Recently, U.S. Armed Forces members and others participated in LHM’s Bible study, Called to Serve: Utilizing Our Gifts As Veterans found at lhm.org/veterans. They met at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Based on Barna Group research in connection with LHM, the study helps veterans explore, develop, and share their God-given gifts with their family, church, and community.
Army veteran Emil Radik, who was injured after 15 years of service, helped coordinate and promote Called to Serve. According to Radik, Bible studies like this remind vets of the gifts they possess and how God has a purpose for their civilian lives beyond their military service. Getting them to know that—“That is my mission,” Radik says.
Participant Brent Loudenslager, a retired Army staff sergeant, found renewed appreciation for “the gift of grace and forgiveness from God, the gift of serving others, and the gift of love for God, family, and country.”
Veterans possess an abundance of specialized gifts. Among these are discipline, a strong work ethic, leadership, problem-solving skills, cross-cultural competence, and the ability to manage crises and difficult work situations, says Rev. Craig Muehler, retired U.S. Navy captain and now director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces. “By engaging in Called to Serve, veterans gain clarity on their strengths, build supportive networks, and find purposeful ways to contribute, all while deepening their faith,” he adds.
“Many veterans struggle with a loss of identity, purpose, and a decline in confidence,” says Alicia Hinton, retired Air Force master sergeant and administrative coordinator for LCMS Armed Forces Ministry. “Often, they don’t believe their military skills apply to the civilian world. Helping veterans see how these skills can serve their communities can renew their sense of purpose, restore their confidence, and help them build a new identity,” she adds.
Called to Serve features a leader’s guide with discussion questions and supporting activities. Study host is veteran Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®, alongside an LCMS layperson and veteran who is the career service coordinator for veterans in Southern California. Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana, assistant director to LCMS Armed Forces Ministry, provided devotions for the study. He also met with Divine Shepherd’s study group. “It was well received and a joy to be among those seeking to change their community through God’s love in Christ Jesus. I am so thankful to Emil Radik and Pastor Brent Smith for their leadership and passion to care for veterans in their community.”