I have never served in the military. However, I have the utmost respect and gratitude for those who put their lives on the line for our nation’s freedom. We owe a great debt to our veterans and active-duty servicemen and women.
Brandon, my best friend growing up, is one example. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, he chose to serve in our armed forces. As a college graduate, Brandon could have chosen another path. Yet, he volunteered to serve our country. Today, he still chooses to serve. I cannot thank him enough.
Recently, Brandon and I had the opportunity to eat lunch together. In the course of our conversation, he shared an idea for ministering to our veterans and active-duty personnel. Unfortunately, he explained, these men and women often have difficulty transitioning back into life at home. For months or years, he explained, they have lived in a military culture with a different language, routine, structure, and practice. Those who have experienced live combat have been exposed to horrors that the rest of us will never encounter. Many live the rest of their lives with unresolved questions and uncomfortable situations. Many feel as though they will never completely fit in when they return home. Worse, they feel isolated and alone in the struggle.
As a former pastor, I was thankful that he brought up the subject. I shared with Brandon an experience I had Sunday after Sunday when a veteran in our church would approach me with tears and say, “One day I need to come up and visit with you about some things.” I knew he was referring to his military experiences in war. And to be honest, the thought of that conversation scared me to death. Why? Because I didn’t have any common experiences to reference.
Sadly, many pastors feel the same way and this has led to a “wall of silence” between veterans and pastors when it comes to the difficulties they endure on our behalf. The unfortunate irony is the fact that as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the message we proclaim holds the only power over the difficulties that plague the souls of our veterans and active personnel.
Sadly, the veteran in our church passed away before we ever had a conversation. At his funeral, I couldn’t stop thinking about how many decades he had wrestled with issues that only Christ could resolve. While their willingness to put their lives on the line for our freedom reflects the gospel to us, we often do a poor job reflecting the gospel to them.
As ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can do better. Our churches are full of these silent soldiers. Recognizing them during services on holiday weekends, although a good idea, simply isn’t enough. Something more needs to be done –and it is long overdue. Our veterans are worth the investment.
Brandon’s idea prompted several other conversations with friends who serve as chaplains, counselors, and VA social workers. Each of them have expressed similar concerns and a desire to change the culture of our churches.
Recently, I gathered some of these folks together and we began to discuss ways that we can help churches become “Military Friendly Congregations.” After all, military families may be the most overlooked group of hurting people in the church today.
I am seeking your feedback. Whether you are a pastor, veteran, active-duty service man or woman, or a family member of someone who has served our country; would you please post feedback to help us gather ideas? Perhaps you can share more of the struggles veterans and military personnel face. Maybe you can share examples of how other churches and ministries are helping. Or, perhaps you could just let me know if you agree that this is a legitimate need in our churches.
Please, take the time to post your thoughts. I promise to put them to good use!