OCF Crosspoint Podcast
Lived experiences and biblical insights from those who understand military life—for the challenges you're facing now or will face next. Get more information about OCF at ocfusa.org/learnmore.
info_outline
You can't see God’s providence through the windshield
08/03/2026
You can't see God’s providence through the windshield
Opening Summary COL Chels Chae, USA (Ret.), served nearly 30 years in the Army, from West Point graduate, infantry officer and 75th Ranger Regiment veteran to commander of the Wolfhound Battalion at Schofield Barracks. He finished his career as Chief of Staff for Joint Task Force Homeland Defense and Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Army Pacific. For 13 of those years, he and his wife, Christine, walked through their son's mental health crisis, a season no military school prepared him for. In this episode, Chae talks with host Josh Jackson about the difference between competence and dependence, why his prayers once sounded like mission briefings, and how a solitary drive to a hospital in Pasadena, Calif., reshaped the way he talks to God. If you've been trained to project strength while privately carrying something you can't fix, this conversation offers a hard-won picture of God's providence—usually visible only in the rearview mirror. Chae is the author of the devotional . More information at his . Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: How do you find your identity in Christ after retiring from the military? Start by separating who you are from what you've done. Rank, position, and assignment all change; identity in Christ doesn't. Twenty years ago, Chae says, he would have answered the identity question with "I'm an Army officer, I'm a Ranger, airborne." Today he answers first as a follower of Jesus Christ, then as Christine's husband and a father—and everything else, he says, is simply something he has done. That reordering came shortly after retirement, when he realized someone else was sitting in his office, someone else was commanding his units, and life just kept moving. He describes God asking him a direct question in that season: "Who are you now?" Titles were never meant to define him. They were window dressing. Why do my prayers feel like a mission briefing? Because military training teaches you to arrive with the problem already solved—and that habit follows you into prayer. Chae's prayers, by his own account, followed the briefing format: explain the problem, present the proposed solution, ask God to bless the plan. He wasn't intentionally excluding God; he simply assumed he already understood what needed to happen. The danger of leadership, he says, is believing that a careful enough plan and enough hard work can solve almost anything. Eventually a season arrived where no rank, no leadership training, no planning process, and no amount of grit produced an answer. He now calls that one of the greatest gifts God gave him, because it taught him the difference between competence and dependence—and mature Christian leadership, he argues, requires both. How do I trust God when I can't fix my child's problem? You trust God's character instead of your own ability to solve it. Chae and Christine walked a 13-year journey with a son in a mental health crisis, initially diagnosed as a lifelong condition. From the outside, the family looked fine—promotions, a strong marriage, active in church. Inside, he faced something none of his skills touched: gathering information, developing courses of action, deciding, leading. He kept asking God to change the circumstances and heal his son; looking back, he believes God was changing him instead, exposing where he trusted his own ability over God's authority and sovereignty. Faith, as he defines it, isn't confidence in what you hold in your hands—it's confidence that God remains good whether you understand his plan or not. What held them together was finding a private place and praying out loud together. How do you pray when you're angry at God? Pray honestly, without a mask—anger, tears, and unanswered questions included. Chae's most formative prayer wasn't composed or reverent. He was alone in a car, driving to the hospital where his son was, yelling and weeping, asking God why an innocent child at the very start of his life had to go through this. In the silence afterward, he sensed God’s answer: “Now you know how you should pray to me.” He anchors this in Psalm 22, which he says gives him permission to be honest with God without pretense or protocol. If David (and later Jesus) could say "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), nothing needs hiding from a God who already sees the heart. The same season changed what he asks for—less "fix this, Lord," more "what do you want to teach me today?" How do you know God's will for your future as a Christian? Stop trying to figure out God's plan for 10 years from now and start walking faithfully with him today. God is the only one who lives on what Chae calls "the far side of the future"—he already knows tomorrow, and the lamp you're holding only lights the ground directly in front of you. Chae tells the story of a young manager who had decided he'd change jobs in a year; Chae asked whether every decision between now and then would be colored by that plan. A week later the man dropped it and committed to being faithful to his team—"Don't worry, God's got you." Chae's own summary of Jesus is blunt: don't worry about tomorrow, seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33-34). Give today the effort God assigned you, and be able to say you were loyal to it. Why can't I see God's plan while I'm going through it? You usually don't see it in the moment—you see it looking back. Chae puts it this way: nothing in the windshield helped him figure out what the future held for his sons or his family. But in the rearview mirror he sees all of it—God’s faithfulness, goodness, and purpose he couldn't have identified while he was living it. He describes being embarrassed, in hindsight, by how much energy he spent on the horrifying feeling of not knowing what came next, only to look back and say, "Oh. Okay. Now I see." His own immigration story reads the same way: born in London, back to Korea, then to New York and Chicago at 12 as his father chased a better education for the family. He didn't recognize God's providence at the time. He sees it now. Asked what he'll say first in heaven, his answer is one word—aha—because that's where he'll finally see all of it. Editor's note: In this episode, the passage about going into your room and closing the door to pray is cited as Matthew 5. The correct reference is Matthew 6:6, part of Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/42307280
info_outline
What's forming you more: Content or community?
07/06/2026
What's forming you more: Content or community?
Summary Can real discipleship survive in a world of influencers, algorithms, and unlimited Christian content—especially inside a transient military life? In this episode of OCF Crosspoint, we continue the conversation on influencer culture with Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.), and CH(COL) Light Shin, USA. Together they draw a sharp line between being inspired, informed, and truly discipled, and explain why spiritual formation depends on proximity, accountability, and community rather than content consumed alone. They tackle discipleship amid PCS moves and deployments, what it means to point others to Christ rather than yourself in uniform, and why grace—not performance—sustains it all. The episode closes with one practical first step any Christian military leader can take this week. Resources mentioned: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: How can Christians in the military stay discipled through frequent moves and deployments? Frequent moves, deployments, and training cycles make the in-person proximity that discipleship requires harder, but a transient military life also creates constant opportunities because new people are always arriving and need to be welcomed. The practical key is welcoming the stranger: those already established at a base should intentionally invite newcomers into a small group, offer a meal, even offer to pick them up. Practical advice for newcomers? Don’t wait; get plugged in fast. This is a strong argument for keeping small groups open rather than closed. Discipleship also doesn't have to last a lifetime to be real. Jesus discipled His followers for about three years, roughly a single assignment cycle, so the quality of the time matters more than its length. Video tools can also help sustain a relationship after a PCS. What does "follow me as I follow Christ" mean for a Christian military leader? For a Christian military leader, "follow me as I follow Christ" is first something you do rather than something you say. You live your faith out consistently, and that example earns the credibility to explain it when others notice you're different. When people ask what makes you different, you point past yourself to Christ, admitting you're imperfect and fail often but are genuinely trying to follow Him—a 1 Peter 3:15 moment. The deeper aim isn't building a personal brand but acting as a signpost pointing to Christ as the ultimate Commander, much like faithfully carrying out the commander's intent. Following the Apostle Paul's example also means imitating a life that lays down its rights, absorbs costs, serves others, and is willing to suffer well—not one measured by worldly success. Philippians 2 is an excellent chapter for further study on these themes. Can Christians be discipled through podcasts, sermons, and Bible apps, or do they need community? Short answer: No, content cannot disciple you. Christian content like podcasts, sermons, and Bible apps is genuinely valuable, and God can use it powerfully, but on its own it isn't discipleship because consuming content is largely one-way, while real discipleship is two-way and relational. You can't be truly formed by a curated persona or a platform; formation happens through proximity—sharing meals, offering hospitality, doing life together, and holding one another accountable. A helpful picture is apprenticeship: a master shows the apprentice, works alongside them, then releases them to do the work while staying available. That’s a progression content can't replicate, especially for leadership and the Christian life. Content is best treated as supplemental to connection and grounded first in Scripture. Barna research (2022) found that 39% of Christians aren't engaged in any form of discipleship. How is Christian discipleship based on grace instead of performance? Christian discipleship is grounded in grace rather than performance. It isn't about earning check marks or leveling up spiritually, but about responding to what Christ has already accomplished. The means of grace include knowing and storing God's Word in your heart (not just reading it on a Bible app), living a life of repentance when you fall short, and resting your confidence in Christ's finished work rather than your own efforts. This kind of formation is slow—more like a slow cooker than a microwave—which can frustrate a culture that wants quick hacks. But it's freeing: unlike an algorithm that demands constant performance and can cancel you, the gospel means that when you fail, you're forgiven rather than canceled. That freedom is a distinct mark of grace-based discipleship. How can a Christian start a discipleship or mentoring relationship? A simple, concrete way to start a discipleship relationship is to invite someone to coffee—or a Coke, lunch, or a meal at home—and let honest conversation grow from there. If you're a younger or emerging leader hoping to learn from someone more experienced, invite them; most people who are worth being discipled by genuinely enjoy this and may not even realize you're interested. If you're the more seasoned leader, take the initiative with someone you'd like to know better—ask questions, get to know them, and let one conversation lead to the next until a real relationship forms. Another step is to pray, by name, for a specific person to invest in or to be invested in by. It might also be a good idea to take a fast from technology by turning off social media for a while to make space for that prayer. You can also find more information about mentoring on our website: Data and metrics related to the topic: Mental Health and the Anxious Generation: Nearly half (47%) of Gen Z ages 12–26 report feeling anxious often or always. More than 1 in 5 (22%) report feeling depressed often or always. Source: Gallup / Walton Family Foundation survey, 2023 Rates of anxiety among Gen Z increased 134% between 2010 and 2018. Depression rose 106% in the same period. Source: Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation (2024), citing epidemiological data Loneliness and the Mentoring Gap: Young adults (18–34) report the highest loneliness rates of any age group, which is counter to the common assumption that elderly people are most at risk. Source: Gallup, 2024; Cigna national survey 24% of young people with no adult mentor say they never feel their life has meaning and purpose. With even one adult mentor, that number drops to 6%. Source: Springtide Research Institute Only 8% of Gen Z respondents say there is a religious leader they can turn to. Source: Springtide Research Institute Trust: Influencers vs Institutions: Gen Z's most trusted sources: family members (88%), friends (84%), ordinary people doing good (81%). Religious/faith leaders rank at 44% — below doctors (77%), scientists (75%), and teachers (74%). Source: Edelman Gen Z Trust Survey — 9,600 Gen Zers ages 14–24 across six markets Confidence in religious institutions fell from 60% in 2001 to 37% in 2021. Source: Gallup, cited by AEI Survey Center on American Life (2025)
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/41985185
info_outline
What's influencing you more: Culture or Scripture?
06/01/2026
What's influencing you more: Culture or Scripture?
Summary Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.), and CH(COL) Light Shin, USA, join host Josh Jackson to examine influencer culture through a biblical lens. Hinote brings decades of military leadership experience and is now building a speaking ministry focused on integrating Christian faith and leadership into a single, unified message. Shin serves as an active-duty Army chaplain and father of three daughters, navigating influencer culture's effects on faith and family in real time. Both will be speaking on the theme of influence at OCF's White Sulphur Springs Conference Center this summer. The conversation begins by establishing a biblical framework for thinking about influence—one that applies to all Christians before it applies to military officers specifically. A few key distinctions anchor everything that follows. First, the platform versus the algorithm. Both guests agree that social media platforms are morally neutral—the tool itself is neither good nor evil. Hinote compares them to the Roman road system: the same infrastructure used to carry armies also carried the early gospel across the known world. What man built for one purpose, God can use for another. The YouVersion Bible App is offered as a contemporary example of Christians using technology with vision for gospel purposes. The algorithms driving those platforms, however, are a different matter. They are deliberately engineered not to inform or build up users, but to keep them scrolling—by targeting base impulses, feeding comparison, and manufacturing shame. Hinote frames these as the "flaming arrows" of Ephesians 6, and the first thing you see on social media that triggers envy, comparison, or temptation is an arrow. Recognize it. Raise your shield of faith. Second, influencer versus witness. Shin draws a sharp distinction from Acts 1:8, saying that an influencer seeks to build a following but a witness tells the truth about what they have seen and heard, regardless of the audience's reaction. Both guests agree that Christian influence should be a byproduct of a Christ-centered life—not a goal pursued in its own right. When influence becomes the goal, self replaces God at the center. The framework they offer is simple: know Christ above all things, do what Christ commanded, and become more like Jesus through that ongoing, lifelong process. Influence, rightly understood, flows from that. As Shin puts it, the question worth asking regularly is: "Whose kingdom did I build today—God's or mine?" Third, authenticity over curation. The lie of influencer culture, Hinote argues, is that you have to look like you have it all figured out. In reality, authenticity builds trust, and trust is what creates genuine influence. This is as true in the gospel as it is in personal branding, and the early church wrestled with the same pull toward following personalities over Christ, as Paul addresses directly in 1 Corinthians 1:12. The standard the guests return to throughout is 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you—yet do it with gentleness and respect." With that foundation in place, the conversation turns to what this means specifically for Christian officers serving in uniform. Referenced in this conversation: Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: How is social media affecting the younger generation entering military service? Young people entering the military are increasingly shaped by a worldview centered on self-promotion, curated personas, and metrics of online acceptance. This stands in direct tension with what military formation is designed to accomplish. The foundational goal of basic training is the breakdown of individual ego and the subordination of self to the unit. Shin references Timothy Keller's The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness as the counterpoint to what he observes: recruits arriving not in freedom, but in what he calls "bondage of self-obsession"—more concerned with how they're perceived on a platform than how they're showing up for the person next to them. Hinote adds that this tension isn't new, and that American individualism has always been something the military has had to address. However, the platforms intensify that individualism by continuously reinforcing exactly the self-focused impulses that military culture is trying to dismantle. Character development must be continuous and intentional, not treated as something institutions address only when there's time. Resource: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller How do I share my faith as a military officer without it being weird or forced? Start by living the message before communicating it, and know which role you're speaking from at any given moment. Hinote, drawing from his own experience rising through senior military ranks, offers a framework that proved practically useful. When you are on a platform, in uniform, with rank on your shoulders and a flag behind you, you are speaking from a position of institutional authority, and conflating that authority with the authority of Christ risks manipulation and coercion, which is not Christlike leadership. In settings where you have more personal freedom—as a church member, a neighbor, a citizen—you have more latitude to speak openly about your faith. The key is empathy: always consider what role your audience sees you occupying. In either context, when you fail—and you will—own it and apologize. Authenticity builds trust. Trust creates real influence. A practical starting point Hinote recommends for any developing leader is this: keep a journal, write down every role you hold, and identify the through line connecting them all. Then live that through line. The standard throughout is 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you—yet do it with gentleness and respect." Statistics and data shared this episode (plus a few extra not included): A working definition of influencer culture: Influencer culture is a social and economic phenomenon created when social media platforms reward people for curating a public identity, performing for engagement, and building an audience around themselves. Influencers use their platform to shape the opinions, lifestyles, and purchasing decisions of their audience. Every generation is influenced in some way by influencer marketing: 55% of Gen Z trust influencer recommendations, compared with 44% of Millennials, 35% of Gen X, and 28% of Baby Boomers (2025 Clutch survey). StoryBox says there are approximately 127 million active social media influencers worldwide—roughly 2.4% of the global social media user base of 5+ billion people. EMarketer breaks that down into 4 tiers of influencers: Nano: 1,000–10,000 followers; Micro: 10,000–100,000 followers; Macro: 100,000–1 million followers; and Mega/celebrity: 1 million+ followers. The vast majority of influencers on TikTok (nearly 88%) are nano-influencers and Instagram follows a similar pattern with nano-influencers representing about 76% of its influencers (eMarketer). According to some reports, military-related content on TikTok alone amassed over 15 billion views in 2023; look up #MilTok. Military.com calls it the rise of soldier influencers. Influencer culture is not just shaping what people buy (or which branch to join)—it’s doing three things: It's shaping how an entire generation sees themselves, forms relationships, and decides who to trust. Consider the following: In terms of how they see themselves: Writer and Substack author Freya India, whose book GIRLS was published earlier this year, frames influencer culture this way—girls as young as 12 packaging themselves for Instagram, getting feedback on their appearance, measuring their worth in likes and followers. An adjacent stat is this: 47% of Gen Z often or always feel anxious (Gallup, 2023). That's the self-perception toll. In terms of forming relationships: A Harvard study says 61% of young adults ages 18–25 report profound loneliness—the highest rate of any age group. This is the one that tends to surprise people, because the assumption is that hyper-connected generations would be less lonely or that older generations would be the loneliest. In terms of deciding who to trust: Only 8% of Gen Z say there's a religious leader they can turn to (Springtide Research). And from Edelman—religious and faith leaders rank at 44% trust rate among Gen Z, well below doctors, scientists, and teachers. But here's the flip side: family members rank at 88% trust. The hunger for relational authority is still there and it’s real. Instead, it's institutional authority that's taken a hit.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/41476800
info_outline
Dear Christian leader: Why are you really doing that?
05/01/2026
Dear Christian leader: Why are you really doing that?
Matters of Conscience, Part 2: In Part 2 of this two-part series, CH(CPT) Chris Erickson and West Point professor LTC Lee Robinson join host Josh Jackson to continue their candid conversation on matters of conscience for Christian military leaders. Building on the flight line moment that closed part one (where Robinson made a split-second decision to pray after losing two soldiers) this episode gives Christian officers a practical three-step framework for navigating the gray areas where faith and military service intersect—know your boundaries, check your motives, discern your impact. Erickson also unpacks what he calls the "theology of your approach"—the conviction that a leader's beliefs need to be settled before the moment of decision arrives, not during it. This episode is essential listening for any Christian officer wrestling with how to faithfully and effectively lead in a pluralistic military environment. ICYMI: or on your favorite podcast app. Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: How should a Christian military officer decide when it's appropriate to express faith in a professional setting? Start with three questions: What's allowed? Why am I doing this? And how might this affect others? The legal boundaries matter, but they rarely answer the harder question, which is "it's permissible, but should I?" That's where motive becomes the real test. Robinson frames it this way: is this coming from pride, or from love? Authentic faith expression tends to emerge naturally from who you are — it doesn't need to be forced into a conversation or staged for visibility. As Erickson puts it, if your faith isn't surfacing organically in the moments that call for it, that's worth examining before asking whether the setting is the problem. How do I figure out what God wants me to do when my faith and my military role conflict? The answer starts before the conflict arrives. Erickson calls this working out the “theology of your approach” — going back to what you actually believe Scripture says and what you believe God is directing, so you're not improvising under pressure. He points to Romans 14 as an example: each person stands individually before God, which reframes a leader's sense of responsibility for those they lead. Having that settled conviction means you're not making it up in the moment, whether the situation is a change-of-command ceremony, a conversation about a soldier's marriage, or a policy decision that touches personal conscience. As a Christian officer in a position of authority, how do I know if sharing my faith is genuinely motivated by love rather than self-promotion? Examine whether what you're sharing would actually benefit the other person today, not in the abstract, and not primarily because it validates your own beliefs. Erickson uses the woman at the well in John 4 as a reference point: her testimony was compelling because it was personal and transformational, not because she had a persuasion strategy. He challenges leaders to ask: am I trying to get this person to agree with me, or am I genuinely sharing something I believe will help them? If you're having to force it into the conversation—meaning, if the Bible needs to be on the desk so people notice it—that's a signal worth sitting with. Effective faith witness, in his framing, is desirable rather than imposed. Can a Christian officer lead prayer at a change of command or official military event? Yes, but context should shape the approach significantly. Erickson draws a clear distinction between an invocation at a change-of-command ceremony (where attendance is mandatory and the audience holds diverse beliefs) and a Sunday chapel service where participation is voluntary. At the official function, he deliberately avoids language that would require non-Christians to engage his personal faith. At the chapel service, he's free to pray as a Christian pastor. He argues this isn't compromise; rather, it's stewardship of the chaplain's access and effectiveness. A chaplain who prays identically in both settings may win a moment of expression while losing the long-term trust that allows ministry across belief backgrounds. Robinson extends this further: as a battalion commander, he avoided leading prayer specifically because he didn't want subordinate leaders to interpret that as an authorization for them to do the same. OCF Crosspoint is produced by Officers' Christian Fellowship and is a podcast for Christian military officers at every stage of service. Learn more about OCF at www.ocfusa.org/learnmore.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/41082285
info_outline
Making Christian decisions in the gray areas of military life
03/30/2026
Making Christian decisions in the gray areas of military life
Matters of conscience, Part 1: What does it look like for a Christian military officer to navigate the space between what's legally permissible and what's wise? In Part 1 of this two-part series, CH(CPT) Chris Erickson, USA, an active-duty Army chaplain serving with 1-41 Infantry Battalion at Fort Carson, Colo., and LTC Lee Robinson, USA, an Army aviator and West Point professor who directs the American Politics Program, join host Josh Jackson to explore matters of conscience—those gray areas where Scripture doesn't hand you a policy memo. Using real-world examples from their own service, including a moment on a flight line after two soldiers were killed in combat, Chris and Lee unpack how military leaders can develop a principled, faith-informed framework for decisions about expressing belief in uniform. This episode is worth hearing if you are trying to navigate the space between religious liberty, leadership responsibility, and wise judgment in uniform, or if you have ever wondered: Should I do this—not just can I? This is Lee’s third time as a guest on OCF Crosspoint. While it isn’t necessary to listen to his previous interviews, consider listening to both episodes since Chris and Lee will reference them at a few points. Listen here: Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: What's the difference between what's legal and what's right for a Christian military leader? A matter of conscience goes beyond what's legal—it's the harder question of what should be done. Consider Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists to as a way to frame things: a matter of conscience involves a conviction that civil government has no real authority over, something arrived at through reason, study, and Scripture. Another consideration is this: law is always broad by necessity, so the Christian leader has to go "three or four steps deeper" than legality. The real question isn't am I allowed to do this? but what should be done? Romans 14:5 (ESV) frames the tension well: "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." How should a Christian military leader share their leadership philosophy with a subordinate when it's rooted in their faith? When a subordinate opens the door by asking, that's an invitation, but context still shapes how you walk through it. Robinson describes a moment in a hangar when a soldier asked about his leadership philosophy, which is rooted in his Christian faith. He shared the substance (servant leadership drawn from Scripture) without explicitly naming his faith, citing concern about using his position to compel belief, particularly with other soldiers nearby who hadn't entered the conversation. However, Erickson pushed back: when a soldier starts the conversation, that's a green light. He draws on his hospital chaplaincy experience, where the guiding principle was never to initiate faith conversations, but once someone opened the door, "that was kind of the green light for me to then share my hope or share where I come from." A shared principle when answering this question is this: let those you lead guide the conversation. A direct question from a soldier is different from a Bible on a desk or a prayer before a meeting with the latter making it difficult for a subordinate to lead that exchange in the first place. How do I know when it's appropriate to express my faith as a military officer? Three primary questions emerge as a practical test for military leaders: 1. What is my motive? Am I seeking to promote my faith, or to genuinely serve the person in front of me? 2. Is this a public or private conversation? Has someone specifically invited me into a personal exchange, or are others who didn't ask also listening? 3. Could this—in fact or in perception—be viewed as using my position to compel others toward a belief? Context and setting are also key. Ask, where am I? There's a meaningful difference between a hangar bay and the walk to a deployed chapel. Such situations can be "so situationally dependent," but working through these questions gives leaders a repeatable process rather than a reactive, in-the-moment guess. Here’s another approach: develop your theology of approach before you're ever in the moment: "Before you ever walked into that hangar, this is what I believe," said Erickson. Is it ever appropriate for a Christian commander to pray with soldiers? It depends on the circumstances, and even then it warrants honest reflection afterward. Robinson describes standing on a flight line after two soldiers were killed by enemy fire, looking into the faces of 38 people who "needed more." With no prior intention to pray, he offered a non-denominational prayer, but prefaced it by telling the formation: "If you're not a praying person, I certainly respect that, and you are welcome to not engage in this with me." Reflecting back, he says he would make the same call again given those specific circumstances, but he also notes he never prayed as a battalion commander; that was the chaplain's role. Erickson affirms the instinct while clarifying this distinction: Robinson wasn't promoting his faith; he was providing comfort through his faith. "Those people shared your need for comfort in that moment and received comfort from you—ironically through your religious beliefs." The motive, not the act itself, is what matters. How does a Christian officer lead people who don't share their faith? Romans 14:12 (ESV) anchors the answer: "Each one of us will give account of himself to God." Every person—soldier and commander alike—stands individually before God, and that shapes how a leader holds the faith of those they lead. Erickson frames it this way: his approach as a battalion chaplain to more than 600 soldiers—most of whom don't share his faith—is rooted in the conviction that "I don't have to convince you to share my faith in order for me to provide comfort." Robinson adds that modeling religious pluralism within a formation (keeping personal religious expression in appropriate spaces rather than the workplace) is itself a form of witness: "Religious pluralism is our greatest moral argument to the world." The goal isn't silence about faith. It's stewardship of the platform.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/40670315
info_outline
What's happening in ROTC that most OCF members don't see
03/01/2026
What's happening in ROTC that most OCF members don't see
Guest Spotlight: Approximately 60% of active-duty officers commission through ROTC programs at more than 1,500 colleges and universities—making campus ministry to cadets and midshipmen a strategic mission field. In this episode of the OCF Crosspoint podcast, we hear from John Hoyman, OCF’s Director of ROTC Ministry and a 30-year Army veteran (Active Duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve), about the renewed vision and momentum in ROTC outreach. John shares his personal connection to OCF, why evangelism and discipleship are central to his vision, what he is witnessing spiritually among cadets and midshipmen, and how OCF members can tangibly invest in the next generation of Christ-following officers. If you are an active duty, Guard, Reserve officer, retiree, or ROTC cadet wondering how faith intersects with military leadership, this conversation offers both encouragement and clear next steps. Learn more: Contact: Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: 1. Why is Christian evangelism and discipleship in ROTC programs essential for future military officers? John explains that his vision for ROTC Ministry begins with “evangelism and discipleship.” His first priority is “how do we bring cadets and midshipmen to Christ and then build that relationship and help them become more Christ-like.” Because these students are preparing to lead in the military, their faith decisions now will shape their entire careers. While he affirms the value of campus ministries such as Cru, Navigators, and Baptist Student Union, he emphasizes that OCF uniquely helps cadets think about “how to apply their coming profession in their spiritual life.” ROTC ministry allows them to ask, “How do they become an officer that represents Christ?” It also connects them to a lifelong fellowship that continues beyond graduation and throughout a military career. 2. What is God doing spiritually among ROTC cadets and midshipmen right now? John describes the current season as “total excitement.” He points to the Eastern ROTC Retreat, which has exceeded previous attendance—filling both the Heritage House and the Harrison House with a waitlist still growing weeks before the event. He sees “an outpouring of people that want to grow in their faith… find out who Jesus Christ is… connect with other believers.” Beyond numbers, he highlights student initiative. Cadets are stepping into leadership, asking how to start fellowships, and seeking to serve younger students. He also observes “a renewed interest in spiritual things,” with young people asking deeper questions—not just about occupation, but about purpose and truth. John calls it “an exciting time to be in this ministry.” 3. How can a Christian military officer disciple and mentor ROTC cadets in a practical way? John shares a simple framework from former ROTC Director Tom Hemingway: “Find a cadet, pray daily, communicate weekly, and meet monthly.” He encourages active-duty officers, retirees, and even those in graduate school near campuses to invest in one-on-one mentoring and discipleship relationships. He describes what he calls the “OCF diaspora”—officers who retire or relocate and may unknowingly live near a university with an ROTC program. Even visiting a campus Bible study once a month can be impactful. John notes that his own monthly investment at Penn State has been spiritually refreshing, saying it was “really refreshing to see these young people seeking Christ.” Those interested can email John (rotc@ocfusa.org) to explore involvement. 4. Why does OCF provide unique Christian fellowship continuity for officers throughout their military careers? John explains that while cadets should find a local church during school and after commissioning, military life often involves frequent moves and limited continuity. that “carries with you past your undergraduate years into a vital relationship with other believers throughout your career.” Unlike most campus ministries that naturally conclude after graduation, OCF fellowship continues into active duty and even retirement. John highlights how retired officers can later reinvest in ROTC ministry, creating a generational cycle of mentorship. This continuity helps officers integrate faith with profession over the long term, rather than compartmentalizing their spiritual lives from their leadership responsibilities. 5. How are Christian military ministries collaborating to serve ROTC cadets more effectively? John emphasizes a spirit of cooperation rather than competition among ministries serving ROTC students. He references collaboration with Valor (Cru’s ministry to ROTC students) and leaders such as David Preston and CH(MAJ) Jeff Struecker, USA (Ret.), including work on a film series addressing the moral ramifications of killing from a Christian perspective. He describes “a cool synergy” between young cadets eager to grow in Christ and seasoned officers who have sought to honor Christ in their careers. From retreats to weekly calls to , John says there is consistent partnership happening behind the scenes. He expresses gratitude for standing “on the shoulders of giants” who have built strong inter-ministry relationships. Key Takeaway: John hopes listeners remember that “God is doing a work among college students right now.” There is a present opportunity for investing in the spiritual lives of future military leaders. Whether through prayer, mentoring, or partnership, OCF members are invited to join that work while the door is open. OCF Ministry News: If you’re looking for an opportunity to hit the pause button and reconnect with loved ones, consider a summer program at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) or Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.). Find out if a store near you is eligible, enroll using OCF’s organization number, then shop as normal to contribute effortlessly to OCF's mission and vision at no added cost to you. Share your life updates: Visit to let us know about an ongoing or upcoming deployment. Visit to let us know of a change in rank, duty status, contact information, or something else.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/40265625
info_outline
Accelerate change or lose: A futurist's guide to Biblical leadership
01/31/2026
Accelerate change or lose: A futurist's guide to Biblical leadership
Guest Spotlight What does it look like to lead with foresight in an uncertain world, and what does Scripture say about it? Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.), who served as the Air Force’s futurist, joins host Josh Jackson to explore future-minded leadership from both a military and biblical perspective. Drawing on his experience leading organizational change during the rise of China as a military power, Hinote unpacks how Christian leaders at every level can develop long-term vision, navigate resistance to change, discern God’s calling over time, and guard against the pride that blinds. This episode is for any Christian officer—or everyday leader—wrestling with how to lead wisely when the future is anything but clear. Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: How can a Christian leader think strategically about the future without claiming to know God's prophetic plan? Strategic foresight isn't prophecy—it's disciplined preparation in the face of uncertainty. A futurist reads signals about where the world is heading, examines an organization's strengths and weaknesses against that backdrop, and builds scenarios that help leaders make wise decisions today. Some signals are strong enough to act on with confidence; others require humility and flexibility. The biblical principle at work is vision, not foreknowledge, but a compelling picture of a future worth working toward. Consider Jesus investing in 12 unlikely disciples. From a worldly perspective, that investment looked foolish. But He had a vision for what those people would become and for what they would build, and He made decisions accordingly. Future-minded leadership does the same: it acts today in light of what could unfold tomorrow. How should a Christian leader lead change when the organization has experienced significant success doing things the old way? The hardest change to lead is the change that follows success because success makes the case for staying the course. The key is helping people see that not changing carries its own risk. If an adversary is investing in ways that negate your strengths, and you keep training the same way and buying the same equipment, you will lose. Nobody wants to lose. The why behind the change has to be communicated clearly and repeatedly—not just the destination, but the reason the current path leads somewhere no one wants to go. And once people are convinced of the why, the leader has to go further: "What do I do different? I'm sitting at my computer answering emails. What do you want me to do different?" Conviction about tomorrow has to connect to actionable steps today. Explaining the reasoning behind change is simply a way of communicating respect in that it signals that the people being led are valued, not just directed. What are biblical examples of leaders who had a future-minded vision and acted on it? Paul's vision for the early church is one of the clearest examples of future-minded leadership in Scripture. He held a conviction that the gospel was for everyone—not only the Jewish people, but Gentiles across the known world—and he did the practical work to make that vision real. He traveled, communicated, and built a network of fellow workers: Barnabas, Timothy, and others who spread the message one relationship at a time, one conversation at a time. The early church didn't grow because Paul had a strategy document. It grew because he had a compelling vision and took concrete steps toward it, even without knowing exactly how it would unfold. That combination—clear vision, practical action, and a willingness to build toward something not yet visible—is what future-minded Christian leadership looks like in any era. What are the warning signs that a leader is casting vision without God's guidance? Pride and arrogance are the clearest warning signs, and they are more common, and more subtle, than most leaders want to admit. The higher the rank, the harder it becomes for others to offer genuine critique. Without honest feedback, false confidence grows: the leader becomes convinced their vision is right, their judgment is sound, and they can do no wrong. This is the Pharisees' pattern. They were doing many things right—working to uphold God's law and demonstrate its importance to the people—but over time, a shared prideful mindset left them unable to hear correction or see where they were actually taking those they led. That arrogance blinds, and in most cases, a significant fall follows. The antidote is deliberately creating space for honest, contrary voices and remaining genuinely open to them. How do you discern if a calling from God requires immediate action or a longer season of preparation? Both are legitimate, and learning to recognize the difference is part of walking closely with God. Some callings arrive as a sudden, undeniable inner conviction—a tug that says, "I have to do this now." Others settle in gradually, such as a vision that won't leave, that doesn't yet make practical sense, but grows clearer over time. Nehemiah is a useful example of the slow burn. He didn't arrive in Jerusalem the day he was released by the king. He had been preparing—mentally, logistically—long before he made the journey. He had a list of provisions and construction materials ready to go when the king asked. For either type of calling, the counsel is the same: pray, stay attentive, and talk to people you trust who are themselves walking with God. God is not trying to hide His will. If He's calling you to something, He will make it clear. What does the Bible say about making wise decisions as a leader facing an uncertain future? Proverbs counsels seeking multiple advisors, and that principle is as practical today as it is ancient. Wise future-minded leadership begins with creating a genuine safe space where people can present ideas, offer honest critique, and work through disagreement respectfully. The leader's role is to facilitate that process, not suppress it. Once a decision is made, it doesn't have to be permanent, and most decisions are not one-way doors. If evidence later shows a different path is better, adjusting course is not failure; it's learning. Organizations that thrive in uncertainty tend to be the ones flexible enough to change direction when the evidence warrants it, combining conviction about the vision with humility about the path. Mentioned in this episode: , during which Clint will serve as the guest speaker Practical truths for Biblical leadership, Part 1 / October 2025 Five common qualities of Biblical leaders / November 2025 , developed during a prior deployment and used at WSS If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. Ministry News If you’re looking for an opportunity to hit the pause button and reconnect with loved ones, consider a summer program at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) or Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.). Visit our newest webpage to stay in the know, join the conversation, or help shape women’s ministry efforts. Learn more about and pray for our newly elected Council members.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/39945935
info_outline
A new take on the “armor of God”: The power of fighting as a unit
01/10/2026
A new take on the “armor of God”: The power of fighting as a unit
Guest Spotlight Today's episode features a conversation between Crosspoint host Josh Jackson and LTC Brittany Simmons, USA (Ret.). Brittany served 20 years in the Army Military Police Corps, including deployment to Iraq as a platoon leader from 2004-2005. In this episode, Brittany challenges the common individualistic reading of the Armor of God passage in Ephesians 6. Drawing from her combat experience and understanding of Roman military formations, she explains why Paul's analogy was always meant to be understood not only individually, but also collectively—as a unit linking shields together, not isolated soldiers fighting alone. She discusses finding battle buddies, the danger of spiritual isolation, and practical ways to intentionally build Christian community whether you're actively serving, recently relocated, or settled in one place. Brittany also mentions two upcoming events, which women can attend for Biblical teaching, fellowship, and more: 20-22 March at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. 28 June-3 July at Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's "Be a Guest" webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. Points to ponder As you listen to this conversation with Brittany, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: When you read Ephesians 6:10-18, do you naturally think of individual armor or collective defense? Why? Who are the "battle buddies" in your spiritual life right now—people you're intentionally linking shields with? Brittany mentions that in combat, soldiers who go off alone become the most vulnerable. Where in your spiritual life might you be trying to fight alone? How does understanding prayer as "communication with the Commander" change the way you approach it—both individually and collectively? What's one practical step you could take this week to find or deepen community with other believers? How might your military experience give you unique insight to share with civilian Christians about the power of working together? Ministry News If you’re considering a family retreat, ministry gathering, or just need to step away and breathe, check out stories from those who have enjoyed the same at OCF’s Conference Centers. Anchored & Armed, hosted by Mackenzie and Naomi, will feature authentic, relatable conversations about military life for women in uniform or women who love someone in uniform. Be sure to subscribe to keep up with their new episodes. Register for one of four upcoming regional retreats for ROTC cadets and midshipmen: 6-8 February at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. 13-15 February at Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo. 13-15 February at Riverside Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa 20-22 February at Owl Creek Farms in Temecula, Calif.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/39678890
info_outline
Christmastime reflections & New Year expectations with CEO/Executive Director Scott Fisher
12/17/2025
Christmastime reflections & New Year expectations with CEO/Executive Director Scott Fisher
Today’s episode features Col Scott Fisher, USAF (Ret.), who serves as OCF’s CEO and executive director. Throughout his 27 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Scott and his wife Christie were involved in OCF ministry as Local Leaders across the globe, on OCF Council, and to our chaplains. Scott joins Crosspoint host Josh Jackson to share about the meaning of the Christmas story, to address those facing the unique challenges of military life during the holiday season, and to discuss God’s faithfulness to individuals and to the OCF ministry. After also sharing some expectations and prayerful plans for 2026, Scott encourages OCF members to get involved in one of various ways to glorify the Lord through the military community. Here are links to the resources and stories mentioned in this episode: Women’s ministry efforts, led by Kristin “KG” Goodrich () If you would like to share your own story, . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/39447095
info_outline
“Anchored & armed”: Meet women's ministry podcast hosts Naomi & Mackenzie
12/01/2025
“Anchored & armed”: Meet women's ministry podcast hosts Naomi & Mackenzie
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Support widows and widowers across OCF this GivingTuesday: Your gift—large or small—directly provides opportunities for widowed members of the OCF family to find comfort, community, and Christ-centered encouragement at our Conference Centers. Visit ocfusa.org/givingtuesday to learn more and donate now. Read the latest Annual Impact Report: Visit ocfusa.org/air to check out financial reports, members’ stories of impact, and year-in-review reports from OCF Service Academy & Gateways, Regional Coordinators, and Conference Centers. Join OCFers in prayer: Visit ocfusa.org/pip to download the current month’s prayer list or ocfusa.org/needprayer to submit a prayer request. Register for a Winter Retreat session at one of OCF’s Conference Centers: 20-27 December, 28 December-4 January at Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo. 21-26 December, 27-30 December, 30 December-2 January at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today’s episode features two individuals—Naomi and Mackenzie—whose voices you’ll hear more in the future as they begin hosting a new podcast called “OCF Anchored & Armed.” Naomi lives at Edwards Air Force Base with her active-duty husband and their three kids, while Mackenzie is a first lieutenant stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Naomi and Mackenzie discuss their inspiration for the upcoming podcast designed for Christian women in uniform and military wives, share their passion for encouraging other women in the military community, participate in Crosspoint's first-ever lightning round, and more. Interested in connecting with them? You can send an email to . And keep an eye out for the Google Form that will be featured in the show notes of each OCF Anchored & Armed episode to come. OCF Anchored & Armed launches in January 2026. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Naomi and Mackenzie, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: Thinking of Hebrews 6:19, what does it mean to you to be “anchored and armed” in Christ? What helps you feel connected to others who come from similar walks of life? What difference does that connection make?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/39228685
info_outline
“No perfect leaders, no perfect lives”: 5 common qualities of Biblical leaders
11/01/2025
“No perfect leaders, no perfect lives”: 5 common qualities of Biblical leaders
OCF MINISTRY NEWS If you are interested in this opportunity at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.), contact WSS Center Director Paul Robyn (wssdirector@ocfusa.org) or WSS Director of Hospitality Susanne Pappal (wssoffice@ocfusa.org) or call (814) 623-5583 for further information and an application. Your gift—large or small—directly provides opportunities for widowed members of the OCF family to find comfort, community, and Christ-centered encouragement at our Conference Centers. Visit ocfusa.org/givingtuesday to learn more and donate now. Register for a Winter Retreat session at one of OCF’s Conference Centers: 20-27 December, 28 December-4 January 21-26 December, 27-30 December, 30 December-2 January a GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today’s episode continues the conversation between Crosspoint host Josh Jackson and Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.). In this portion, Clint talks about common qualities of Biblical leaders, the cost of leadership, prayer habits, and practical advice. He closes the episode with reminders that the Lord works in and through imperfect leaders, and an openness to answer His calls to lead may bring great cost but may also bring great reward. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Clint, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: What leaders in the Bible do you admire and why? How does the way God used broken leaders in Scripture encourage you to lead for His glory despite your own brokenness? Which of the five principles Clint mentions do you struggle with most? In the midst of your leadership role(s), how would you describe your prayer life? How is the cost of leadership actually a cost for everyone? Have you felt isolated as a leader? How did you work through that?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/38863955
info_outline
Leadership Micro-series: A leader’s responsibility to care for people / Crosspoint Highlights
10/20/2025
Leadership Micro-series: A leader’s responsibility to care for people / Crosspoint Highlights
In the final episode of this Crosspoint Highlights micro-series on leadership, Col Jassen Bluto, USAF (Ret.), shares his third core principle—caring—and what it truly means to care for the people you lead. Far from being sentimental, Bluto explains that genuine care is a leader’s responsibility to meet both the physical and emotional needs of those under their command. Drawing from his military experience, he shares how simple, compassionate acts—like ensuring subordinates have proper equipment or recognizing when someone needs time to regroup—can transform a unit’s morale and trust. Rooted in a Christ-centered approach to leadership, Bluto reminds listeners that when leaders genuinely care for their people, they strengthen both the mission and the hearts of those who serve alongside them.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/38597730
info_outline
Leadership Micro-series: Four attributes of respect / Crosspoint Highlights
10/18/2025
Leadership Micro-series: Four attributes of respect / Crosspoint Highlights
In part two of this Crosspoint Highlights micro-series on leadership, Col Jassen Bluto, USAF (Ret.), explores the second core principle—respect—and breaks it down into four key expressions: respect for your unit, for each other, for yourself, and for the authority entrusted to you. He explains that genuine respect begins with love for the people you serve alongside and extends to humility in how you lead them. Bluto cautions against the pride that can accompany rank or privilege, urging leaders instead to see their authority as a responsibility to mentor, develop, and care for others. Through stories and reflection, he illustrates how leaders who model humility and honor those they lead can transform struggling teams, cultivate trust, and ultimately glorify God through their leadership.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/38597675
info_outline
Leadership Micro-series: Being a trustworthy leader / Crosspoint Highlights
10/16/2025
Leadership Micro-series: Being a trustworthy leader / Crosspoint Highlights
In this first part of the Crosspoint Highlights micro-series on leadership, Col Jassen Bluto, USAF (Ret.), unpacks the foundational principle of trust. He explains that true leadership requires both character and competence: the moral integrity that inspires confidence and the professional skill that earns respect. Drawing from personal experience as a squadron commander, Bluto discusses how accountability, care for people, and technical excellence work together to build trust within a team. He shares real-life examples of mentoring, correction, and difficult personnel decisions, showing that trustworthy leadership isn’t about authority or manipulation, but about inspiring others through consistency, humility, and faithfulness in both life and work.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/38597605
info_outline
"Good leadership lifts others”: Practical truths for Biblical leadership
10/01/2025
"Good leadership lifts others”: Practical truths for Biblical leadership
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Keep an eye out for this fall’s Connected print newsletter: A digital copy of the newsletter is also available online at ocfusa.org/connected Serve as the ministry support volunteer position: Check out the full volunteer listing for details and the application. Calling all female cadets & mids: Connect with your peers via OCF Sisters in Service’s monthly Zoom calls. Find out more on SIS’ Instagram: Register for a Winter Retreat session at one of OCF’s Conference Centers: 20-27 December, 28 December-4 January at Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo. 21-26 December, 27-30 December, 30 December-2 January at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today’s episode features the first half of Crosspoint host Josh Jackson’s conversation with Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.). After a 35-year career as a fighter pilot, military strategist, and senior leader, Clint retired in 2023 and now serves as a futurist for the Air Force. He is also a professor of policy analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. Interested in leadership since his teen years and having gained experience through a variety of leadership roles ever since, Clint shares his thoughts on the definition of leadership, the importance of leaders’ influence, and lessons to learn from the book of Nehemiah. Resources mentioned during this episode include: Jim Collins’ Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't White Sulphur Springs’ Summer R&R, where Clint served as a speaker this past summer If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Clint, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: How would you define leadership? Is “influence” a sufficient definition? How have your own leadership roles affected your understanding of leadership? Why is it important to remember the “human connection” aspect of leadership? What role does consistency have in a leader's communications skills?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/38410845
info_outline
Bridges instead of islands: The state of the military sisterhood
09/02/2025
Bridges instead of islands: The state of the military sisterhood
UPDATED: January 2026 New podcast (subscribe on your favorite podcast app): Anchored & Armed, honest conversations with women navigating faith and military life—whether you're a woman in uniform or love someone who is. Program information, 3 ways to get involved, upcoming events & resources, OCF Sisterhood team. OCF MINISTRY NEWS Check out and attend any of these local events: Aspentime Retreat: 26-28 September at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) BBQ Bonanza: 3-4 October at Fort Leavenworth (Kan.) OCF Hampton Roads Region Annual Fall Picnic: 4 October at Fort Monroe, Va. USNA Fall Retreat: 10-13 October at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) OCF Mid-Atlantic Fall Retreat: 14-16 November at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) Start an OCF small group: Read Rich's article, full of practical guidance to help you take the next step. Help OCF steward its ministry buildings: Email Director of Infrastructure and Facility Management Joe Orosz (joe.orosz@ocfusa.org) to get more information or offer your expertise in master planning, design, construction, and/or facility maintenance. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today you’re going to hear from Kristin “KG” Goodrich, a Navy veteran and OCF’s new director of women’s ministry. KG talks about ministry efforts from her role, the impact of our current cultural climate, and an update about the military sisterhood KG discussed in a 2019 episode of OCF Crosspoint. She mentions a few resources in today's episode: American Bible Society and Planting Roots’ Bible Boot Camp for Military Women and Planting Roots’ Growing Deeper: Spiritual Nourishment for Military Women by Kasey Raia Stout. Save the date for these events KG mentioned, and keep an eye out for more details and registration links in the coming months: Growing Deeper Conference: 31 January at Grace Community Church (Pensacola, Fla.) OCF Leading Women Retreat: 20-22 March at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) Women’s Week of Summer Celebration: 28 June-3 July at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) Contact KG via with any input regarding women’s ministry, and be sure to follow @sisters_in_service_ocf on Instagram, too. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with KG, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: What challenges would you say women in the military face today? How can you as an individual and OCF as a parachurch ministry support them in those challenges? KG talks about a scaffolding approach to her role as OCF's director of women's ministry. How can you take a similar approach to come alongside and mentor the next generation for ministry and service? KG also talks about the isolation female officers can sometimes feel when they’re the only one among all male officers. How has finding someone with similar experiences been an encouragement to you?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/38050740
info_outline
Military Brats React: What makes the difference in raising military kids
08/28/2025
Military Brats React: What makes the difference in raising military kids
Show Notes In this second part of “Military Brats React,” host Courtney Burdick continues the roundtable conversation with 2LT Dani Volle, USA, ENS Mary Ann Leonard, USN, and Matt Taylor as they reflect on their experiences growing up in military families. While the first part of the discussion centered on the challenges and mental health struggles faced by military kids, this episode shifts to the “strengths-based perspective”—seeing the good that can come out of a hard, transient lifestyle—. Have thoughts or want to share your own experience? Reach out to Josh at and/or Courtney at . If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with the brats, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: Looking back on your own military or life experiences, what unexpected strengths have you developed through hardship? Who or what helped you most in your difficult seasons, and how might you offer that same support to someone else today? What role has your faith (or your family’s faith) played in helping you navigate challenges? How do you think churches or ministries could better support military families in your community?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37983740
info_outline
Military Brats React: Mental health, faith, and finding strength
08/25/2025
Military Brats React: Mental health, faith, and finding strength
In a recent Crosspoint episode, In this follow-up conversation, Courtney Burdick hosts three fellow military kids—2LT Dani Volle, USA, ENS Mary Ann Leonard, USN, and Matt Taylor—for a roundtable-style reaction episode. Having met at they discuss stories from their respective military kid experiences, thoughts on Claire’s research, and more. Have thoughts or want to share your own experience? Reach out to Courtney at courtney.burdick@ocfusa.org. If you would like to share your own story, Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with the brats, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: Which challenge of military life (deployments, moving, role confusion, food insecurity, etc.) has impacted you or someone you know the most, and how did you see God at work in it? What do you think might help military kids and families? What struck you about this conversation? How do you see military culture—often marked by toughness and stoicism—affecting kids’ ability to talk about struggles openly?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37954060
info_outline
Faithful Leadership: You won’t get this perfect—and that’s OK
08/15/2025
Faithful Leadership: You won’t get this perfect—and that’s OK
The July episode of Crosspoint served as Part 1 of a conversation with LTC Lee Robinson, USA, director of the U.S. Military Academy’s American Politics Program and an academy professor in the Department of Social Sciences. We began answering this overarching question—"What does it look like to follow Christ in uniform, when your faith is personal, your authority is public, and the Constitution sets the boundaries?” In Part 2 we continue this timely discussion on how Christian military leaders can live out their faith with integrity, while respecting the pluralism of today’s armed forces. Lee emphasizes that faith in leadership must never take the form of pressure or compulsion. Drawing from both Scripture and military experience, he outlines the importance of being a faithful witness without overstepping the boundaries of official authority. When senior leaders bring faith into their roles, the question isn't “Can I?” but “Should I?”—and wisdom is key to navigating that tension. A central focus of this conversation is the principle of religious liberty for all, not just Christians. Lee speaks to the importance of defending others’ rights, even when you disagree with their beliefs because a free society depends on reciprocal freedom. Lastly, Lee offers both encouragement and challenge to Christian leaders: You won’t get this balance perfect. But grace, humility, and a deep dependence on God are essential as you try to be salt and light in a diverse military environment. This episode does a pretty good job of standing on its own, but we do encourage you to go back and listen to part 1 to get the full context of the conversation. Key points from the conversation Coercion and leadership don’t mix. Your influence as a Christian officer must be grounded in love and respect, not pressure. Religious liberty is for everyone. Defending others’ freedoms strengthens your own witness and integrity. Wisdom matters. Just because something is legally allowed doesn’t always mean it’s wise or helpful in a given leadership context. Mistakes will happen. What matters most is how you respond—with humility, grace, and a willingness to grow. Questions to ponder How can you create a culture in your unit where spiritual questions and discussions are welcome but never forced? Are there moments where your leadership presence might unintentionally signal pressure around faith? What does it look like to advocate for religious freedom in a way that honors others’ beliefs? How do you respond when you realize you didn’t strike the right balance between faith and official duty? What role does humility play in spiritual leadership?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37840095
info_outline
“Just see God at work”: Prioritizing Biblical mentorship
08/06/2025
“Just see God at work”: Prioritizing Biblical mentorship
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Become findable on the OCF Directory: to add or update your group’s information on our online directory of Bible studies. Apply for Spring Canyon’s Deputy Center Director opening: and apply NLT 15 August. Check out our new Widowed Ministry webpage: helpful resources, invitations to fellowship, and scholarship funding for summer programs at the Conference Centers. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Why is mentoring important to the Christian in the military? Answering that question and others in this episode are COL Jim Brown, USA (Ret.), and Navy veteran and OCF Director of Women’s Ministry Kristin “KG” Goodrich. Jim and KG discuss the unique elements of Christian mentoring, their own personal experiences with mentors or mentees, and how military culture might create challenges to the idea of mentoring, among other topics. Mentoring has always been part of OCF’s DNA—from prayer and accountability to sharing wisdom across generations. , which offers a structured approach to equipping Christian military leaders to grow in their faith and leadership while walking alongside others. Whether you feel called to invest in someone else’s journey—or you’re looking for someone to invest in yours—we invite you to get involved. If you would like to share your own story, Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with KG and Jim, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: How would you define mentoring, and what have your experiences as a mentor or mentee been like? In what areas of your life might you most benefit from having a mentor? How might God be equipping you to mentor others around you? What barriers might you see to mentoring, and how can you go about overcoming those?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37704995
info_outline
How do you balance free exercise and non-establishment as a leader? / Crosspoint Highlights
07/16/2025
How do you balance free exercise and non-establishment as a leader? / Crosspoint Highlights
Guest: LTC Lee Robinson, USA In this Crosspoint Highlight from July 2025, LTC Lee Robinson explores the delicate balance military leaders must strike between free exercise of religion and non-establishment under the First Amendment. He emphasizes that the amendment’s brevity—and its ambiguity—stem from the compromises between Federalists and Anti-Federalists at the time of America’s founding. Lee explains how the language evolved, rejecting broader proposals like prohibiting any laws “touching religion” to avoid overly limiting the federal government. He encourages military leaders to wrestle with the historical context and constitutional principles behind the First Amendment to better understand their own oath to support and defend the Constitution, particularly in gray areas where religion intersects with public duty. What do you think? How does understanding the historical compromise behind the First Amendment help shape your approach to religious liberty in leadership? What practical steps can you take as a military leader to uphold both the free exercise of religion and the principle of non-establishment?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37179595
info_outline
Was America founded as a Christian nation? / Crosspoint Highlights
07/08/2025
Was America founded as a Christian nation? / Crosspoint Highlights
Guest: LTC Lee Robinson, USA In this Crosspoint Highlight from July 2025, LTC Lee Robinson tackles the complex question: Was America founded as a Christian nation? Lee draws a distinction between the first founding (e.g., Puritan colonies with explicitly religious laws) and the constitutional founding rooted in liberty and freedom of conscience. He explains that while America’s early cultural fabric was deeply influenced by Christianity, the U.S. Constitution intentionally avoided establishing a state religion—rejecting even a proposed religious test in Article VI. Citing Alexis de Tocqueville, Lee paints a vivid picture of early Americans shaped by both faith and civic engagement, underscoring the enduring impact of Christian values on the nation's moral habits, even if not enshrined in its legal foundation. What do you think? What does the balance between personal faith and civic freedom look like for Christian leaders today?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37179210
info_outline
Christ & the Constitution: Navigating the “wall of separation between church and state” / July 2025
07/01/2025
Christ & the Constitution: Navigating the “wall of separation between church and state” / July 2025
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). Consider your next steps at the Caleb Challenge Career Transition Strategies Workshop (12-14 September): Visit White Sulphur Springs’ website to learn more about and sign up for this impactful weekend. Update your information and stay connected: Whether it's your address, military status, rank, contact information, or something else, take 30 seconds to let us know via the Update My Info form. Check out Crosspoint Highlights: Don’t miss our new episode format, designed to share just a portion of a previously posted podcast for an encouraging listen even when you’re short on time. Find Crosspoint Highlights wherever you get your podcasts. GUEST SPOTLIGHT What does it look like to follow Christ in uniform? LTC Lee Robinson, USA, director of the U.S. Military Academy’s American Politics Program and an academy professor in the Department of Social Sciences, joins the podcast to address questions like this. Hailing from Georgia and having graduated from West Point in 2000, Lee now teaches and researches topics like civil-military relations and organizational leadership. In this episode, Lee shares about the cadet ministry that takes place through USMA OCF, led by Field Staff Bob & Tracy Phillips, then dives into complex topics ranging from balancing personal and professional choices to studying the United States’ historical approach to religion. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Lee, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: Why is it important to understand the historical context of the First Amendment? How does the vague language of the First Amendment impact us today? As you listen to Lee's example of the company commander with the cross on his desk, how would you respond if you were in Lee’s position? How do you think you balance your private and public personas? What do you learn from Jesus' example of rejecting political power? “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” How does this quote from seventeenth-century German Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius tie into today’s conversation? In what ways can your life be an example of the gospel and the work of Christ? What Scriptures shape your leadership philosophy, even in ways that might be subtle to the non-believer? Where's the line between encouraging religion and morality and compelling it? What can we learn from the Founding Fathers as they faced tension and disagreement regarding the government's approach to religion? Lee explains that "liberty is freedom to follow laws and freedom of conscience." What are your thoughts on this definition? Why is it important to understand not only what the Constitution says but also why it says what it does?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37170590
info_outline
Special announcement: Leadership workshop with LtGen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.)
06/26/2025
Special announcement: Leadership workshop with LtGen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.)
Information about Summer R&R 7 at White Sulphur Springs, and speaker LtGen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.): About the Topic: Wherever we are, God calls us to lead. He calls us to lead ourselves, our families, our units, our communities, and our culture. The Bible contains many accounts of leaders, including stories about their successes and failures. In this session, we will examine Biblical leaders and learn from their experiences. We will celebrate the good and be honest about the bad. In doing so, we will seek practical truths we can apply to our lives because we can always learn and grow as leaders. About the Speaker: Clint retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 after a 35-year career as a fighter pilot, military strategist, and senior leader. In his last assignment, he served as the futurist for the Air Force, responsible for creating the vision for the future force. He now writes and speaks on defense reform and leadership. He also teaches leadership and policy implementation at RAND’s School of Public Policy. Links: Direct registration link: WSS Summer R&R page: Spring Canyon Summer Celebration page:
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/37155870
info_outline
The “hidden epidemic” among military children / June 2025
06/10/2025
The “hidden epidemic” among military children / June 2025
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). Connect with OCFers at USNA and USAFA: OCF at USAFA: Pre-Inprocessing Day Reception (Class of 2029), 24 June, Monument, Colo. USNA OCF: Class of 2029 Open House, 25 June, Annapolis, Md. Volunteer as a Local Leader at one of these locations: Columbus AFB, Fort Campbell, Fort Drum, Fort Eisenhower, Fort Jackson, Fort Riley, Fort Stewart / Hunter AAF, Goodfellow AFB, JB Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, MCB Quantico, Norwich University, NSB New London / Groton, Schofield Barracks / Wheeler AAF, Sheppard AFB, Texas A&M University, The Citadel, Tyndall AFB, University of North Georgia, USCG Air Station and Base Kodiak, USCG Air Station Miami, USCG District 11 and Base Alameda, USCG District 13 and Base Seattle, USCG Sector Key West, USCG Sector St. Petersburg, USCG Station Port Canaveral, Virginia Tech. When you are ready to volunteer, complete our quick List Me form so that members can find you on the OCF Directory and OCF staff can equip you based on local needs. Help OCF steward its ministry buildings: Email Director of Infrastructure and Facility Management Joe Orosz (joe.orosz@ocfusa.org) to get more information or offer your expertise in master planning, design, construction, and/or facility maintenance. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today’s guest spotlight features Claire Anderson, a military child and new graduate of Liberty University. Claire joins the podcast to talk about the military kid experience, informed by her own upbringing and her recent honors thesis, titled Having gotten connected to OCF through friends as a freshman in high school, Claire shares how her summers at White Sulphur Springs, particularly her work with youths attending the , piqued her interest in the military child experience. She and Josh discuss some statistics from her thesis research, connections to by Eduardo Briceño, and a Biblical view of trials. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Claire, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: If you’ve grown up in the military and/or raised children in the military, what of your own firsthand or secondhand experiences relate to what Claire discussed today? How did the statistics shared during this episode impact you? What factors of the military lifestyle have you seen contribute to low mental health, and how might you work to address and/or mitigate those factors? Claire’s thesis and interview talks about taking a “strengths-based perspective,” and Josh mentions Romans 5:3-4, too. How can our relationship with Jesus transform our view of trials we may experience?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/36943645
info_outline
How Biblical community shaped two military leaders / Crosspoint Highlights
05/21/2025
How Biblical community shaped two military leaders / Crosspoint Highlights
Crosspoint Highlights: Big ideas, short episodes … for your busy schedule Guests: Joshua and Lindsey Bowen From Episode 54: “The importance of small group fellowship.” Highlight Summary: In this Crosspoint Highlight, Joshua and Lindsey Bowen reflect on the lasting impact of biblical community, mentorship, and servant leadership during their time in the military. They share how their early experiences in a diverse OCF small group at Fort Carson shaped their spiritual maturity and inspired them to pour into cadets at West Point years later. From late-night Bible studies to one-on-one mentoring moments, Josh and Lindsey offer a deeply personal look at how fellowship across generations can transform lives and prepare future military leaders for both spiritual and professional challenges. Key Takeaways: Intergenerational fellowship fosters growth: Being surrounded by older couples in their Fort Carson group helped Josh and Lindsey mature spiritually and understand what Christlike leadership looks like in marriage, military life, and beyond. Mentorship happens in everyday moments: Watching how mentors cared for their spouses, shared struggles, and modeled vulnerability left a deep and lasting impression on the Bowens—one they now strive to replicate. Leading means serving: As small group leaders at West Point, Josh and Lindsey invest time, energy, and emotional bandwidth into cadets—not just during Bible study, but through desserts, coffee chats, and showing up when it matters most. Spiritual black holes are real: Without proactive preparation, cadets can find themselves spiritually adrift after graduation. Josh shares candidly how his own post-academy faith stagnated, and how he now helps cadets plan ahead to avoid the same pitfall. God equips those He calls: Lindsey never saw herself in women’s ministry or spiritual mentorship—until someone invited her. Now she thrives in that space, walking alongside young women facing challenges she never imagined when she was in their shoes.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/36662835
info_outline
Trusting our God of hope during grief / May 2025
05/09/2025
Trusting our God of hope during grief / May 2025
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). Free Bible studies for OCFers and groups: Visit ocfusa.org/library to download, dive in, and leave a rating to help others discover one of these 18 impactful resources. Help us keep the OCF community connected: If you or someone in your OCF circle has celebrated a birth, wedding, or experienced a loss since 1 March, please send updates to Courtney Burdick () for the next issue of our print newsletter. Introducing Crosspoint Highlights: Don't miss our new episode format, designed to share just a portion of a previously posted podcast for an encouraging listen even when you’re short on time. Find Crosspoint Highlights wherever you get your podcasts. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today’s guest spotlight features COL Kurt & Donna Schosek, USA (Ret.), who share their stories of hope through grief as they each lost a spouse before meeting and marrying one another. They talk about what surprised them most in the midst of their respective loss, the importance of community, what hurts, what helps, and more. They both have a heart to walk alongside those who have lost their spouses in any season of life, and the Schoseks will do just that later this year when they serve as speakers during the at White Sulphur Springs. If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Kurt and Donna, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: If you've lost a loved one before, what helped you in the midst of your grief? How would you describe what it means to grieve well? What are your takeaways from the Schoseks about how you can care for others as they grieve? What Bible passages comfort you most during loss?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/36509140
info_outline
How can you serve in the military and love your enemies? Crosspoint Highlights
04/17/2025
How can you serve in the military and love your enemies? Crosspoint Highlights
Welcome to Crosspoint Highlights: Big ideas. Short episodes. For your busy schedule. Guest: Col Chet Arnold, USMC (Ret.) From Episode 46: “May a Christian Serve in the Military?” Highlight Summary: Can a Christian serve in the military and still follow Jesus’ command to love their enemies? In this Crosspoint Highlight, Col Chet Arnold, USMC (Ret.), tackles the difficult topic of killing in combat from a Biblical perspective. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, Chet explains why understanding the sanctity of life and the God-given authority of government is essential for military believers. He also challenges listeners to avoid dehumanizing their enemies and to grieve the loss of life—even in war—through the lens of being made in God's image. Be sure to check out our article by the same name, Key Takeaways: The sanctity of life is foundational: All people are made in God’s image—even those considered enemies. God delegates authority to governments: Genesis 9 establishes the basis for protection and justice, even when that includes the use of force. Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek applies to personal offense, not to military or governmental responsibility (Matthew 5:39). Dehumanizing the enemy leads to spiritual and emotional damage: Christians are called to mourn every life lost, even in war. Grieving rightly matters: Proper understanding of life’s value can reduce the impact of trauma and moral injury after combat. Mentioned Bible Verses: Genesis 1 – Humans are created in the image of God. Genesis 9 – God delegates to human government the authority to take life in matters of justice. Matthew 5:39 – “Do not resist the one who is evil… turn to him the other [cheek] also.”
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/36197235
info_outline
From Science to Scripture: What did Moses know about bacteria?
04/11/2025
From Science to Scripture: What did Moses know about bacteria?
Quick links: Episode summary: In this bonus episode, Jay Seegert, managing director of the Starting Point Project, shares his journey from a Christian upbringing to becoming a prominent speaker on defending the Christian worldview. He discusses the importance of understanding the differences between a biblical and a Christian worldview, emphasizing the need for clarity in definitions to engage in meaningful discussions. Jay also highlights the challenges of defending faith in a secular environment and the significance of grounding beliefs in Scripture rather than external influences. In this conversation, Jay and Crosspoint host Josh Jackson explore the relationship between science and the Christian worldview, addressing skepticism, the purpose of defending faith, and the importance of gentleness in apologetics. They emphasize that understanding Scripture does not require extensive scientific knowledge and that foundational questions about God's existence and the Bible's inspiration are crucial for Christians. The discussion highlights the need for respectful dialogue and the power of God's Word in addressing doubts and skepticism. There’s also discussion on the intersection of science, faith, and the interpretation of Biblical texts regarding the age of the Earth, the concept of death, and the existence of dinosaurs. Jay emphasizes the importance of understanding one's beliefs and the implications of those beliefs on one's worldview. Listeners also will hear more about the Starting Point Project, which aims to help individuals explore their foundational beliefs and engage in meaningful conversations about faith and science.
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/36103390
info_outline
Graciously defending the Christian worldview / Plus, SkillBridge internships / April 2025
04/03/2025
Graciously defending the Christian worldview / Plus, SkillBridge internships / April 2025
OCF MINISTRY NEWS Staff changes across the OCF team: Visit ocfusa.org/job-openings to learn more about vacant positions as a result of OCF's ongoing job moves. Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). Take the next step in growing as a Local Leader: Visit to learn more about the upcoming OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track at Spring Canyon this June. ASK OCF Landon Spaulding, who now serves as OCF’s Online Training Development Coordinator, shares his experience as a SkillBridge intern with OCF. To learn more about SkillBridge opportunities, read our latest article or visit ocfusa.org/skillbridge. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Today’s guest spotlight features an excerpt of a conversation with Jay Seegert about defending the Christian worldview. Author, international speaker, and managing director of , Jay holds degrees in both Physics and Engineering Technology and has been lecturing on the authority of Scripture for the last 40 years. He explains what it means to defend the Christian worldview, the significance of addressing the existential questions, and how the Bible ought to be our key source for these conversations. Jay also shares what our motive should be when engaging in discussions with those who hold other worldviews. Interested in hearing more from Jay about similar topics discussed in today’s episode? Stay tuned for the full, bonus episode coming this month, and consider attending as Jay will lead speaker sessions related to his topic: “Defending the Christian Worldview.” If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s . Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to . POINTS TO PONDER As you listen to this conversation with Jay, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: In your own words, why is it important to be able to defend your Christian worldview? When speaking with individuals of other worldviews, how do you ensure you care more about the individual with a need for the gospel than you do about winning the argument? What topics have you been faced with during worldview-oriented conversations that you’d like to study further? Jay mentioned 1 Peter 3:15. What other relevant verses come to mind when thinking about how to discuss worldviews?
/episode/index/show/ocfcrosspoint/id/35994220