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First Bible Studies

[…]those first few meetings as you get started, let me offer a suggestion. What follows is a scripted Bible Study Guide on the first six chapters of Nehemiah. This study should meet several objectives meaningful to you. Discussion Format If you are unfamiliar with a discussion format Bible Study, you will see the nature–general approach and actual questions (with desired answers)–of such a study. Participants will see the type of Bible study most often used in OCF settings. So, if the participants are unfamiliar with this whole thing called “A Small Group Bible Study,” they get to participate in this […]
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Professional Perspectives for Senior Officers

[…]the last word is “perish.” The difference between the two is delight in and meditation on God’s Word. As a military Christian, you will be involved in spiritual warfare. You understand combat. A military force has specific needs to perform properly on the battlefield. You also have these needs, which include the following: PSALM 119:105. You need light–the ability to “see.” 1 PETER 1.23-25, 2:2. You need food–energy to perform. EPHESIANS 6:10-17. You need protection and weapons. EPHESIANS 5:19 and 6:18,19. You need to communicate–up, down, and laterally. CONTINUE EACH DAY to read God’s Word and to commit your circumstances […]
Read more » Professional Perspectives for Senior Officers

A day in the life of OCF

[…]Most of them have already gone back to their rooms, but a few older ones stay for time one-on-one. The one hanging around the longest eventually says, “I need to talk with you about this guy.” Steve and Rita listen, eventually offering some guidance, “that may not want to be heard.” Surprisingly, the cadet declares her appreciation, blessing them to see her desire “to follow God and trust His ways.”   0300 Ideas for the new summer conference center brochure and an upcoming radio interview for Brig Gen David Warner has awakened director of communications Michael Edwards two hours before […]

Waging Another War

[…]adultery, sex outside of marriage, or masturbation.  The battle of sexual integrity is won only by achieving sexual purity. As defined in Every Man’s Battle, sexual purity is “when no sexual gratification comes from anyone or anything but your wife.”i God’s standard for sexual purity is straightforward, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity”(Ephesians 5:3). Once the books arrived, via donations from my church, I began a weekly study at the FOB chapel. With only about three months left in theater, I wanted to help the soldiers prepare […]

Members: Cast your vote now for OCF Council

[…]assignment: SECTOR New York Ministry involvement: OCF member since 2009, USCGA OCF President, OCF Bible study leader; assisted chaplain (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard prayer breakfast, COC and retirement ceremonies); USCGC TAHOMA lay leader; Seacoast Community Church youth group leader (weekly Bible studies, special events, prayer meetings); street evangelism with the church.  Personal testimony: I trusted the Lord at a young age, but it was not until high school that I realized the radically selfless life that Jesus calls us to. At that time, I began to truly seek the Lord, and since have been blessed with godly mentors who have taught […]

Starting an OCF Small Group Fellowship

[…]Meeting 1. Find a wingman. It may be your spouse or another couple if you are thinking of a home Bible study. Find a like-minded Christian co-worker for a workplace study. 2. Pray about starting a group, about who to invite, what to study, where to meet, time/place, etc. Let the Holy Spirit speak before launching on your own strength. 3. Invite initial participants. Face-to-face invitations work best. Using flyers, bulletin board announcements, or e-mail works better after you have an established group going. 4. Be prepared. Take a look at the many resources available on this OCF website to help […]
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Spiritual Battle Plans

[…]more demands/stress, and less alone time for spiritual quiet times. All these dynamics wear on one’s emotional and spiritual health. If purposeful steps are not taken to counter this situation, a person’s spiritual world/foundations can truly be rocked. As military leaders, we go to great lengths to ensure adequate preparation for each mission, as well as consideration of various contingencies. We put in place “triggers” that cause us to execute the operation at a certain time. We develop a medical evacuation plan in the event we take casualties; we plan for actions on contact, for vehicle breakdowns, for redundant communication […]

Unity of Command

[…]debates over how we should accomplish an objective; but in the end our commander made the decision. Once the commander decided, the staff members put disagreements aside and worked together in unity to attain the objective that the commander prescribed. UOC implies obedience to the commander all the way up and down the chain of command. The same unity of effort should be the showpiece of any local Body of Christ. In the military, the Body of Christ may be the local chapel community, believers in a unit, or believers going into battle together. What brings them together as military […]

Time, Talent, Treasure: Retirees

[…]Bible studies-and an occasional home cooked meal- while also mentoring cadets and midshipmen one-on-one. Gwynn Vaughn first heard of OCF while attending the Army-Navy banquet, and later led Bible studies as a West Point cadet, attended OCU conferences, and was at Spring Canyon’s first-ever summer camp season in 1962. The Vaughns also serve as Spring Canyon Advisory Council members. Feeling “especially burdened for those in the military, ” over the years the Vaughns led chapel Bible studies, mentored couples and ministered to West Point cadets. “Both of us came from chapel-going families, but neither one of us really heard about […]

Follow Me

[…]today, I need only look to Jesus for the example to follow. Jesus provides the premier lesson on leadership by focusing on three areas: serving others, doing the will of His Father, and forsaking the world’s view of leadership. Serve Others Serving others may sound like an odd way to lead. If we’re appointed as leaders, people are supposed to obey our orders and follow us. Servant leadership is not new to this age, but can be traced back to first-century Judea. In Mark’s Gospel account, Jesus redefined leadership for His disciples. This redefinition came on the heels of a […]

Part of an amazing lineage

[…]in two events that exemplified the legacy of Christ, where His lineage is being carried on. On Memorial Day at OCF’s Spring Canyon conference center, the newly constructed Fort Shine Lodge was dedicated to the memory of 1LT Jonathan Cameron Shine, who gave his last full measure in service to his Lord and his nation in October 1970.  What we celebrated was not 1LT Jon Shine’s death, but his life. For in his last moments on this earth, his thoughts were on his comrades in arms and on his Savior, ensuring that his life, through his last breath, was focused […]

Florida – Pace

[…]Home: LT Matt Cleveland, USN and ENS Carrie Cleveland, USN Email: Matthew[email protected] Phone: (301) 801-3734 We would love to welcome you in for a meal and a good night’s sleep. We have a queen mattress and a blow-up twin mattress with all the trimmings along with a baby who loves to snuggle. Reach out if you are in the […]

OCF Groups and You

[…]is the determining factor in the success of OCF where you are now. Here are some suggestions on how an OCF fellowship group might look in differing environments: Home Bible study—officers, enlisted, retirees, or civilians meeting in someone’s home, using DVD, inductive, or topical Bible studies. Deployed group—an ad hoc group who meets for prayer/Bible study, often ending when deployment ends. Lunchtime workplace—a mixed group of AD, reserve, guard and civilian contractors meeting at lunch for Bible study. Pair/Spiritual Battle Buddies—two people praying/studying the Bible together; great discipleship opportunity. Church affiliated—varied people meeting for fellowship/prayer study as a formal ministry […]
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What Works for New Officers?

[…]Effect your environment-don’t let it affect you. 4. If you get to your unit and can’t find a BIBLE STUDY, start one! See whom the Lord sends your way. Get support from your chaplains. Ask for their advice; they may even be able to buy study guides for your group. Start with an interesting study in which all can participate, like Luke or Philippians. Ask others for help. Make it fun, avoid controversial issues, and focus on simple truths for effective Christian living. Include prayer and praise. TIP: You can facilitate a study with those who are of higher rank […]

Six Generations: 1

[…]year, when all the upperclassmen return from their summer duties, trips and vacations, Jon confronted me while they stood in formation ready to march to the dining hall for dinner. His simple question to me as I stood at a stiff position of attention, chin well to the rear, was, “Cadet Willey, would you like to participate in a Bible study in the company after duty hours?” Somewhat taken aback, but pleasantly relieved that there were other Christian believers within the Corps of Cadets, I muttered a quick, “Yes, sir!” That brief encounter changed my life. A relationship had begun […]
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Preparing for Active Duty

[…]role models, wonderful fellowship and worship, solid Bible study and prayer times, meaningful one-on-one discipleship, inspiring retreats at Spring Canyon, strong Christian relationships, great food, and Rocky Mountain High. Clearly, these cadets had a great first experience with OCF! Then I asked them the same two questions I ask each new class of students at Maxwell: 1) What would happen if every flight commander, every squadron commander, every wing commander were “on fire” for the Lord Jesus? What would your Air Force look like? 2) How are you going to make a Kingdom difference during your career? OCF can be […]
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For All Leaders

[…]the office. We lead people, not things. Do what is right and leave the results to God. You may be confronted with decisions that will cause you to ponder the ramifications they may have on your career. Do what’s right before God, and let Him worry about the ramifications. Your motives are an important aspect of your character. I’ve found it helpful to pray through Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Watch out […]

Time, Talent, Treasure: ROTC

[…]Valor area coordinator and also devotes off duty hours facilitating an Army and Air Force cadet Bible study. While Tim’s OCF involvement ramped up when he and Penny were stationed in Hawaii—he later served as Bible study leader, area coordinator and on Council—Penny also “grew up OCF.” She regularly visited the conference centers with parents Fred and Ilene Stubbs, who also hosted neighborhood Bible study groups throughout their military days, and in recent years, served at the conference centers. The same biblical principles Tim and Penny infused into their own children’s spiritual lives—and reinforced by conference center ministry—is what they […]

Let His Light Shine!

[…]seafarers came up with a suitable answer–a deck prism.  This six-sided crystal was flat on one end and came to a point at the other. After cutting out a hole in the deck, the deck prism was laid with the pointed side down, refracting the light from above into the dark spaces below. My question is, how is your light shining?  The Bible says, In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). In this present world, you’re fighting a spiritual battle as well […]

Some Thoughts for Christians

[…]to complex issues, while being careful not to quickly conclude that the “Christian” position on these issues is clearly and unarguably defined.   Al Shine is a retired Army officer and Vietnam veteran. He has been active in OCF since the early 1960s and has served on the OCF and Spring Canyon Councils as well as in leadership at area and local […]

OCF and Leadership

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[…]their homes, in their units, and in the Christian community of their installation. The small group Bible study is our primary tool for this encouraging and equipping. One of our OCF staff members says we need to produce qualified elders. He is right, but “elders” is a church term that means different things in different denominations, so a more applicable term for us is leader. Military people understand leadership. Cadets at West Point know from day one that the mission of the Military Academy is “To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a […]

Time, Talent, Treasure: Academies

[…]whose gospel message stirred Bryan at White Sulphur Springs, and Tom and Cheri at Spring Canyon, on their first vacation as a married couple. Cheri’s OCF legacy goes back to when her parents, CH(LTC) Russell and Lois Stroup, USA, hosted Dr. Bob Smith and C.N. Tokatloglou (Mr. Tok). Both men have participated in God’s kingdom work through OCF by leading and coordinating Bible studies wherever assigned during active duty, and holding varied OCF leadership positions. Tom’s OCF resume includes ROACT Council, and USMA and USAFA ministry teams with Cheri, while Bryan served on OCF Council, and along with Ward Graham […]

Six Generations: 3

[…]very cognizant of Jon Shine’s life and death and impact on my life. He was killed in action only three years earlier in combat in Vietnam. My memory of his brief but inspired life and my own changed outlook on life–feeling a strong need to work with men as a spiritual mentor, as God led me to those men–convinced me that I needed to share my Christian testimony with my platoon of about 40 soldiers. I called them together one day, shortly after the alert, and sat them on the steps to our barracks. I spent about ten minutes sharing […]
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Leadership Q&A

[…]Every Christian officer needs a friend in the faith to hold him/her accountable, hear confession, offer prayer cover, and encourage us through the struggle. Even Moses couldn’t do it alone (Exodus 17:10-13). He had Aaron and Hur help him in the midst of a desperate battle against the Amalekites. We also need such support. There are a lot of temptations to compromise your testimony. Your wing-man in the struggle will help you overcome these. For me, this faithful partner has been, and remains, my wife, Rebecca. She is my confidant, advisor, friend, and accountability partner in the fight. I could […]

Operation Iraqi Freedom

[…]and dry-no wonder they complained during their forty years! And they didn’t even have air-conditioned rooms, dining facilities, and a pool!  What an opportunity to meet together as Christians to worship and pray openly from the middle of a Muslim country (Saudi Arabia). A group of us read through the book of Matthew and just discussed whatever stood out to us. It added a new perspective being this close to where all the events we were reading about happened. For example, it’s cold at night in the middle of winter there. I’d always wondered if it were really cold when […]
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Time, Talent, Treasure: OCF small group fellowships

[…]and chasing each other. The adults enjoy the meal while chatting, laughing, and catching up on one another’s lives, relishing the chance to finally rest from work or taking care of kids all day. Then they settle down to learn from God’s Word and pray together. They are also putting to feet the exhortation from a recent Bible study, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). Group leaders LT Flip and Christie Johnson opened Purpose Boutique, a women’s clothing store ministering to both local and global physical needs. The “how you shop can […]
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Do you have a PCS sponsor—to heaven?

[…]of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). Navy: Meet incoming Sailors/families…Remember the feelings and confusion experienced as a new arrival. Jesus knows our weaknesses, feelings, and fears, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He has us firmly in hand. Air Force: Sponsors can help reduce anxiety… [of] a PCS move…A newcomer can reduce stress by talking to someone “already there.” Jesus invites us to bring our worries to Him, “Come to […]

Ice Cream in Iraq

[…]want any more bad guys here so you need to just go away!” Wow! That sure was a lot of questions! I hope everyone got their questions answered and I did not leave anyone out. I also hope you will write to me again in the future. You can either write to me again as a class or you can send me a letter from home. Be sure to ask your parents first, though! – Matthew’s […]

Laborers and Laboring as Unto the Lord

[…]as some uninvited pest needing to be permanently shooed from our lives. Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount, “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:26-27). All of which underlines the real heart and core of celebrating workers and their work, particularly in the greater-than eternal economy of God’s full kingdom to come, “That is […]

Leadership Moments: Are You Leading?

[…]Him. Man’s natural inclination is to think: He who carries the biggest stick wins. Instead of condoning Peter’s protective gesture, Jesus healed the servant’s injury and told Peter to put away his weapon (John 18:10-11). Jesus could have responded to the arresting entourage with a show of His mighty power or through a simple appeal to his Father and the thousands of angels standing by for Jesus’ use. Instead, He identified Himself as the one they sought (John 18:5).  A good leader leads best with actions reflecting decisions arrived at through calm, calculated, inspired thought rather than reckless displays of […]

On The Rock

[…]response when life-changing moments arise, and thus be the “wise man” with a firm foundation. Act on the teaching of Scripture and help others to do likewise. Model biblical living and live out your faith in front of others. Serve as a ready testimony; realizing that in and of yourself, you cannot do anything, but through Christ, all things are possible. Display faithful actions that withstand the potentially destructive effects of adversity. Continue standing firm on the rock of your […]

TTP – Vision and Leadership

[…]grow to the level of excellence we owe ourselves, our customers, and our nation, we base our actions and behaviors on those core values and focus our efforts in two overarching areas-training and readiness. In the area of training, our goals are increasing technical proficiency and continuous leader development. We will ensure the excellence of our efforts through ongoing task and skill learning, practice, development, and growth. Additionally, we will each take an ownership interest in our subordinate leaders and strive to maximize their inherent attributes and further equip them to the best of our abilities to develop superior leaders […]
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What is Required of Me?

[…]obedient way. God’s Word outlines for us a personal morality in the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, and a public morality regarding our obedience to those in authority over us. Scripture also tells us that we have an obligation to be good news and to bring good news. You are an officer commissioned to prepare for and to make war in the name of the President of the United States, expected to defend our Constitution and to obey those in lawful authority over you. The values and virtues of our commission are captured in laws, codes, conventions, […]

Pennsylvania – Butler

Local Leader: CH(CPT) Matthew Lower, USAR. Email: [email protected] Phone: (607) 742-4200 Please contact me for fellowship details. I am an Army Reserve Chaplain and C&MA pastor here in Butler. Feel free to stop on by for prayer, fellowship or if you want to chat over coffee, this is the place to go! Would love to host […]

Service Separations

[…]bent back until our grip is broken, and that involves pain. But if we gladly, freely hold that person on the open palm of our hand, surrendering him up to God, then even though God might still take that one, we could rest in the peace of knowing He is in control. Finally, with God’s help and strength, I loosened my grip. I was able to hold my husband, my children, all that were dear to me, on the opened palm of my hand–for God to take or leave as He deemed best. And then the peace–His wonderful peace flooded […]

Six Generations: 2

[…]academics. As it turned out that year, not one of our group suffered adversely in academics. On one occasion, we were unable to meet due to scheduling conflicts. Jon wrote a personal note to the members apologizing. His note to me was brief and to the point, yet spoke volumes. It, in fact, is a microcosm of his life at West Point — developing relationships, meeting other’s needs, excellence and faith: Willey, 4th Cl Sorry about Thurs nite – I guess we all got a little busy – let’s shoot for another meeting Sun. nite – Daniel 3:17,18 BEAT SPRINGFIELD […]

The Chaplain’s Role

[…]together at one time. Patrols go out on the hour. Thirty plus soldiers go “outside the wire” on one shift while the other soldiers are sleeping. 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. Juggling Time, Resources, & Opportunities Because of this awkward schedule, a chaplain must utilize his resources, the soldier’s time, and every opportunity. This is where small Bible studies excel. As a chaplain I have a burning desire to teach my soldiers the Word of God. I want to […]

Situational Awareness

[…]standard. The example you portray as a Christian leader has the ability to directly affect the personal conduct and eternal future of hundreds. Those hundreds may eventually impact countless numbers. You may be in a position to advise senior leaders on matters of importance. Seeking God’s wisdom and applying it at the right time can steer the actions and attitudes of thousands. Emotionally your career experience has seen unprecedented change. Your life has spanned the dependable pace of the Cold War, the revved up tempo of the 1990s peacekeeping and stability operations, and now the frenzy of the Global War […]

Spiritual Success

by LTC J. Randy Carey, USA (Ret.) Have everyone in your Bible study write out his or her testimony. Share one with the group each week. Understand what OCF is all about. Promote the encouragement that can be gained from a group coming together to worship Almighty God. Participate in OCF retreats and conferences. White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon offer continuous programs such as retreats, family events, and Rocky Mountain High. Use OCF as a meeting place to network with Christians on your base, in your unit, on your ship. Post updates on the Internet. Consider journaling your walk […]

God, are you with me?

[…]of words. The empty space formed an arrow whose tip pointed to a collection of words—one word on one line and two words on the following line. The rest of the respective sentences had been torn away, leaving the mystery of deciphering what else had been written. But, at this moment, his mind raced back—back to that moment his fists struck the cold locker door. He could hear the echo of the words he had cried out… “God, are you with me?!” He looked to the tattered letter more carefully and there, at the tip of the arrow, the answer […]

Therefore We Will Not Fear

[…]to tell my new men what I believed and to encourage them to read their Bibles and to come to the Bible study which I had. In the rapid push north from Rome, however, I had neglected these men. I talked to them that evening about what it meant to me to believe in Jesus Christ; how He was my Saviour and could be theirs if they would open their hearts to Him. When I finished what I had to say, I went back to writing. Several of the men sat there and did not write any more. Some went […]

Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station

[…]and Miroslava Bingham, Email: [email protected], Phone: (724) 561-5498, Day & Time: Wednesday Bible study in the Base Chapel, at noon. Chaplain Torrey Johnson leads. Bring your own lunch. Thursday Women’s Bible Study in the Base Chapel, at noon. Miroslava leads. Bring your own […]
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Mortal Enemies

[…]naval force in the Pacific. I gave no thought of the possibility of this attack breaking open a confrontation with the United States. I was only concerned about making a military success. “Plunge in to Attack” As we neared, I made a preliminary check of the harbor, nearby Hickam Field, and the other installations surrounding Honolulu. Viewing the entire American Pacific Fleet peacefully at anchor in the inlet below, I smiled as I ordered, “All squadrons, plunge in to attack!” The time was 7:49 a.m. Like a hurricane out of nowhere, my torpedo planes, dive-bombers, and fighters struck with indescribable […]

Rescue on the High Seas

[…]A lay leader directed church services on Sundays, but it seemed like I could never attend for one reason or another. Sometimes I was on watch. But for the most part it was a willful decision from a faltering relationship with God. I was a modern-day Jonah trying to escape the grasp of God rather than make Him my priority and obey Him. A few weeks before the pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama, my wife asked me how I was coming along in my Bible studies. To my shame, all of the Bible studies I brought with me were […]

The Heartbeat of OCF

[…]in your area know how to find you by having your group listed under the Find OCF Near You button on the OCF website.  If you’re not listed there call the OCF home office to get listed. Group Leader Action Checklist Encourage OCF non-members to join by giving them the Heartbeat of OCF brochure or sign up directly online at the OCF website. Collect annual feedback using the feedback form available on the OCF website. Be sure the OCF home office has your group’s current day/time meeting information. Update your own personal profile, too. […]

California – Monterey

[…]Thursdays, 1700-1900 Where: Wellspring Church, 141 14th St, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Our Bible study group welcomes anyone and everyone looking to connect with and study the word of God. We enjoy a small meal and fellowship with one another at the beginning of the meeting time. Please reach out to either of us for more […]

Virginia – Langley AFB

[…](508) 825-4157. Day & Time: Thursdays at 1800 – 2000 (1800 dinner, 1900 study). Additional Information: Back up POC is Dr. Sam Tate, [email protected]. We are the Peninsula OCF, servicing members who are in the Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown and surrounding areas. We have a weekly potluck and fellowship at 1800 and study from 1900 – 2000. You are welcome to come at any time that is convenient for you, even if that means showing up at 1930. We are a diverse group composed of Active Duty, retirees, and reservists. Families are more than welcome. We have children ranging from […]

How Should a Christian Live?

[…]It also teaches moderation. Just about anything to excess can be destructive. Most of the instructions on right conduct in the Bible are principles, not laws. While many of our decisions and actions to act contrarily might not be sin, they generally prevent us from enjoying the abundant life that God promises, from “being all we can be.” Over time we each learn that when we choose to act contrary to biblical principles there are consequences. Hopefully those consequences are as light as a hangover and not more catastrophic or hurtful to you or to others. Accountability, sound biblical teaching […]

It Didn’t Surprise God

[…]a retired C-141 pilot contrasted Heather with his coworker who was in a remarkably similar situation. The only notable difference was the people who were praying for Heather. While his coworker suffered complications, Heather sailed through the treatment. I’m convinced the specific prayers of those who chose to pray alongside us made the difference. And yet this story is not complete unless I consider the alternative. God is not bound to say yes. He holds the length of Heather’s days in His hand. At any moment, He could take her into eternity. Should this fear be realized, God is still […]

Keep the End in Mind

[…]hope. When Larry and I had our pre-deployment talks, we focused on coming back together. We envisioned long walks, picnic lunches with the children, standing on the beach and holding hands as we marveled at God’s handiwork, silently and verbally thanking God for our reunion. This looking ahead perspective had its practical side, too. As we purposed to begin with the end in mind, we had to decide what that looked like in pre-deployment, mid-deployment, and post-deployment. This minimized the emotion of departure and separation for both of us. It exposed the frightening unknown. Practically, looking ahead meant several things. […]

Will you embrace the Christ of Christmas?

[…]our sin, mankind’s need for a savior, that heaven and hell exist. But He also requires a personal response—from every one of us-to the gift of eternal salvation He extends. A gift that only He could purchase—with His blood at the Cross of Calvary. Now that cooing infant lying in the manger has gone from preaching to meddling. But what to do about Him? Nearly two millennia have passed since His brief life on Earth, and all the attempts to silence Him or His message of salvation have failed—and always will. As the late Dr. S.M. Lockridge said in his renowned “He’s My King” sermon: “I’m […]

Three Looks

[…]situation with new followers to lead—stepping into the shoes of our now-deployed supervisor, Bible study leader, or colleague. As Christian officers desiring to exercise biblical leadership—faced with constant flux and in the process of growing in our capacity to lead—how can we best prepare for our next leadership role? I offer you three “looks.” Look Back Taking a reflective pit stop is critical, especially at our Indy 500 pace. “Experience is the best teacher” is a common, but incorrect, adage. Leadership experts now attest that evaluated experience is the best teacher. Here are a few questions to consider before you […]
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Three Words

[…]in the integrity of your life. The man or woman people see in the chapel choir or the OCF Bible study will be the same man or woman they see in the company headquarters, on patrol, in his home, and at the unit hale and farewell. In 1967 I was the senior advisor to a Vietnamese ranger battalion. I wrote many letters to my wife during that year, but one, which perhaps meant the most to her, came not from me but from the wife of the Vietnamese major who commanded the battalion. She told Sandra how fortunate Sandra was […]

Submarine Community

[…]force by connecting them to local OCF fellowships. Identify and engage submariners to start an OCF Bible study where fellowships do not […]

Virginia – Woodbridge

[…]Pets will need to be crated or kept in a carrier for some portions of the day. We are also OCF Bible study contacts and leaders; you’re welcome to join us. Contact us for directions and more […]

Georgia – Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning)

[…]Join us for an awesome time fellowshipping and growing in our faith! We host a potluck dinner and Bible Study. Active Duty, retired, kids welcome. Our group has single and married company and field grade officers and retirees. We also host active duty and families for 1-2 nights when traveling for graduations, […]
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Georgia – Moody AFB

[…][email protected] Phone: (402) 975-7046 Day & Time: We meet on Tuesdays at 1800 for a meal. Bible study begins at 1900. Additional Information: This is a Jesus-loving kid-friendly group. We eat a meal together, then read through and discuss God’s word. We welcome all, whether single, married, or families. Kids are welcome, but childcare is not provided at this time. We are willing to address that if […]

Italy – Naval Air Station Sigonella

[…]Navy and USAF. We meet in a home in a gated community north of NAS Sigonella. We fellowship, eat, study/discuss the Bible, and pray together. The fellowship is based around loving God and encouraging one another (and their children) to live out the Gospel in their personal and working lives. Mature teens enjoy watching the younger children, in the same home.  (Another OCF group meets close to base, at the Marinai Housing area. Take your […]

Florida – Pensacola

[…]fellow members of Officer Christian Fellowship (OCF), we’d like to invite you to our biweekly Bible study starting on October 10, 2023. We’re excited to connect, learn, and grow with you in faith at our cozy home in Pensacola! For the first two gatherings, we’ll have PDO (Pray, Discover, Obey) sessions to dive deeper into Scripture and strengthen our relationship with God. We’ll then meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Feel free to reach out to us for any questions or […]

What Are You Reading?

[…]were reading. Some even suggested that it was imperative that senior leaders make time to read. One area of study and practice that has always been important to me is the topic of leadership. I have an entire bookshelf devoted to the subject. Many of the books are dog-eared, highlighted, and well worn from frequent review. All have influenced my understanding and practice of the art and science of leadership. In more recent years I have become increasingly interested in the topic of Christian servant leadership. I believe there are at least three reasons why few servant leaders exist. First, […]

OCF/Valor ROTC Retreat

[…]Dave Bowlus, USA. Discussions will be facilitated by a Junior Officer Panel as well a Panel of seasoned Senior Officers. White Sulphur Springs is beautiful in the winter. You can look forward to outdoor actives such as hiking, ice skating (weather permitting) as well as climbing wall, an ice cream social or just sitting by the fire with time to read your […]
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Christian Leadership for the Junior Officer

[…]Competence. When you arrive at your first unit, you should focus your attention on learning your responsibilities and the technical systems you will use. Communications systems alone will require reading and hands-on practice. For a time, put away the books on Generals Patton and Lee and the “bulletproof superhero” novels and focus on the technical aspects of your new job. Every type of unit will have high expectations of you. An airborne unit will expect you to attend Jumpmaster School. An artillery unit will expect you to pass the Gunnery Safety Exam. An Air Assault Unit will want you to […]

From Mid to Married to Mom

[…]we would meet up after dinner and walk together to the planetarium. We officially started dating one month after attending an OCF retreat at White Sulphur Springs, married fifteen months later, and were then both assigned to the same duty station upon our commissioning. But because of our conflicting schedules, during the first two years of our marriage we were together less than six months.  Everything changed when my husband was given the opportunity to pursue his dream job. But I had no idea what I was in for. He would come home day after day, bruised and beaten up, […]

I Only See Green

[…]by putting our hearts and eyes on Christ and by praying for the strength to love one another unconditionally. Racism could end in a day. That day when all of God’s children accept Jesus Christ as Savior and vow to try to live up to His teachings. People would know that we are all created in the perfect image of God (Gen 1:27). We all descended from Adam and Eve so no matter what race we are, we all come from the same blood (Acts 17:26). God wants to save all mankind, not just one race or two. Jesus showed […]

Implicit Trust

[…]The Key to Triumph From French military tradition emerges the story of how the Emperor Napoleon was on horseback, reviewing his troops one day when, in the course of issuing an order, he inadvertently dropped the reins. The reins fell on the stud’s neck and the spirited animal, taking fright, bolted off at a gallop, the Emperor clinging desperately to the saddle and momentarily in peril of being dashed to the ground. A private in the ranks, alert to his Emperor’s plight and perceiving that the horse and rider were proceeding in his general direction, stepped out of formation and, […]

Predicting the Future

[…]that all subjects might read and know what was required of them. The code was carved on a black stone monument eight feet high; it was discovered in 1901. The code then regulated in clear and definite strokes how society should be organized. Yet, Hammurabi’s code is not really the earliest. There are some indications that another code was established four centuries earlier; Hammurabi’s code implies its existence. With the above as a backdrop, a commentary on mankind reveals that people have always tried to replace random chaos with some type of order. Stated another way, most people do not […]

Superhero’s Faith

[…]to be held; I want to love without fearing the hurt of loss and accept love from others not based on what I’ve done or who I am but simply because God is Love.5 I want to enjoy God. I want to feel in my heart the shedding of that ugly Clark Kent business suit and beam the bright colors of an adventurous superhero! I’ve decided that I want to live. I’m going to have faith like a child.6 I’m going to be a Superman for Christ.     1 John 3:16, John 20:29 2 John 10:10 3 Michael Yaconelli, […]

Test Me!

[…]God owns everything and that we are merely stewards of what God gives us.This includes not only our money, but also our possessions, and our time, and our health, and our career. Part of spiritual warfare is looking at all aspects of your life and seeing if God is in charge of each and every aspect. Is God in charge of your finances? If not, it’s time to “Test […]

The View from the Top

[…]it wasn’t that tough. The guides’ encouragement was more than enough to keep me motivated. On day one we tackled the vertical wall climb, mine field, and low rope exercises — both with and without blindfolds. In addition to being great fun, they helped us with team building. The following day we climbed up steep rock walls and rappelled down even steeper cliffs. What an adventure — exhilarating and exhausting. Once you’ve rappelled down an 80-foot vertical cliff, you feel like you can do anything. Next we conquered Mount Yale — one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks. We took three days […]

Through A Glass Darkly

[…]do all I could to give my girls a sense of having a father, even if he wasn’t with them for months on end. Each day we talked about Daddy. We sent artwork and cookies to him and even made a tape or two. When the mailman brought a letter, it was a time for celebration. Daddy would send the girls kisses (they smooched the letter and giggled), and once he was able to send little treats. But it was, after all, a war, and Dad had to be gone. We began a ritual every night. After dirty sneakers and […]

Undivided Heart

[…]those guided by the Holy Spirit? At the heart of these queries is the consideration of the root of one’s conscious choices (actions). Our options are to allow the “spiritual self” or the “old nature” to dictate our decisions. David asked that he would know God’s ways and walk in His truth. Is it possible to discern right judgment without knowing the truth? James 1:8 says: A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Surely, as Christian leaders, our desire is to show compassion with an undivided heart–one that rightly discerns truth with reverence and awe of the Lord. […]

War on Spiritual Terrorism

[…]a new application of an ancient form of warfare devised by our adversaries to counter our greater conventional strength. Many of us will be directly involved in training, equipping, employing, planning, and leading soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to fight this new adversary. But in order to “win” in this protracted conflict, we must recognize that there really is a fight between good and evil. Irregular warfare has been raging since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. In his book Behind Enemy Lines, Charles Kraft states “as we Christians serve our Lord and Master in this world, […]

With the Love of a Clanging Cymbal

[…]in the first place. His response included a detailing of his wife’s two one-night-stands, the second one resulting in a pregnancy with baby due any day.   My self-righteousness abated and my soul began to ache at the realization of my sin, completely jumping to conclusions when I didn’t have all the facts.  Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of India who championed nonviolent civil disobedience, is quoted as saying, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians.” His problem with the Christian faith isn’t Jesus Christ—it is us. I proved Gandhi right that afternoon with my troubled friend. My […]
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2018 OCF/VALOR ROTC Retreat

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  • Published date: December 4, 2017
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[…]$176 Single adult, $310 Cadre couple (10% discount company grade) RSVP: Fill out the online registration form at the White Sulphur Springs website. Or call the White Sulphur Springs office at (814) 623-5583 or email […]

Further insights from Mike and Angie Moyles

[…]struggling with the how long and why me questions…  Forget the “how long do I have” question. Only One knows the answer—God. Some of the best doctors in the world gave me five years to live—seventeen years ago. Don’t focus on how long. Rather, live every single day as if it’s your last. Cancer or not, that might be the case. So maximize every minute. “Why me” is more difficult, but the answer is largely the same: faith, fitness, family. There are explanations—smoking, obesity, malnutrition, other clear links—in some cases. In my case, there’s no explanation. I was in the […]

Getting Intentional in Your Marriage

[…]its depth in increasing relational service and contentment. At Puget Sound’s recent Climb On! Regional Training Conference for equipping OCF members, we challenged couples to resist going through the motions of marriage and lukewarm service to one another. Christian military marriages thrive when couples purposely: Open the dialogue box-and keep it open Seek to understand your wife or husband’s need, goal, or point of view Commit to caring for the other’s concerns Catch, pray for, and cooperate with God’s vision Serve each other with proper motives Following an interactive session, a young spouse asked us, “So how do you grow […]

Interview with Chaplain Beach

[…]program on any base? The answer is: the commanding officer. Every commander, regardless of his personal convictions, is responsible for the welfare, including the spiritual welfare, of his personnel. That responsibility extends to insuring appropriate programs are provided. He is responsible for what occurs on his base. This means he will want to know and exercise approval or disapproval of programs. The special staff professional who is provided to assist him is the chaplain. Officers’ Christian Fellowship groups meeting or advertising on any base (including quarters areas) should submit to the military authority of the command via the chaplain. Any […]

Leadership and the Christian Officer

[…]trait of character, they must then prepare themselves intellectually to face the tasks which confront them. Loyalty To achieve the best results from subordinates, the commander must have their confidence and personal loyalty. One thing must be remembered-loyalty starts at the top, not the bottom. If commanders desire loyalty of subordinates, they must first be loyal to them. They must be treated fairly, and, to the extent practicable and legitimate, assisted in those difficulties which are an inevitable part of life while in the service. Commanders must never forget that even the newest recruit is a person worthy of respect […]

Question Authority

[…]he at least have been given insight as to why. As we strive to live out our faith in our profession, the study of Job prompts a few thoughts to consider: Can we trust God emotionally when our circumstances demand justice? In my lack of discernment of how God is working, can I question the fairness of what He allows? What should my response be to trials I do not understand? Job’s response was to question God. One might conclude that Job got wrapped up in matters too great for him. As leaders, we often consider the big picture, the […]

Strong to the Finish

[…]experiencing a time when God seems out of reach. Maybe your mind has raced to the worst possible conclusion and you are overcome by worry, disappointment, and fear. You may be at a point at which people are no longer allies but enemies as you fight to faithfully fulfill your responsibilities. Remember, God is at work in the midst of your struggles, helping you learn more about the love, strength, wisdom, and peace that only He can provide. Dan is the president of Encouragement FM, a former Christian camp director, and a past chair of the CCCA Board of Directors. […]

Virginia – Portsmouth

Local Leader: LT Tae and Sherie Chon, USCG Email: [email protected]  Phone: (757) 995-8661 Day and Time: We meet on the first Saturday of each month from 1700 to about 1900. Families and singles are welcome. After dining together, God willing, we will study His word, pray for one another, and encourage each other. Please text or call if you’re […]

Virginia – USCG Base Portsmouth

[…]& Time: Thursdays, 1200-1300, at the Wheelhouse. This is a combination of lunch, fellowship, and study. We’ll discuss how faith, service and life intersect. Free pizza provided! I’m the Pastor for Adult Discipleship and Outreach at Nansemond River Church in Suffolk, Virginia and a Chaplain in the Air Force […]

Louisiana – Barksdale AFB

[…]& Time: We are blessed to enjoy a senior officer fellowship on a Sunday evening once a month. We share a meal, a short study, and a time of prayer. We rotate to meet in each other’s homes. Our focus is encouraging each other, growing in Christ, and praying for the base. Please contact me for location and other […]

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Phone: 303-761-1984

OCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our CFC number is 10531. OCF is also a member of these organizations:

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Our Connected Monthly email will keep you connected with OCF ministry news, events, and more. Subscribe or re-subscribe below.

View our email archives

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Our Address

OCF logo
OCF Home Office
4050 Lee Vance Drive, Suite 330
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 303-761-1984

OCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our CFC number is 10531. OCF is also a member of these organizations:

Copyright © 2000-2023 Officers’ Christian Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.

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