Bonus episode: Finding God’s purpose in suffering
In this bonus episode, get the conversation in its entirety as CH Michael Will talks about why we experience hardship and suffering as believers.
August 2024: Seeing God’s hand during hardship; enlisted involvement in OCF; and OCF ministry news
CH Michael Will talks about why we experience hardship and suffering as believers; TSgt Ryan Padgett answers questions about whether OCF is for enlisted; and Courtney Burdick shares a roundup of OCF ministry news.
How one Marine’s encounter revealed a chaplain’s legacy
You must be certain of your calling to the chaplaincy and this unique ministry. Holding firmly to your calling may be the only assurance that you will get through the tough times. It may be the only way of knowing that you are where the Lord wants you.
Part 3: Spiritual Formation: A Counter-Cultural Approach to Spiritual Renewal
Today, you’ll hear audio from the conclusion of a speaking session by CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA, this past fall at Spring Canyon’s Aspentime Retreat.
Part 2: Spiritual Formation: A Counter-Cultural Approach to Spiritual Renewal
Today, you’ll hear audio from part 2 of a speaking session by CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA, this past fall at Spring Canyon’s Aspentime Retreat.
Part 1: Spiritual Formation: A Counter-Cultural Approach to Spiritual Renewal
Today, you’ll hear audio from part 1 of a speaking session by CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA, this past fall at Spring Canyon’s Aspentime Retreat.
“Embrace the suck”: Trusting God in all things
LT Jonathan Gentry, CHC, USN, discusses the seemingly simple concept of trusting God, specifically within the context of Jonathan’s calling to the ministry and to the military.
Learning from the VMI ministry model to reach Generation Z
Today’s conversation explores a predominant topic of discussion among cadets and college students across the country today: anxiety. CH(COL) Bob Phillips, USA (Ret.), shares how he uses relationships and group Bible studies to address anxiety and point cadets back to Christ.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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?
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.
How ya doing? Do you really care?
Who will you meet today in an unexpected encounter, whether in a combat area, passageway, flight line, or on drills and maneuvers? And what will you say—and hear? In your command, how will you show Christ in your servant leadership?
Chaplains share insights into serving in the military
COMMAND asked a trio of chaplains—LT Jon Uyboco, CHC, USN; CH(MAJ) Todd Cheney, USA, and CH(COL) Marc Gauthier, USA—to share some insights and experiences of serving military men and women for Christ.
Following a certain God in an uncertain world
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?
Families should develop a support system
Take time to examine your own support system, or if you do not have one, get started now. The health of a marriage can often hinge upon the strength of the support system that has been established.
Communicating hope beyond suffering
Authentic leadership deals with life's real issues of pain, trauma and suffering while pointing beyond to a life in Christ. As Paul reminds us, our present trials are but a means to an end; particularly for the Christian leader, hope is the final reality of life.
A Man of Faith and War
One Christian of distinction, who fought in five wars, was U.S. Army Brigadier General Gustavus Loomis. In Loomis is the ideal balance of Christian faith, devotion to family, and excellence in military service.
Working for a Difficult Boss
We all have to serve or work for someone at some time in our lives.
Two General Orders
As we seek a warrior's ethic for today we can reasonably look back 3000 years to another man of arms—arguably the greatest soldier ever to serve the nation of Israel, David, youngest son of Jesse. The ethic of David may be seen as consisting of two general orders: Do the Right Thing and Trust in God.
Staying Up Late
A chaplain shares his insights about young, deployed service men and women.
The Chaplaincy
In a combat zone soldiers can rarely say, "Chaplain, you just don't know what I'm going through."
What’s Your Altitude
Did you know that your altitude determines your attitude? Jesus, the highest being there ever was and ever will be, voluntarily lowered Himself.
The Chaplain’s Role
Because of the patrol rotations, a chaplain may find himself preaching at multiple services to accommodate his soldiers. This is the life of a field chaplain.
War Eagle, Iraq
The time of the shooting at Ur coincided exactly with the prayer of the soldiers at War Eagle!
Spiritual Battle Plans
I didn't realize what a difference my weekly Bible study and chapel service made until I went nearly four months in Iraq without them.
Returning Home
The adjustments families need to make can be improved by a good understanding of the stresses of separation and a strategy for thriving.
The Line Officer and the Chaplain
Christ expects us to be salt and light in the military commands to which He has assigned us.
Support Your Chaplain
As a lay-indigenous ministry being conducted by lay military Christians inside the military society, OCF members and chaplains can be great coworkers in kingdom-building within our Armed Forces.
Conversation With a Chaplain
The chaplaincy is an incredible opportunity to present and represent the claims of Christ, but it is not a calling for the faint hearted. Carrying forward spiritual battle in the midst of physical battle is an extreme challenge.
Fervent Desire for Peace
Man forms instruments for war. God changes them into tools of peace.
