Not alone: Regional ROTC retreats gather and grow future officers
This February, nearly 200 cadets and midshipmen from 30 different campuses met at three retreat locations, along with some 50 adult mentors.
Finding a home away from home / Plus, utilizing the OCF Handbook / February 2025
Lt Col Scott and Lisa Bedrosian, USAF (Ret.), recount some of their cherished memories made at White Sulphur Springs and share how God has used this special home away from home in their lives.
“No success without a successor”: A call to discipleship from the AMCF World Conference
What does it feel like to be in one room with over 1000 military/police service members, representing 72 different nations, who love Jesus? Two words come to mind—inspiring and humbling.
OCF seeking to develop a full-orbed cadet/midshipmen ROTC ministry
At its April meeting, the OCF Council gave unanimous approval for placing a full-time OCF staff couple – for the first time ever – at The Citadel, in Charleston, S.C.
Balancing relationships and Bible study in a small group
In this episode of OCF Crosspoint, JB Kump shares what has made small groups so impactful in his own life, practical tips for those interested in leading small groups, how his passion for those local fellowships led to his current post-military career, and more.
Karis and Ben Meier: “God really opened my heart through what I’ve suffered”
Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like God was using affliction to draw you to Him? In the face of a chronic illness that seems to have no end, Karis Meier chooses to respond in this way—give thanks.
Ron Bracy: “God wants me to simply trust and obey where He leads”
Some 2,500 years after the time of the prophet Habakkuk, Lt Col Ron Bracy, USAF (Ret.), found himself asking the same question as the Old Testament prophet: “How long, O Lord, will I call and you will not hear me?”
Biblical Truths from Life’s Experiences
What parables has God given to you through the simple circumstances of your life that you can share with others? Too often Christians do not share with others what God is teaching them and doing in their lives, things that can encourage other believers and make them sensitive to God’s moving in the world—and even in their own lives.
45. Did You Ask?
From whom do you seek advice and in whom do you place your trust when it seems you are not receiving discernable direction from God?
44. Compassion
What might cause you to be stingy with empathy or sympathy? Few things are worse than arrogance. Are you tempted to make your compassion for others conditional?
43. Seeing The Other Side
Consider that our leadership role is not always one of preventing another from his determined path. In some cases, the correction or consequence that follows will have the greater impact on a person’s decision to walk with integrity.
42. The Preeminent God
What gives you greater delight—loyalty to a program, an institution, a promotion, or obedience to God? God wants the acknowledged, preeminent position in each of our lives.
41. Unintended Consequences
Have you made an error in judgment by insisting things go your way? Perhaps you are presently in the midst of unintended consequences from a rash decision. If so, follow David’s example.
40. The Way Ahead—Choose to Forgive
Whether in a personal relationship or in the workplace, Jesus’ admonition to forgive remains. As servant leaders, how we forgive and restore is a mark of obedience to Christ’s commands.
39. In His Time
Little by little, in God’s time He performs His purposes. Some leaders, thrust into positions of greater responsibility as a reward for a job well done, fizzle in their performance because they lack the wisdom that seasoning and time bring.
38. Distractions
How does one keep focus when distractions and discouragement come? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Keep focus on the big picture and ask His help. Remind yourself that what you do is for His glory.
37. Nagging Circumstances
God does not abandon us in the face of weighty circumstances and pressures. Consider God’s prevailing truth and rely on His presence during your times of need for deliverance from nagging circumstances.
27. What Do You Want From Me?
What does Jesus want from you? That your faith not fail, that you keep turning to Him, and finally, that you lead by encouraging and strengthening others who face similar circumstances. Be encouraged, Jesus stands by you.
26. Loyalty
Jesus paid the price of his commitment to us on the cross. Are we willing to pay the price of loyalty to Him? More aptly, why am I willing to pay the price of constancy to Christ?
25. Your Every Need
“God will supply every need of yours” whether it is a financial concern, effective time management, or dealing with disgruntled people. Jesus is the resource for all our needs. As faithful followers, ours is to approach Him confidently for grace and help.
24. Are You Leading?
Faith and leadership are more appropriately modeled through keeping sight of how to achieve God’s purposes in and out of the workplace through godly influence, using softer tones, quieter approaches and direct resolve to see the mission through. Simply acting or reacting is not necessarily an effective leadership quality.
23. What Say Ye?
Are you discerning God’s voice when you find yourself speaking to many, a few, or one on one? Just as Jesus spent much time in prayer and solitude with God, the basis of our responses may be proportional to the time we spend with God in study of the Scriptures.
50. Encore with Todd Plotner: 4 lessons for young warriors
The third and final encore episode comes from episode 27, with LTC Todd Plotner, USA (Ret.), who talks about leadership lessons for young warriors. The conversation was based on an article he wrote for Command magazine back in 2013 when he was the Army ROTC Professor of Military Science at Washington State University.
43. Seven Christian principles to help you steward your time
Have you ever thought about what it means to be a good steward of your time? Maybe you can recall getting to the end of a day and thinking, “Why did I waste so much time?” Joining me on the show to talk about time stewardship is LTC Gil Jacobs, USA (Ret.).
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.”
Living out faith while in service to country | Episode 31
Major Will MacKenzie and Major Derek Brown, USA, discuss several topics during their conversation with LTC Colin Wooten, USA.—friendship, being a Christian in the military and killing an enemy combatant, serving in the military as Christians, and what it means to actively live out your faith and integrate your faith in all areas of life.
Leadership lessons for young warriors | Episode 027
Today's guest is LTC Todd Plotner, USA (Ret.), who wrote an article titled “Four Lessons In Leadership for Young Warriors” back in 2013. We'll take a deeper dive into the points he made in that article.
A discussion of OCF past, present, and future | Episode 26
Here to discuss OCF's 75 years are a special round-table panel of guests: Brigadier General David Warner, USAF (Ret.), Lieutenant Colonel Kate Toms, USAF, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Wooten, USA (Ret.), and Captain Dan Abney, USMC.
Transformational Leadership | Episode 018
There is no greater example of a transformational leader than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In this episode, LTC Gil Jacobs, PhD, USA (Ret.), walks us through six ways to be a transformational leader like Jesus.
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.
Five Christ-like ways to serve those you lead
Whether the most junior leader or a four-star flag officer, leaders come to their assignments with choices to be made in opportunities to serve.
What is OCF?
It’s not unusual to hear people ask, “What is OCF?” or “What does OCF do?” They may wonder if OCF is a club of officers like-minded in their Christian faith, or just the local Bible study fellowship they attend.
How do you handle success?
We all love success. It feels good—certainly better than failure. But success can easily become a stumbling block if not handled humbly and wisely.
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God
How does a faithful walk with Jesus give life, context, and direction to the exercise of military leadership? What opportunities do I have for doing good for others’ welfare and for God’s glory?
Bold to act
Without boldness grounded in faith, we’ll see little transformational effect. Without godly purpose and wisdom, boldness can be rash and destructive.
A Salve for the Scars
So much of today’s culture dwells on victimhood, on wounds that seem resistant to heal. Christ-followers don’t deny the wounds but come alongside the struggling wounded to offer the salve secured by the scarred, yet now Risen Lamb’s victory over sin and death.
Avoid Cursor Creep in Your Life
For His disciples, God gives direction. Develop a habit of checking your tendency to slide off the course He sets. Seek and find that direction in all parts of life: personal, family, professional, and community.
Go … Going’ly
Transitions are certainly a challenge, yet also filled with the potential to renew, refresh, and revitalize. Let’s do our part as leaders for the latter three.
Building on a Foundation with a God’s-eye View
Every planner for ground tactical combat operations knows the value of seeing the area of operations from above. Looking down on the terrain, you see risks, opportunities, and new ways to achieve your objective that cannot be seen from the ground.
Seeing Around Corners, Part I: A Sure Foundation
A particularly effective leader sees the ends amidst the overwhelming hubbub of the present. Opposition, complexity, danger, and distracting opportunities threaten to paralyze or draw the leader off course.
What ‘Right’ Looks Like
One simple request from a platoon leader in one small group at one location on a single evening. But when multiplied over the weeks and miles of hundreds of Christian fellowships, just consider how the Spirit might work!
Is ‘fellowship’ a verb or noun?
This raises a question: “Are we merely in a fellowship or do we ‘fellowship?’”
A hitch in our giddy-up
We all have hitches in our giddy-up. Most are wounds within our soul: bitterness, deceit, fear, shame, guilt, and others. They hinder us; they limit us in our service with and leadership of others.
‘Go for the honey muscle!’
Jesus taught often through parables. Every listener could garner solid adages for life. Yet there was a special category of those Jesus taught who received the deep and rich gems that would transform them and enable them in fruitful service to the Master.
How have you set your sails?
All leaders experience both fair and foul winds. The Christ-honoring leader has been given stewardship of people, missions, and things for the Master’s gain and pleasure.
Sometimes, There is No Plan B
If you are a leader, perhaps you are the one God appointed to initiate and lead a local fellowship, or you may be the one leader Christ has chosen as His ambassador in a unit or staff.
The Slippery Heart
Men and women of authority, education, and influence are particularly susceptible. Their gifting, potentially so helpful in service and leadership, spills over to coat the heart with ill-placed personal pride and assurance.
We can take away a stone…
No, we cannot redeem this fallen world and its deathly power on our own, but the One who can has asked us to partner in His work with what we can do. He simply asks us to “take away the stone.”
Sometimes you just need a Sherpa
We all could use a Sherpa when facing new and formidable challenges. Junior leaders and young couples with their abundance of zeal and energy, but with limited experience, particularly benefit from a seasoned guide as they break new ground in life.
Leader, be a clove
Also essential for Christian leaders are the daily development of subordinates; team building for unit cohesion and performance; setting of standards of respect and performance; and seasoning the unit culture with the aroma of Christ.
Stewardship is our goal; leadership is our method
Including stewardship in our leader lexicon may put our responsibility and authority in proper balance. The goal of a Christ-like leader will remain Christ’s goals; the methods, means, and accompanying perks will then better honor Christ in practice
Who planted the seed of leadership in your mind?
Do you recall when someone spoke into your life and a vision was cast? Are you intentionally doing the same with those you serve?
EXSEL discipleship program yields sweet outcomes
As they Experience, Serve, and Lead at White Sulphur Springs, the EXSEL Discipleship interns are helping military members and their families realize the restoration needed in these challenging times.
Six ways to follow Jesus’ example and become a transformational leader
Transformational leaders help people understand the purpose, objectives and values of an organization by articulating a clear and appealing vision. From both a practical and biblical perspective, transformational leadership inspires, develops and empowers followers; it also hones our leadership skills so we become better leaders.
Perspectives on servant leadership
The term “servant leadership” evokes a varied range of impressions as to what that really means, looks like, and how it plays out in real life. At first glance, the seemingly incongruous servant leadership concept appears especially contrary in business settings or military circles where typically bosses lead, employees serve.
Is God calling you to lead a small group?
We reached out to two OCF small group leaders, LTC Tom Matelski, USA, and Lt Col Jim Wamhoff, USAF, and asked them to share their insights on starting and effectively leading a small group.
Four lessons in leadership for young warriors
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.
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.
The Religious Rights of Those in Uniform
As both a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and a Christian, have you ever wondered, "just what exactly are my rights to freely express my faith in Jesus Christ-even while in uniform?"
Expecting God’s Unexpected
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.
Stoking the Fire
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.
Visiting Those in Prison
Prison visits are powerful ministry opportunities for OCF small group fellowships.
Heroes
So how do you become a hero--or at least a good leader?
Being a spiritual point man
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!
Of Trash and Treasure
Things that I plan to leave for my children seem petty compared to the enduring legacy my heavenly Father has left to me.
Welcome to the Desert
The Lord has brought you to this place for His purpose, and He will not rest until you are fully prepared.
So You’ve Been Passed Over
I found being passed over to be the most freeing thing that has happened to me in my walk with Christ
The Full Armor of God
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.
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 Jungles of War
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?
Christian Leadership for the Junior Officer
To be successful as a junior leader at your first unit, here are six core elements to consider.
Three Looks
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?
The Challenge of Distress
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.
War on Spiritual Terrorism
When we go to war, we are fighting both a physical foe and a spiritual enemy.
Changing Demands
You must remain trained and always ready to face the perils of war.
Wealth: Friend or Foe?
God gives us the power to become rich, but it may be in terms of our riches in eternity with Christ Jesus and not in our human, earthly terms. What is important is what drives us.
What Works for New Officers?
Ten habits of highly effective Second Lieutenants and Ensigns
Predicting the Future
Life insurance plays an important role in a sound financial plan for the future.
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.
Situational Awareness
If you're in your thirties, you are living in a generational, social, and professional gap by no choice of your own. This positioning brings tremendous professional and spiritual challenges; and opportunities.
Implicit Trust
Simple faith and trust in the Word brings eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting.
What Are Parents to Do?
Each themselves military officers, what's it like as a Mom and Dad to watch your child deploy?
Following the Centurion
In the occasional doubts we must all feel as Christians in an occupation of arms, the New Testament centurions are worthy role models.
The Role of the Chaplain
If the chaplain's role is meeting spiritual needs, just how is that fleshed out?
Daddy’s Letter to Son
LTC Frank Gray's letter to his son explaining why he is back in the Army.
A Good Soldier
Tom Hemingway reflects on what it means to be a good soldier.
Fervent Desire for Peace
Man forms instruments for war. God changes them into tools of peace.
Against the Flow
We talk about tough, but we don't know tough.
"Leader, Draw Near" copies are now available!
![A Rocky Mountain ROTC Retreat recap from OCF Director of ROTC Ministry Larry Sherbondy: "[The same weekend as the Midwest ROTC Retreat,] at Spring Canyon, 23 cadets met to consider 'Spiritual Fitness.' Like all these retreats, this one was a great example of how we are learning to partner together with our fellow ROTC ministries.
"Speakers included CH(1LT) Christian Rainbolt, USAR, Valor Regional Director Bobby Rainbolt, and OCF Colorado Springs Area Coordinator Tom Falconer. Devotions were led by Tyler Williams, team leader of Cru in Northern Colorado.
"Of particular interest to the cadets was a talk given by CH Rainbolt on the role of chaplains and the path to becoming a chaplain in our military.
"The cadets had ample time for reflection, interaction, prayer, and seeking God in His Word, as well as for taking in the incredible beauty and all that Spring Canyon has to offer!"
#ocfusa #ocffellowshipfriday #militaryministry #militaryfaith](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/487402867_18489896728045938_2035760014457411986_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=ZeGL70cDaWQQ7kNvwE81q1R&_nc_oc=Adk5a6VFoo9bTUT8hKtM2LN2tvGEahNnkdrMu-RnLh811O4QsCBz1tOMVRPCgIn6YVMS6aRX7SVff1Esdb9TR1If&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=f3kVCENIhNR-iLB9S3ZOxg&oh=00_AfGgX-t30-HV9NoiL3y9d4dxYhA4Bt0Jh_kLSL2OujSYVw&oe=67F8DBDF)
Facility management experts needed! 