A: Pray-Discover-Obey (PDO)

Download the Handbook

Get a PDF of the entire OCF Handbook, including all chapters and appendices.

Icon
Handbook, 2022, Revision 1 2305 downloads 1 MB

Listen to the Handbook

The OCF Handbook is available for free on Audible. If your favorite audio player isn't listed, just paste the Handbook RSS feed URL into your favorite app:

https://anchor.fm/s/cbc82168/podcast/rss

  • Apple Podcasts logo button
  • Spotify logo button
  • Amazon Music

BEFORE THE PDO

1. Spiritually prep yourself

2. Set PDO date and time

3. Consider fasting 

4. Draft topics and categories (come prepared) 

5. Invite participants

DURING THE PDO

1. “PRAY” phase can include song and/or Scripture

2. Tell the group your “DISCOVER” phase methodology

     a. How you will move through topics

     b. Pray before/during/after topics

     c. There are no bad ideas … really

     d. Practice being quiet, seek input

     e. Take notes—key points and thoughts

     f. Address contingencies (what if someone deploys, gets sick, etc.)

3. Develop an objective or goal for each decision you make

4. End in song, prayer, and/or Scripture

AFTER THE PDO

1. The “OBEY” phase means to do what you agreed to do, using God’s resources to do His work.

2. Ask for help to stay on course. Ask others to pray for you. Consider who might help you obey and persevere (someone nearby or a friend from afar).

3. Repeat the PDO process as needed (at least annually).

     a. At start of semester

     b. Before PCS season

     c. Review plans, goals, and what done to this point; update as needed

POSSIBLE PDO GROUP TOPICS TO CONSIDER:

  • When, where, what time to meet
  • What to study and the format to use
  • Food, music/song, games, etc. 
  • Child care and participation of children
  • Order of events, e.g., prayer, study, then fellowship
  • What you will name your group (to advertise)
  • Chaplaincy coordination
  • How to make the group visible (social media, in-briefs, etc.)
  • Administrative: how to coordinate, synchronize the group, who will do it
  • Who will update the OCF website Directory listing for the group (ocfusa.org)
  • Leadership during TDY/TADs or deployments
  • Transitions and handoffs during PCS season

POTENTIAL FAMILY/PERSONAL PDO CATEGORIES FOR PRAYER AND DISCUSSION:

  • Spiritual growth: personal and family
  • Hospitality, community engagement
  • Church roles, service opportunities 
  • Education: adults and children
  • Vacation, travel plans
  • Finances: budget, tithes, offerings, etc.
  • Fitness and dietary health
  • Property, resource stewardship
  • Assignment, job prioritization
  • Stay in or transition out of the military