3: The Ministry Pillars of OCF

IN THIS CHAPTER

These Pillars express the essential traits of our Fellowship. They speak to what OCF is known for doing, are a summary of OCF priorities, and help give focus to ministry work. You can memorize these pillars using the acronym “CUE LINES.”

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Centering on Scripture. We affirm the Bible as the very Word of God, God’s revelation of Himself. OCF members and participants study the Bible so that all might know what to believe, obey, and embrace as true. 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Uniting for Fellowship. We gather in Biblical fellowship wherever men and women come together through their common faith in God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. This union of believers results in good works benefiting the entire military community. 

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Engaging in Prayer. We join in personal and corporate prayer, dependent on the Holy Spirit and obedient to God’s command to pray. 

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).

Lay-Led. We are a body of Christian officers serving, or who have served, within the U.S. Armed Forces. OCF’s membership also includes non-officers, civilian and military, who are committed to OCF’s work. Our ministry is accomplished through volunteers supported by a limited number of full-time staff. 

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by Him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Integrating Faith and Profession. We believe Christian integrity requires professional excellence coupled with Christ-like attitudes, words, and actions in all areas of life. 

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him … Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:17, 23-24).

Nurturing the Family. We are Biblically called to serve as one family, a Christian family made up of singles, couples, and children—all who have been adopted by our Father in heaven. We encourage, build up, and help develop family relationships that glorify God. 

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2).

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 5:33-6:4).

Equipping to Serve. We equip members to spend, and to be spent, for the good of the entire military society. 

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

Supporting the Chaplaincy. We encourage OCF members to know their chaplain(s), serve as volunteers, be the hands and feet of spiritual resilience within the military community, and champion the roles of the chaplaincy.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).