When commissioned at an OCF bar-pinning ceremony twenty years ago, I was ready to take on the world, but acutely aware I knew little about leadership and military service! Through mistakes and the Lord’s patient refinement, I learned that the Bible is the greatest leadership manual ever written, but we must apply its timeless truths to the circumstances of our lives.
OCF Council elections for the Class of 2016 are open now through 29 September. Eligible OCF members are encouraged to vote in the election.
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.
Christian officer, leader—how important is prayer to you? As Christians serving in the military, do we recognize what and for whom we should be praying for in our leadership roles? Godly officers and leaders pray.
Longtime Bible teacher, speaker and friend of OCF, ACCTS and Christian Military Fellowship, Charalambos Nikolaou Tokatloglou (Mr. Tok), went to be with his Lord on 15 December. He was 97.
We’ve been through a lot in our four short years of marriage, but it’s been exciting to look back and see how God has been a part of it all, especially in the last two years. God poured out countless blessings on my husband in the pursuit of his dreams, making it through the arduous training without any major injuries or setbacks. I couldn’t be prouder of him!
Since returning from my tour, I am continually reminded of something I once heard, freedom has a taste to those who have fought for it, and almost died, that the protected will never know. Since the earliest days of our nation, every generation of Americans has answered the call to duty in times of peace and war.
A co-worker named Diana is a Gold Star mother. This remarkable woman lost her oldest son to combat action in Iraq, leaving behind a grieving wife, their baby, and other heartbroken relatives and friends. Despite her faith, and the support of family and community friends, Diana’s wounds are profound, constant companions she will likely carry with her until her dying day. By embracing her wounds through the loving embrace of the great Suffering Servant, Diana has become His partner in the lives of others. Still carrying the scars of her wounds, Diana is a visible instrument of God’s healing for others.
Even after two deployments, I still don't understand how mankind can be so cruel and thoughtless.
If your military family is a typical one, chances are you have moved about once every two to three years. With the many stresses associated with moving, one of the most difficult decisions can be whether to buy a house or rent one.
We never think it will happen to us, but the reality is that each of us will someday receive our final PCS orders to stand before the Lord. Do you have a spiritual sponsor for that coming day?
There are certain moments in a lifetime you never forget. For me, the memories of formally giving a father’s blessing to my children in person continues to give me joy as I recall each event.
As Christians, we have the privilege of serving the King of kings and Lord of lords. But He also invites us to come aside and just enjoy being His children. That time will stoke the brightness of His light within us and our faces will reflect that glory He gave us! Where’s your refuge?
When our speech lacks the love of Christ, Scripture clearly declares we are just a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
Jump on in! Living completely sold out to God is a lot like doing a cannonball into a pool--not on the edge of toe-testing mediocrity.
Thriving Christian marriages reveal prayerful planning and purposeful intention.
by Larry Simpson, Colonel, USAF (Ret) "And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, 'What
Go back in time as we explore the places and events, through the lens of Scripture, shaping the most dramatic event in the history of the world-the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
William Crawford was an unimpressive figure, one you could easily overlook during a hectic day at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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.
Where were you in 2003? Most of us remember the United States' invasion of Iraq. The media covered our military's every move and with those reports came images none of us will forget.
Soon, Christmas nativity scenes and all the Christmas season trappings will be packed away into storage for another year. But the unopened package-the Christ of Christmas-remains for the taking, offering lasting hope and future beyond our often dreary, heart-breaking world.
Victory over adversity. It's something Dick Toliver knows well, this great-grandson of a slave, who grew up in dark days of the pre-civil-rights-era South. Despite the shackles of poverty, racism, injustice, he fought to become a highly decorated and accomplished Air Force pilot.
The OCF small group is a safe place where military Christians can gather to support and encourage one another.
Christian leader, the narrow road of discipleship—a road the Lord travels with us—is full of unexpected, difficult turns. Prepare earnestly, lead well. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Waging war against sexual impurity starts in the battlefield of the mind.
Christ-centered chapel programs may involve your participation.
What is it like to kill the enemy? As a Christian, what should be my response?
Often unseen in life's "lucky breaks" are the preparation, prayer--and waiting--for the opportunities from God.
Couples in resilient marriages are intentional and vigilant in building successful relationships.
When Rob shared his vision with me, I had been an Army wife for nearly eleven years—all of our marriage. I would have described myself as supportive of his career. I understood a fair amount about the military, had attended countless functions, and attempted to make the most out of each move. Wasn't that enough? What else did he need from me?
Christian military women can become influential leaders by embracing the fullness of their identities as women made in Christ's image.
You are OCF—not the OCF home office, field staff rep, or your group leaders.
God's promise to His laborers and their labor is Rock solid.
by OCF Council elections are now underway at the OCF website until 16 September. Eligible OCF members are encouraged to
Father's Day is the perfect venue to consider those who first loved us--especially our Father in heaven.
Challenges are unique for married-to-each-other military with families when duty calls
Each of you new officers raised your right hand and repeated an oath to faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the United States. The enlisted men and women you now lead vowed to faithfully follow your orders as their officer in support of the Constitution.
Memorial Day is a somber reminder of what military selflessly puts on the line for our nation--and each of us
Got fire for the Lord? Keep it burning by stoking your flame. We must tend to the fire-to the love relationship with our Lord. Anything less is abandonment. Remembering, repenting, and returning stokes that fire and results in peace and power.
The godly leader is indeed a powerful witness for Christ. When we follow Christ's example—and let Him take the reins of our leadership—we will experience a calling that is fulfilling beyond measure, and one in which the results are undeniable.
Prison visits are powerful ministry opportunities for OCF small group fellowships.
How do you respond to shaping?
What brings you to the point of task overload?
God's work does not cease with key personnel turnover.
What enables Christian leaders to maintain the charge when others give up?
The Word of the Lord penetrates the heart and compels an obedient response.
So should we question God's authority?
What is your synonym for fear?
How might the Christian leader apply the lesson of Ananias and Sapphira to the work place?
Do you allow the "spiritual self" or the "old nature" to dictate your decisions?
Failure is a part of living.
So how do you become a hero--or at least a good leader?
What mentorship lessons might we learn from Paul and his heartfelt concern for Timothy?
How are you doing when it comes to sorting through the competing priorities in your life? What's your battle rhythm?
Deep down inside most of us generally have a sense of how to respond to adversity and challenging circumstances.
Every day is a good time for a reality check.
The leader's satisfaction comes in doing what he is called to do.
So you are thinking about starting an OCF group. Good for you!!
The benefits of fasting shouldn't be overlooked.
These things will be true. Count on it!
David Warner recounts the best early Christmas gift he's ever received.
A deployed chaplain shares his thoughts leading up to Christmas.
There may be times when you're discouraged, when your spiritual strength and confidence may be shaken, or when you grow tired from the high spiritual operational tempo. Do not lose hope!
Imagine--the same God who fashioned the heavens and earth, and made man in His image--knew this would occur.
Leadership was a natural result of who Tom was.
An officer who was there takes a step back to view the big picture.
What is the relationship between Christians and politics?
"Follow me!" sounds like an adventure--the full life that Jesus brings!
Lack of contentment comes from entertaining lies.
Balance the roles of Christian officer and Christian spouse.
We all have to serve or work for someone at some time in our lives.
May we boldly encourage the lifestyle our mottos, creeds, and principles promote--in order that we may not be put to shame.
Become a person who influences others for Christ.
Four keys to a godly marriage.
In our haste to don armor and build obstacles and barriers, however, we must not forget that prayer is the essential element for our security and salvation.
A chaplain's wife shares her thoughts.
As Christians in the military, we ought to see the parallels between persistence in life and persistence in prayer.
We cannot allow ourselves to be defeated by perceptions that Christian activities will not be tolerated in the military.
Every God-fearing dad in some way strives to image our heavenly Father.
How to avoid these 7 pitfalls that trip up small group discussions.
How deployments affect the holidays.
Looking ahead motivates us to live, work, and plan while we wait--and it is the key to living in the present with energy and hope.
The Lord has helped me shorten the space between my warriors, their families, and God.
The time of the shooting at Ur coincided exactly with the prayer of the soldiers at War Eagle!
The role of the OCF small group, the dynamics involved, and how to lead one at your installation.
Make important decisions with the confidence that God has revealed His direction.
Getting a local OCF fellowship started is not difficult. Here are 9 "P's" to keep in mind as you prayerfully consider starting an OCF local fellowship group.
People rarely intentionally derail group discussions, but there are five personalities frequently found in small groups that can ruin group interaction unless the leader can handle them smoothly.
1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always be prepared to give an answer. I call that 'living a questionable life' where you are open to others questioning you.
An open letter from chaplains answers questions about going to war, being deployed, families of deployed, and those considering the chaplaincy.
Live out the commission God has given you and you will shine in a dark world.
To be successful as a junior leader at your first unit, here are six core elements to consider.
It is a joy and privilege to influence other lives through your leadership.
Your duties as a soldier are consistent with the highest Christian values.
Life is full of disappointments, difficulties, and distress. It comes in many ways: relational conflicts, job issues, financial concerns, illness, injury, tragedy and a host of other predicaments. It is challenging, even as a Christian, to respond positively to these trials.
How well do you reflect the gospel in the pain-filled eyes of a frightened seven-year-old girl whose grandparents you just helped kill?
There's a great deal of talk about servant leadership in the military today, but few Christian officers are actually practicing it as the Lord prescribed.
Character is the most important factor in Christian leadership.
How does the Christian leader achieve and promote healthy competition while maintaining an atmosphere that fits within the boundaries of "Love thy neighbor as thyself?"
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.
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.
