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:

• OCF Leading Women: 20-22 March at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa.
• Summer Celebration #4B (Women's Track): 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 [email protected].

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:

1. When you read Ephesians 6:10-18, do you naturally think of individual armor or collective defense? Why?
2. Who are the "battle buddies" in your spiritual life right now—people you're intentionally linking shields with?
3. 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?
4. How does understanding prayer as "communication with the Commander" change the way you approach it—both individually and collectively?
5. What's one practical step you could take this week to find or deepen community with other believers?
6. How might your military experience give you unique insight to share with civilian Christians about the power of working together?

Ministry News

Read others' stories about impactful Conference Center visits: 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.

Listen to OCF's newest podcast: 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:

• Eastern ROTC OCF/Valor/Navs Retreat: 6-8 February at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa.
• Rocky Mountain ROTC Spiritual Fitness Retreat: 13-15 February at Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo.
• Midwest All-Service ROTC Retreat: 13-15 February at Riverside Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa
• Southern California ROTC Retreat: 20-22 February at Owl Creek Farms in Temecula, Calif.

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:

• Annual Impact Report
• Local fellowships, details of which are visible on the OCF Directory
• Women's ministry efforts, led by Kristin "KG" Goodrich ([email protected])
• Partnership opportunities

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 [email protected].

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. https://www.ocfusa.org/givingtuesday/
• 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. https://www.ocfusa.org/air/
• 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. https://www.ocfusa.org/pip/ https://www.ocfusa.org/needprayer/

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. https://www.springcanyon.org/winter-retreat/
• 21-26 December, 27-30 December, 30 December-2 January at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/winter-retreat/

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/

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:

1. Thinking of Hebrews 6:19, what does it mean to you to be "anchored and armed" in Christ?
2. What helps you feel connected to others who come from similar walks of life?
3. What difference does that connection make?

OCF MINISTRY NEWS

Apply for the youth program manager position: If you are interested in this opportunity at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.), contact WSS Center Director Paul Robyn ([email protected]) or WSS Director of Hospitality Susanne Pappal ([email protected]) or call (814) 623-5583 for further information and an application.

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.

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 continues the conversation between Crosspoint host Josh Jackson and Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.). Listen to part 1 here.

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 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 [email protected].

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:

1. What leaders in the Bible do you admire and why?
2. How does the way God used broken leaders in Scripture encourage you to lead for His glory despite your own brokenness?
3. Which of the five principles Clint mentions do you struggle with most?
4. In the midst of your leadership role(s), how would you describe your prayer life?
5. How is the cost of leadership actually a cost for everyone?
6. Have you felt isolated as a leader? How did you work through that?

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.

If you'd like to listen to the full interview, titled "Practice what we profess: Three leadership principles for the Christian in the military," it can be found here.

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.

If you'd like to listen to the full interview, titled "Practice what we profess: Three leadership principles for the Christian in the military," it can be found here.

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.

If you'd like to listen to the full interview, titled "Practice what we profess: Three leadership principles for the Christian in the military," it can be found here.

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 https://www.ocfusa.org/connected/

• Serve as the ministry support volunteer position: Check out the full volunteer listing for details and the application. https://www.ocfusa.org/volunteer/ministry-support-volunteer/

• Calling all female cadets & mids: Connect with your peers via OCF Sisters in Service's monthly Zoom calls. Find out more on SIS' Instagram: @sisters_in_service_ocf

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. https://www.springcanyon.org/winter-retreat/

• 21-26 December, 27-30 December, 30 December-2 January at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/winter-retreat/

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:

• Clint's Nehemiah Bible study, developed during a prior deployment and used at WSS

• Jim Collins' Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996

• White Sulphur Springs' Summer R&R, where Clint served as a speaker this past summer https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/summer-rnr/

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 [email protected]. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/

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:

1. How would you define leadership? Is "influence" a sufficient definition?

1. How have your own leadership roles affected your understanding of leadership?

1. Why is it important to remember the "human connection" aspect of leadership?

1. What role does consistency have in a leader's communications skills?

• 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.
• OCF Sisterhood page: 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.) https://www.springcanyon.org/aspentime/

• BBQ Bonanza: 3-4 October at Fort Leavenworth (Kan.) https://www.ocfusa.org/event/fall-bbq-bonanza-2025/

• OCF Hampton Roads Region Annual Fall Picnic: 4 October at Fort Monroe, Va. https://evite.me/M6xMVkCshv

• USNA Fall Retreat: 10-13 October at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) mailto:[email protected]

• OCF Mid-Atlantic Fall Retreat: 14-16 November at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/ocf-mid-atlantic-fall-retreat/

• Start an OCF small group: Read Rich's article, full of practical guidance to help you take the next step. https://www.ocfusa.org/2011/01/starting-ocf-small-group-fellowship-2/

• Help OCF steward its ministry buildings: Email Director of Infrastructure and Facility Management Joe Orosz ([email protected]) to get more information or offer your expertise in master planning, design, construction, and/or facility maintenance. mailto:[email protected]

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. https://www.ocfusa.org/2019/11/47-goodrich-military-sisterhood/

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. https://resources.armedservicesministry.org/products/bible-boot-camp-for-military-women https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Deeper-Spiritual-Nourishment-Military/dp/B0FHH4FT6J

Save the date for these events KG mentioned, and keep an eye out for more details and registration links in the coming months:

1. Growing Deeper Conference: 31 January at Grace Community Church (Pensacola, Fla.)

1. OCF Leading Women Retreat: 20-22 March at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.)

1. Women's Week of Summer Celebration: 28 June-3 July at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.)

Contact KG via [email protected] with any input regarding women's ministry, and be sure to follow @sisters_in_service_ocf on Instagram, too. https://www.instagram.com/sisters_in_service_ocf/

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 [email protected]. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/

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:

1. What challenges would you say women in the military face today?

1. How can you as an individual and OCF as a parachurch ministry support them in those challenges?

1. 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?

1. 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?

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. Listen to Part 1 here.

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—discussed in Josh Jackson's Crosspoint interview with Claire Anderson.

Have thoughts or want to share your own experience? Reach out to Josh at [email protected] and/or Courtney at [email protected].

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 [email protected]. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/

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:

1. Looking back on your own military or life experiences, what unexpected strengths have you developed through hardship?

1. Who or what helped you most in your difficult seasons, and how might you offer that same support to someone else today?

1. What role has your faith (or your family's faith) played in helping you navigate challenges?

1. How do you think churches or ministries could better support military families in your community?