a moment in his career in which his trajectory shifted from Army Special Forces to a calling to serve full time in Christian ministry.

While deployed, Chris recounts a moment in Iraq when an encounter with a suicide bomber left a deep spiritual impact in his life.

Chris gives insight into what he’ll be talking about this summer at White Sulphur Springs Conference Center—a topic he calls “God Speaks.”

How can someone know God’s will? Chris offers advice to listeners who might be asking that question about God right now.

When it comes to relationships, Chris talks about different relationship stories from the Bible and what tell us about our faith—why does God bring certain relationships into our lives?

Why do we tend to treat the ones we love the most the worst and what we can do to fix that?

Chris is asked: If you could only take one of your books with you to a deserted island, which would you take and why?

Answer: Faith in the Fog of War, vol.2 (daily devotions that Chris wrote while in combat)

Other books:

Other resources Chris recommends:

“God’s Word should be a primary diet in your life.”

About OCF Crosspoint

OCF Crosspoint is a podcast produced by Officers' Christian Fellowship and is dedicated to sharing stories of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.

Be A Guest

We’re looking for guests to join us on OCF Crosspoint. Everyone has a story to tell. Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned saint, your story can impact and encourage others. Click Here to Learn More

Subscribe Here

  • Apple Podcasts logo button
  • Spotify logo button
  • Stitcher
  • TuneIn
  • Google Podcasts logo button
  • Podbean logo button

Subscribe With RSS

Copy/paste the following link into your favorite podcast app: http://ocfcrosspoint.libsyn.com/rss