Military Missions Network – Flagship Conference 2008

Last night I returned from a 3 day conference in Norfolk, Virginia where I had the opportunity to meet others who share my passion for military ministry.  Individuals from local churches, para-church organizations, and military chaplaincy gathered at First Baptist Church, Norfolk for the second annual Military Missions Network Flagship Church Conference.  The focus or theme for this year’s conference was “Touching the World through Missional Military Ministry,” and we had the opportunity to hear from speakers, learn from other’s experiences in 4 different Think Tank presentations, and discuss the issues, challenges, and solutions of each topic in small groups.  The four topic areas we focused on were evangelism (Touching the World: Reaching the Military with the Gospel), discipleship (Touching the World: Discipling Believers Living in the Military Culture), care-giving/support (Touching the World: Caring for the Military in Challenging Times), and networking (Touching the World: Partnering with Others to Reach, Disciple, and Care for the Military).  Before and after each session, we were blessed to hear from a good amount of incredible speakers talk about topics such as PTSD ministries, international church planting around US military installations, Gold Star family testimonies, and certain aspects of military chaplaincy relations.  I was really impressed with all that is going on around the country in the military ministry arena.  From churches in Southern California, Ft. Campbell, and Ft. Bragg, camps for sons of fallen soldiers in Colorado, and BBQ lunches for the wounded heroes at Walter Reed Hospital in DC, there is so much good being done by our Christian brothers and sisters for our military communities.  At the same time, I was reminded about how much more needs to be done and not just in our area, but throughout the country.  The Global War on Terrorism has touched everyone in this country, and there are opportunities for our churches to show their love and support no matter where they are.  Even if your church is no where near a military installation, there are ways you can reach out and make an eternal impact on a military service member and their families.  I want to encourage everyone to look within their community and see how you can show the love of God to these heroes.  Secondly, if you were not able to make the Flagship Conference this year, make sure you do not miss it next year.  To learn more about the Flagship Conferences or how you can get involved with the Military Missions Network, check out their website at www.militarymissionsnetwork.com and/or contact Gary Sanders.  If you would like to learn more about any of the topics or speakers mentioned above, please leave a comment and I will do my best to get back with you.