Ministering to the Military in Our Midst

“Then the officer said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home.
­Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed!­
I know, because I am under the authority of my superio­r officers and I have authority
­ over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come.’”
Matthew 8:8-10 (NLT) 

     "I joined because I grew up in the military.  I joined because of family tradition.  I joined so I could see the world.  I joined because of educational benefi­ts."  These are some of the many reasons Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard, give for their becoming members of the Armed Services.  The all-volunteer force demonstrates the patriotism and devotion of "Duty, Honor, Country" espoused by the military, and a foundation on which our country was built.

     The military lifestyle has its own rules, customs, physical and educational requirements, and certainly its own language.  Some do an initial Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard tour, and then separate;  others commit their whole career to the military.  Others serve on Active Duty for a time, separate, and then join a Reserve or National Guard component.

     Many pastors and other church leaders do not realize the number of military members in their sphere of influence.  Many families of deployed service members have great need for ministry;  they live in communities near churches, yet are often unknown.  Because of the volatile world situation, the frequency and duration of deployments have increased -- leaving more and more family members geographically separated, financially stretched, and emotionally stressed.    

     A September 2003 General Accounting Office Report found that on average Guardsmen and Reservists drive over 400 miles to participate with their drilling unit.  Often this is nothing more than an armory, and when the entire unit is deployed there is no one there to field inquires from dependent family members.  This report also found that although deploying service members were briefed on available services for their families, this information was not getting passed along in an effective way. 

     Distant from services (medical, dental, etc.) and uncertain how to navigate the maze of available resources to obtain help -- these family members desperately need the ministry that churches can provide.  When military members complete their tour of duty, man­y return suffering from residual effects of combat trauma.  They need someone to come alongside to help.  

     If you minister near a military installation, you should be attuned to the needs of Active Duty military members and their families who live in your community.  If you do not live near a military installation, you should be alert to Guard and Reserve members and their families in your community.  Reach out to them!  In your congregation or parish, be on the lookout for ways you and your church can minister to veterans and military personnel who are currently serving.       

     As a pastor, family members will look to you for emotional and spiritual support as they cope with the stress of separation.  You may also find opportunities through ministering to them, to minister long-distance to deployed military members.  It is our goal to assist you in becoming more familiar with agencies in the community (both civilian and military) and how they can work with you to ease the uncertainty felt by the family and also offer help to the deployed military member.  This resource manual will provide you with essential direction and tools to help you and the church you pastor minister more effectively to the military and their families.  It will also assist you in becoming more familiar with military terminology and increase your credibility in ministering to those who speak a different language than the civilian world. 

     For more information, assistance, or to schedule a military ministry workshop or training session in your church or area, please contact us using our Contact Form.  We look forward to hearing from you and helping you minister to military members and their families.