OCF Crosspoint Podcast

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.). https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/]   * 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. https://www.ocfusa.org/library/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/library/]   * 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 (courtney.burdick@ocfusa.org [courtney.burdick@ocfusa.org]) 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, GriefShare, [https://www.griefshare.org/] the importance of community, what hurts, what helps, and more. https://www.griefshare.org/ [https://www.griefshare.org/]   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 Summer R&R #6 program [https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-6/] at White Sulphur Springs. https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-6/ [https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-6/]  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s “Be a Guest” webpage [https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/]. 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 [podcast@ocfusa.org].   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:  1. If you've lost a loved one before, what helped you in the midst of your grief?  2. How would you describe what it means to grieve well?  3. What are your takeaways from the Schoseks about how you can care for others as they grieve?  4. What Bible passages comfort you most during loss?

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?” Listen to the full episode here. [https://www.ocfusa.org/2019/10/46-christian-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, "May A Christian Serve in the Military?" [https://www.ocfusa.org/2009/06/christian-serve-military-2/] 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.”

Quick links: * Summer R&R 1 at White Sulphur Springs [https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-1/] * All Summer R&R sessions at WSS [https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/summer-rnr/] * All Summer Celebrations at Spring Canyon [https://www.springcanyon.org/summer-celebration/] * The Starting Point Project website [https://www.thestartingpointproject.com/]   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.

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. https://www.ocfusa.org/job-openings/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/job-openings/]   * 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.). https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/]   * Take the next step in growing as a Local Leader: Visit springcanyon.org/3b [https://www.springcanyon.org/event/summer-celebration-3b/] 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. https://www.ocfusa.org/2025/03/serving-beyond-the-uniform-ocfs-skillbridge-internships/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/2025/03/serving-beyond-the-uniform-ocfs-skillbridge-internships/] https://www.ocfusa.org/skillbridge/ [https://www.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 The Starting Point Project [https://www.thestartingpointproject.com/], Jay holds degrees in both Physics and Engineering Technology and has been lecturing on the authority of Scripture for the last 40 years. https://www.thestartingpointproject.com/ [https://www.thestartingpointproject.com/]   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 the first week (6-13 June) of White Sulphur Springs’ Summer R&R program [https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-1/] as Jay will lead speaker sessions related to his topic: “Defending the Christian Worldview.” https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-1/ [https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-1/]   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF’s “Be a Guest” webpage [https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/]. 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 [podcast@ocfusa.org]. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/]  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:  1. In your own words, why is it important to be able to defend your Christian worldview?  2. 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?  3. What topics have you been faced with during worldview-oriented conversations that you’d like to study further?  4. Jay mentioned 1 Peter 3:15. What other relevant verses come to mind when thinking about how to discuss worldviews?

This month’s special episode enables you to listen to the Global Town Hall, which OCF hosted on 8 February at its Home Office in Colorado Springs, Colo., and over Zoom for members around the world.   You’ll hear from OCF Council President Dale Holland, OCF CEO/Executive Director Scott Fisher, Director of Field Operations Colin Wooten, Local Leaders Josh and Lindsey Bowen, USMA OCF Field Staff Bob Phillips, and OCF Conference Center Directors Paul Robyn and Kim Hawthorne. After the ministry updates from these individuals, attending members asked a variety of questions of the staff present.  If you’d prefer to watch the video of GTH 2025 and/or provide follow-up questions, comments, or feedback, visit ocfusa.org/gth2025 [https://www.ocfusa.org/gth2025/].  Here are the links for some of the resources mentioned in this episode:   * Local fellowships https://www.ocfusa.org/directory/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/directory/]  * OCF Conference Centers https://www.ocfusa.org/experience/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/experience/]  * ROTC ministry https://www.ocfusa.org/rotc/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/rotc/]  * OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track (during Spring Canyon’s Summer Celebration #3) https://www.springcanyon.org/event/summer-celebration-3b/ [https://www.springcanyon.org/event/summer-celebration-3b/]  * Fellowship of Christian Military Ministries Annual Conference (21-24 March) https://militarybeliever.com/fcmm-conference/ [https://militarybeliever.com/fcmm-conference/]  * OCF Handbook https://www.ocfusa.org/handbook/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/handbook/]  * Mentoring opportunities https://www.ocfusa.org/mentoring/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/mentoring/]  * OCF’s Annual Priorities: What you need to know and how you can get involved https://www.ocfusa.org/2023/03/ocfs-annual-priorities-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-you-can-get-involved/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/2023/03/ocfs-annual-priorities-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-you-can-get-involved/]  Interested in sharing your own story on a future Crosspoint episode? Complete the form on OCF’s “Be a Guest” webpage [https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/]. 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 [podcast@ocfusa.org]. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/ [https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/]  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to these ministry updates and Q&A session, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  1. How have you seen God work through OCF in your own life?  2. What can OCF do to serve you better? (And visit ocfusa.org/gth2025 to let us know! [https://www.ocfusa.org/gth2025/])  3. What obstacles—whether personal, logistical, or financial—have kept you from engaging more deeply with Christian community and discipleship opportunities?   4. As you listen to this recording, what might the Lord be putting on your heart to do to engage with military ministry in a new way?