8 questions about your spiritual growth
While our salvation is a one-time occurrence, the work of sanctification (or being set apart and refined to be more Christlike) is an ongoing process that we experience our entire life on Earth.
14. Satisfaction
Jesus was so committed to His service that, metaphorically, it served as His physical nourishment. What about you? Does your stalwart service satisfy you as nourishment?
13. A Firm Foundation
The servant leader’s challenge is to display a Christ-like response when life changing moments arise, and thus be seen as the “wise man” with a firm foundation.
Your purpose? Proclaim the Gospel everywhere
You and I are in the lineage of Cornelius because of our union with Christ. Proclaim the gospel as a testimony to the military community (all nations).
12. Reality Check
Where do we, in our leadership zeal, draw the line when it comes to pushing our own agenda or totally acquiescing to God’s divine plan? Are we convinced that God has a plan, or do we “head fake” God by developing our plan then devoutly asking His blessing?
11. Battle Rhythm
When do you surge and go all out to achieve a task? When should you pull back for contemplation, admiration, appreciation or just rest?
55. MIDN Isaiah Walker: Finding community can be challenging
Today, you’re going to hear the story of Midshipman Isaiah Walker, he’s a senior in the ROTC program at Ole Miss who has struggled with isolation and the challenges of integrating faith and profession.
10. Any Volunteers?
Who around you needs your tutelage and encouragement? Let’s imitate what Paul did for Timothy. Don’t ask for volunteers, but encourage others to fulfill their calling or act of service.
9. Question Authority
So should we question God’s authority? Regardless of how righteous the question might seem, we would be wise to consider the Holy Scriptures and to pattern our questions and concerns after Jesus’ response while here on earth.
54. Josh and Lindsey Bowen: The importance of small group fellowship
Today you're going to hear the story of Joshua and Lindsey Bowen, both captains in the Army. And, while their story contains a few themes, such as mentoring, leadership, and spiritual growth, the one common thread throughout their story is the small group fellowship and the importance that fellowship has played in their lives...going all the way back to when they first met.
8. Truth and The Christian Leader
Pilate said to Jesus in John 18:38, “What is truth?” Truth is the foundation on which we stand and is what Christian leaders are called to practice.
7. Was It Failure or Success?
To me, Luke 5:5 is a curious object lesson. Did Simon really fail, or was his unproductive fishing day tied to Christ’s master plan and call? I would think the latter.
53. Carlos and Sara Estevez: Purpose and perspective in the face of tragedy
Have you ever been invited to do something only to wonder…why did I agree to that? My guest today went through something like that, and ultimately, it might have saved her life and the lives of her children.
6. Don’t Work Alone! Enlist & Mentor
What brings leaders to the point of task overload—the belief that only we know what’s best, perhaps distrust of others, or possibly personal ownership? How are you doing in your pursuit to invite others with similar heart and vision into your area of responsibility?
5. Undivided Heart
Surely, as Christian leaders, our desire is to show compassion with an undivided heart—one that rightly discerns truth with reverence for the Lord.
52. Stu McRae: How would you handle not being promoted?
Have you ever known anyone who’s been passed over for promotion? Maybe it’s your name that wasn’t on the promotion list. COL McRae talks about identity, motives, and what success looks like in the eyes of God.
4. Faithful Leadership
From a leadership perspective, I must ask: What enables Christian leaders to maintain the charge when all around us say, “Give up?” Oaths, contracts, and legal agreements bind some to the task, but that which binds the Christian and Christian leader is God’s demonstrated faithfulness.
3. A Double Portion
Great leaders are not satisfied with the status quo or content with mediocre gains. As a leader in the home and workplace, how comfortable are you in asking God for big things?
May we bear His image faithfully
We need much wisdom from the Holy Spirit to bear His image faithfully. As an image bearer of God, may your identity in Christ motivate you to be a worthy representative of our Father to all who see Christ in you, the hope of glory.
51. Col Darren Duke: Examining a life transformed
Col Darren Duke, USMC, talks about personal transformation and what a life transformed by God might look like for believers serving in the military.
2. Righteous Living and The Righteous Leader
By what do we choose to be mastered? Men and women who have committed to serve in the military might easily, if jokingly, identify the military as their master. Do Christian military personnel see this in a different light?
1. The Leader and Mercy
As Christ followers one of the questions we must consider is “Do we find it hard to show mercy?” In striving to live out one’s faith in one’s profession, Christian leaders must rightly handle this issue.
Introduction to ‘Leader, Draw Near’ weekly podcast
Introducing "Leader, Draw Near," a weekly podcast devotional for your pursuit of God. Each episode is fashioned to prompt reflection on a specific topic, and ends with a few Points to Ponder, which are perfect for personal reflection, or for use with a mentor or in a small group setting.
50. Encore with Todd Plotner: 4 lessons for young warriors
The third and final encore episode comes from episode 27, with LTC Todd Plotner, USA (Ret.), who talks about leadership lessons for young warriors. The conversation was based on an article he wrote for Command magazine back in 2013 when he was the Army ROTC Professor of Military Science at Washington State University.
49. Encore with Ryan Menicucci: Are you a leader that God can use?
This encore episode harkens back to episode 9, with guest LT Ryan Menicucci, USA. There were three things we talked about: first, we must have faith in something that is worthy of our faith; second, we must know who we are in Christ; and third, we must be prepared to fight the good fight, as we engage in spiritual warfare.
48. Encore: Navigating the storms of life, with James Rader
In this special encore episode, we're going all the way back to episode 2 and the story of Coast Guard Lieutenant James Rader. Sometimes the storms of life can be metaphorical, such as a difficult deployment, move, or career transition. However, there are those times when the storms of life refer to literal storms. Such was the case for James Rader as he took part in search-and-rescue efforts during Hurricane Harvey.
47. Kristin Goodrich: Building community in the military sisterhood
What do you think of when I say, “Military Sisterhood”? That was the question Kristin Goodrich posed to about 50 women at the beginning of a weekend retreat last March at OCF's White Sulphur Springs Conference Center. One West Point cadet’s response stood out amid the varied responses, "Sisterhood? What sisterhood?" We'll answer those questions and more.
46. Can you be a Christian and serve in the military?
May a Christian serve in the military? When it comes to taking the life of an enemy combatant, how does someone reconcile that with Jesus’s command to love your enemy and to pray for him? COL Chet Arnold, USMC (Ret.), joins me to answer those questions and more, coming up on episode 46.
45. Nick Koza: Was blind, but now I see
Episode 45 show notes The story of Captain Nick Koza, USMC,
44. Brigit Jogan: Experiencing God on the mountaintop
First Class Cadet Brigit Jogan, a senior at the United States Coast Guard Academy, hiked the summit of Mount Antero in Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks during her time at Rocky Mountain High this past summer, and it was during that physical climb to the mountaintop that she experienced the Spirit of God moving in a mighty way. Today, Brigit is going to talk about that experience as she shares her story.
43. Seven Christian principles to help you steward your time
Have you ever thought about what it means to be a good steward of your time? Maybe you can recall getting to the end of a day and thinking, “Why did I waste so much time?” Joining me on the show to talk about time stewardship is LTC Gil Jacobs, USA (Ret.).
42. Jeff Struecker: Trusting God in All Things
Jeff Struecker's book, "The Road to Unafraid," is the centerpiece for today's conversation. Although several perspectives or themes can be found in the book, Jeff and I focused on trusting in God. In the face of fear and uncertainty at certain times throughout his life, I asked Jeff to talk about how God asked Jeff to trust Him and what that looked like in his life, particularly his military career.
41. Michelle Qureshi: Incredible hope amidst suffering
Michelle Qureshi's story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession is one that deals with such topics as stress, hardship, and discouragement, but more importantly, it’s a story of how she has experienced what she calls “incredible hope amidst suffering.”
40. You Are Your Brother’s Keeper
November 23, 2014. Does that date ring any bells for you? For my guest this episode— Col Rich Tatem, USAF (Ret.)—that date will forever be etched into his memory as the day his son, Brennan, committed suicide.
39. Why is Wisdom So Important?
My guest today is Pastor Keith Peck. He has over 40 years of pastoral ministry experience, and recently retired as pastor emeritus of Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, Maryland, where he served for 27 years. Keith offers his insights on the application of wisdom.
A conversation with Chris Plekenpol | Episode 38
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.
Basic Training for the Family | Episode 37
In this episode, pastor and author Dr. Gary Phillips discusses a topic he has titled “Basic Training for the Family: Biblical Principles for Navigating Cultural Minefields.”
The Great Commission as a warrior’s discipline | Episode 36
Whether you’re in the group who has never heard of the Great Commission, or if you know the Great Commission backwards and forwards—while reading it in Greek—stick with us today as our guest, CH LTC Dan Holcomb, USA (Ret.), talks about how the Great Commission relates to what he calls “Disciplines of a Warrior.”
Is spiritual warfare real? Episode 35
Today, we’re talking about spiritual warfare, and our guest is MG Kurt Fuller, USA (Ret.). MG Fuller served 26 years as a paratrooper, 12 years in the Ranger Regiment, and 6 years in combat, including Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm, Haiti, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Bonus episode: What are you doing this summer?
What are you doing this summer? Have you made summer plans yet? Take a moment
Nehemiah: Approaching leadership like a Marine | Episode 34
In this episode, Chaplain Bill Appleton is going to focus on the life of Nehemiah and the leadership qualities we need to pay attention to today, and he'll also share the story of how he became a Christian.
A difficult story of God’s goodness | Episode 33
Today, you’re going to hear from Major Tim and Kimberly Tormey, USMC (Ret.), as they share a story of God’s goodness and kindness to them. Their story centers around part of Tim’s difficult deployment to Iraq in 2014 that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Leader, do you have the right tool for the job? Episode 32
In this episode, we chat with Commander Brian Haggerty, USN, and he’s going to talk about biblical leadership using the analogy of tools you might find in a toolbox. These tools are based on an article Commander Haggerty wrote for Command magazine a few years ago.
Living out faith while in service to country | Episode 31
Major Will MacKenzie and Major Derek Brown, USA, discuss several topics during their conversation with LTC Colin Wooten, USA.—friendship, being a Christian in the military and killing an enemy combatant, serving in the military as Christians, and what it means to actively live out your faith and integrate your faith in all areas of life.
Part 2: How important is a biblical worldview? Episode 30
In this episode, we’re going to talk about worldview as we continue our conversation with Dr. Bill Brown, senior fellow of worldview and culture at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. How would you define your worldview? Would you say that you have a biblical worldview? How do you know?
Part 1: Three Ways Christians Engage With the Culture | Episode 29
If I were to tell you that as a follower of Christ, it’s important for you to engage with the culture, what would engaging the culture look like to you? Dr. Bill Brown of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview says Christians typically will fall into one of three patterns when it comes to engaging with the culture.
The Concept of Calling For the Military Professional
The purpose of this study is to describe the concept of calling and its relevance to the military professional of the 21st century, preparing to “fight the next war”—especially to the vast majority of American officers who identify themselves as Christians.
Indivisible, the story of Darren and Heather Turner | Episode 28
CH Darren and Heather Turner share the details of their struggles surrounding deployment individually, spiritually, and as a couple. It’s a compelling story— especially if you or a loved one have been deployed.
Leadership lessons for young warriors | Episode 027
Today's guest is LTC Todd Plotner, USA (Ret.), who wrote an article titled “Four Lessons In Leadership for Young Warriors” back in 2013. We'll take a deeper dive into the points he made in that article.
A discussion of OCF past, present, and future | Episode 26
Here to discuss OCF's 75 years are a special round-table panel of guests: Brigadier General David Warner, USAF (Ret.), Lieutenant Colonel Kate Toms, USAF, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Wooten, USA (Ret.), and Captain Dan Abney, USMC.
4 Tactics for tackling deployments | Episode 025
In this episode of Crosspoint, we talk with Planting Roots Director Kori Yates about deployment and tactics for dealing with this season of life when your spouse is deployed.
24. A Shared Calling Isn’t Always Easy
Anne Borcherding talks about what it means for a military spouse to embrace the calling of the spouse who is serving in uniform, and she candidly shares the struggles she and her husband faced in the early years of their marriage.
The Theological Implications of Addiction | Episode 23
What does scripture say about addiction? Can a Christian have an addiction? What does a biblical approach to recovery look like? Isn't Jesus enough? Our guest is Dr. John Thorington—a licensed professional counselor and is also certified as a Sexual Recovery Therapist by the American Association of Sex Addiction Therapy.
What Fuels Your Engine? | Episode 022
In this episode, we chat with Dr. David Kim, a physician, founder, and current CEO of Beacon Christian Community Health Center in New York, and discuss the emotion-fueled train vs. the truth-fueled train; the effects of social media on both of these trains; 3 questions every Christian should able to answer, as well as learning more about how Dr. Kim’s ministry model at Beacon Health relates to integrating faith in all areas of your life as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What supporting the chaplaincy looks like | Episode 021
CH(COL) Marc Gauthier, USA (Ret.), shares his story of how God called him into the military to serve as a chaplain, how to encourage chaplains outside the Christian faith, a story of what it looks like when a leader integrates his faith and profession, and his thoughts on who the two loneliest people are in the military, and why.
Prayers that changed the course of history | Episode 020
In this episode, COL Doug Mastriano, USA (Ret.), and his wife, Rebbie, share their story of prayers that changed the course of history, which takes place during his deployment to the Middle East during the first Gulf War in the early 1990s.
Godly men who changed the course of history | Episode 019
Recently, Crosspoint hit the road to interview COL Doug Mastriano, USA (Ret.), for a two-part episode. In part 1, COL Mastriano and his son, Josiah, talk about “Men God Used to change the Course of History” during World War I.
Transformational Leadership | Episode 018
There is no greater example of a transformational leader than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In this episode, LTC Gil Jacobs, PhD, USA (Ret.), walks us through six ways to be a transformational leader like Jesus.
The soldier, the athlete, & the farmer | Episode 017
Col Waring unpacks each one of these three characters—the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer—and tells us what we can learn from them and apply to our lives.
Love Languages for Military Couples | Episode 016
What comes to mind when you hear “Acts of Service?” How about “Words of Affirmation” or “Quality Time?” You might recognize them as 3 of the 5 love languages from the popular book first written by Dr. Gary Chapman back in 1995. In this episode, OCF managing editor Karen Fliedner chats with Jocelyn Green about Finding Your Love Language…at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.
Transition coping strategies for military kids | Episode 015
This episode focuses on coping with transition, not just from the perspective of military families, but specifically, from the perspective of military kids, or third-culture kids. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Dave Sanders—a Christian Ministries Professor at Judson University.
The Scars of Moral Injury | Episode 014
Former OCF director of field operations LTC Tom Schmidt, US Army (Ret.), sat down with COL Dave Batchelor, USA (Ret.), in the faculty lounge of the US Army Command and General Staff College, where COL Batchelor shared the candid story of his personal struggle with moral injury.
The Importance of a Support System for the Military Life | Episode 013
When the pressures of the military life and life in general seem overwhelming, who's your support system? Do you have a person or group that, like you, is running this most difficult of races, that you can rely on, and who in turn can depend on you when times get tough?
10 Leadership Lessons to Live By | Episode 012
The story of Army Master Sergeant William Crawford, a Medal of Honor recipient whose job as squadron janitor at the Air Force Academy, inspired Col James Moschgat to pen 10 lessons in leadership.
How to ask the right questions | Episode 011
In this episode, we focus on how to ask the right types of questions for your next Bible study, class, or seminar by sharing a pitfall question to avoid, and then offering a solution to help ask the right type of question.
Go Make Disciples | Episode 010
Life moves fast. And in the high-tempo, transient lifestyle of the military, do we really have time to pour into someone else and answer the call to make more disciples? The guest for this episode is COL Scott Kelly, USA, and he’ll share his insights on the topic of discipleship.
Be a Leader God Can Use | Episode 009
In this episode, we chat with 1LT Ryan Menicucci, USA, about what it takes to be a leader that God can use. The context for the conversation comes from a weekend ROTC retreat at OCF's White Sulphur Springs Conference Center in 2017. 1LT Menicucci recalls three important lessons learned that weekend: We must have faith in something that is worthy of our faith; we must know who we are in Christ; and we must be prepared to fight the good fight, as we engage in spiritual warfare.
Entering a Sacred Covenant | Episode 008
"So help me God." It's the final four words in oaths for both officers and enlisted. Have you thought about what the phrase means, or what it implies? Our guest today is Col Richard Toliver, USAF (Ret.), and he’s going to unpack those four words—what he calls "a sacred covenant.”
Growing your affections for Christ | Episode 007
LTC Tom Schmidt, USA (Ret.), chats with CH(MAJ) Mark Winton, USA, on the topic of “affections for Christ.” Our affections are typically rooted in our answer to this question: “What are our heart longings for?” As CH Winton suggests, our answer ultimately shows what drives our hearts and where our affections lie.
Developing your character muscle like SGT York | Episode 006
The topic of today’s show is character, and our guest for this episode likens character to a muscle that must be continually developed if we’re going to conduct our lives as Christians in a way that pleases and honors God.
Thriving in the Unbalance | Episode 005
When it comes to the various parts of your life—family, military profession, friends, relationships with others, and your relationship with God—should you be striving to find a balance among all those things? Or should you learn to thrive in the unbalance?
Understanding Religious Rights | Episode 004
What are your rights as an American in uniform? Is it permissible for a chaplain to pray in Jesus’s name? Can you have a prayer breakfast on a military installation? What about sharing my faith—can I do that?
What’s So Amazing About Grace | Episode 003
In this episode, OCF Managing Editor Karen Fliedner chats with Col Art Athens, USMC (Ret), about amazing grace—specifically, the four-part message Col Athens shared at a weekend retreat at White Sulphur Springs in 2004
Navigating the Storms of Life | Episode 002
Sometimes the storms of life can be metaphorical, such as a difficult deployment, move, or career transition. However, there are those times when the storms of life refer to literal storms. Such was the case for our guest today, LT James Rader, USCG, as he took part in search-and-rescue efforts during Hurricane Harvey this past August.
Exploring Christ-like leadership | Episode 001
Interview with Brig Gen David Warner, USAF (Ret): "We are made up of men and women in the military. That's our center of gravity. That's how we do ministry."
