Items of this media type are derived from a variety of OCF print sources, magazines, and booklets, or online content over the years.

Living the military life together

2023-01-18T17:42:21-07:00Categories: Command, Latest Articles, Small Groups|

Small group Bible studies have been part of the DNA of OCF since the ministry began in 1943. Within these small groups, there is spiritual growth, an increased understanding of what it means to be a Christian, and a resilience developed for all of life—especially life within the military.

Biblical Truths from Life’s Experiences

2020-12-03T13:38:43-07:00Categories: Latest Articles, The Christian Officer|

What parables has God given to you through the simple circumstances of your life that you can share with others? Too often Christians do not share with others what God is teaching them and doing in their lives, things that can encourage other believers and make them sensitive to God’s moving in the world—and even in their own lives.

Doing Ministry in a Box

2020-08-19T18:32:45-06:00Categories: Latest Articles|

Hollywood squares. Brady Bunch. Tic-tac-toe. Whatever you call it, OCF largely is doing fellowship in a virtual box so far in 2020 because of COVID-19. This digital frontier has not been without its share of challenges and disappointments, but amid the uncertainty, there are stories of opportunities found and unexpected blessings received from among the membership.

One question will shape how you view what freedom means

2020-08-17T13:49:46-06:00Categories: Latest Articles, Leader Touch, Leading|

Does God really exist? Our answer to that question shapes how we think about freedom. After all, if He does not exist, then we are free to pursue as much self-gratification as possible before death. However, Christians recognize that freedom means we have freedom from fear of judgment as we seek to glorify Him and gladly submit as servants of Christ.

May we bear His image faithfully

2020-01-16T15:05:43-07:00Categories: Leader Touch|

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.

Louisa Buxton: ‘She was a jewel’

2019-07-09T12:01:45-06:00Categories: Latest Articles|

Louisa Buxton, widow of the then-Officers’ Christian Union’s first general secretary (executive director), Cleo “Buck” Buxton, who as her family said, “helped shepherd Buck’s dreams into reality,” joined her husband in heaven in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ on 14 June. Louisa was 96 years old.

Active Duty, Active Faith

2022-02-16T16:32:05-07:00Categories: Religious Rights and Responsibilities of Those in Uniform|

You must pursue God and live out your faith while on active duty. It’s easy to get caught up in the cyclical training and deployment grind to where your faith comes out only on Sunday—if at all. Stay engaged. Find a spiritual battle buddy—someone to hold you accountable. Commit to a daily devotional. Be an example in both word and deed. 

What is OCF?

2018-06-24T07:28:38-06:00Categories: Leadership, May A Christian Be A Warrior?|

It’s not unusual to hear people ask, “What is OCF?” or “What does OCF do?” They may wonder if OCF is a club of officers like-minded in their Christian faith, or just the local Bible study fellowship they attend.

Beauty amid the ruins

2018-06-23T12:25:58-06:00Categories: Embracing the Culture|

As a servant leader being the hands and heart of Christ to others in life’s tragedies, TSgt Padgett suggested that helping others is as simple as being aware of the ways you can do so.

God’s intentions for the small group

2018-08-23T13:42:44-06:00Categories: Refining, Small Groups|

While we may be accustomed to defining the essence of our Christian faith in other ways, Christianity involves not only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but also an entirely different outlook on life that is grounded in the hope we have for all that God has promised.

Calling all Daniels: Stand firm in the faith

2020-12-03T13:01:51-07:00Categories: Godly Character|

What does that look like today? How are you courageously standing firm personally and in your family? Are you modeling an integrated life of faith, family, and profession to your family, those around you personally, and in the workplace?

  • Photo by Eric Powell, USN

Calling All Daniels: Do You Know God?

2020-12-03T13:01:52-07:00Categories: Loving God|

The world desperately needs to hear about Jesus, and we’ve been called to share Him. I encourage you to become competent in your knowledge of Him. Draw people through your professional excellence. Be prepared through your life and words to shine His life-saving light.

Following a certain God in an uncertain world

2018-06-23T12:25:59-06:00Categories: Chaplains, Embracing the Culture|

As our culture continues drifting further into a post-Christian neo-pagan worldview, Christ-followers may be tempted to spiritual panic attacks. Especially for those of us striving to integrate faith and biblical worldview into our military profession, how can we remain faithful to our call when policies and programs appear to oppose higher principles and priorities?

Worrying or waiting?

2020-12-03T12:59:06-07:00Categories: Stages of Growing as a Christian|

Life in general is complicated. Life in the military is extremely difficult and challenging and carries with it an increasing amount of angst with the operations tempo, separations, threats to life and limb, and the increasing challenges from within our own nation.

Perspectives on servant leadership

2018-06-28T16:50:58-06:00Categories: Military Leadership|Tags: |

The term “servant leadership” evokes a varied range of impressions as to what that really means, looks like, and how it plays out in real life. At first glance, the seemingly incongruous servant leadership concept appears especially contrary in business settings or military circles where typically bosses lead, employees serve.

The world needs solid, biblical leadership

2020-12-03T12:59:07-07:00Categories: IFP Rejected|

In my thirty years on active duty, I witnessed phenomenal leaders who inspired, encouraged, and built teams that accomplished great things. Sad to say, I’ve also seen those who used their positions to advance their own agendas, bully others, and feed their own egos—always at the cost of those around them.

Fellowship through ‘practical action’

2018-06-26T18:51:00-06:00Categories: IFP Rejected, Latest Articles|

OCF has provided transitory military Christians with two static places—Spring Canyon in Colorado and White Sulphur Springs in Pennsylvania—for abundant opportunities of Christ-centered fellowship, programs and fun. The ideal end result: being equipped to reach others for Christ throughout the military society—and form lifetime friendships.

Finding certainty in an uncertain world

2020-12-03T12:59:07-07:00Categories: IFP Rejected|

We live in a hurting world of people desperate for answers. As a Christian, you already have the answer—Christ in your heart. If you have successfully guarded your face, heart and mind, when uncertainty strikes those you lead will look to you and find comfort and confidence. And they will also be curious about the source of your peace.

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