How to Survive and Thrive in the Military as a Lutheran Christian

By Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana

Service to the military is one of the most challenging, wonderful, and personally fulfilling callings (vocations) you can choose. It doesn’t matter if you are a soldier standing vigilant watch in Afghanistan, a sailor serving on one of our nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, an airman responsible for maintaining one of the latest and greatest fighter jets in the world, or a Marine guarding one of our embassies. The U.S. Army alone has around 190 Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) available for enlisted soldiers.

Service to the military is a good and honest calling. Think of all the people you know. Many of them served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

God loves the military person and his or her family. The Lord says so in His Holy Word. Here is an event recorded by St. Matthew:

When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, “Go,” and he goes, and to another, “Come,” and he comes, and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith’

So, what’s going on here? If you know anything about Roman history, you know the centurions did not merely represent Rome…they were Rome! Centurions were ferocious warriors, fearless in the face of an enemy and leader of at least 100 legionaries. When not marching to war, many were immensely wealthy, having been rewarded for their bravery. We read in Scripture of a centurion who built a synagogue (Luke 7:5). We see centurions dispense Roman law (Acts 22:25) and transport prisoners (Acts 27:1). In secular writings we read of centurions building elaborate baths, which would have rivaled any modern-day spa. They were also Roman magistrates.

Here comes Jesus in Matthew 8. Truly amazing! Jesus neither disparages the centurion nor encourages his military vocation. Even though Israel is occupied by Rome, Jesus affirms the centurion. This encounter between our Lord and this military officer has bearing on those currently in uniform and veterans who served who now live in our communities. What we see is Jesus responding to the centurion’s faith with amazement. “No one in Israel has such faith as this centurion!” In addition, the warrior recognizes power and especially the authority the Lord possesses. He knows this Jesus can heal. And Jesus does not condemn the vocation of soldier. By dialoging with this Roman, our Lord demonstrates the universality of the Gospel for all people.

Scripture is filled with those who served. We know of centurions, like Cornelius (Acts 10) and Julius(Acts 27). In the Old Testament we read how Abraham took up arms to protect his own (Genesis 14) and how King David was a “warrior King.” (Psalm 55:16-18).

In light of what Scripture has to say about the military vocation, Martin Luther wrote pastorally when he corresponded directly with a military commander in his tract, “Whether Soldiers Too Can Be Saved.” Using Romans 13 as the basis for the majority of his work, Luther affirms the calling of a soldier with three points: Serving in the military is a God-created vocation that is for the purpose of punishing evil, protecting the good, and preserving peace.

Luther makes clear the depth of sin and how it can corrupt institutions created by God. We see this in relationship with one another, especially marriage. Luther would be the first to tell you the military calling can be abused. But like marriage, its misuse does not make it invalid. Luther discusses how a person serving in the military must execute his God-given office in the areas of government, self-defense, and civil war, and answers three questions:

1. If one’s own government is evil and wicked, do we, who serve in the military, have a responsibility to rebel? Luther says no.

2. Do nations have a right to self-defense? Luther says yes. However, Luther goes on to warn against putting hope and confidence in their cause, in this case self-defense. Luther always wants us to put our hope and confidence in God and in His Son Jesus.

3. Can a Christian in the military suppress a rebellion against one’s own nation (civil war)? The answer is a cautious yes. Luther believes rulers are instituted by God, and answerable to God for their behaviors and actions.

So while we are confident to have Scriptural backing for the vocation of military service, let’s look at a few practical implications that enlisting will have for you. Two of the biggest challenges in the military are living among non-Christians, and struggling with feelings of loneliness as you leave family and home to join a new culture, unit, and organization. Remember that your baptized faith in the Lord Jesus is a sure rock and solid foundation. These challenges won’t endure, but the love of the Lord perseveres forever (Psalm 136 and Romans 8:38). Here are some ways to survive and thrive in the military as a Lutheran Christian:

1. Stay connected with your faith. When the Sacrament is offered by an LCMS Chaplain… partake.

2. Don’t be shy. Ask for a LCMS Divine Service/ Lord’s Supper at your unit or installation.

3. Sign up for “Ministry by Mail” (lcms. org/ministry-to-the-armedforces/resources#ministryby-mail ).

4. Catch various Lutheran-based podcasts, including any from your home church or ministries like Issues, Etc. and Higher Things.

5. Stay in touch with family and your church family. They love you and miss you.

6. Remember you are not alone. Reach out to and connect with Christian brothers and sisters serving alongside you to help strengthen your faith.

7. Be the best at what you are called to be (infantry, medic, crew chief, etc.). Know your job better than anybody. Seek to make your commanding officer look good.

8. Demonstrate how you can be a team player every day. Especially in the military, there is no “I” in team.

9. Strive to be civil and polite. This will pay massive dividends when working with others.

10. Be a person of prayer.

11. Learn to laugh at yourself.

Military service will test you; it is not easy. Service to God and country will certainly challenge you. The military brings out the very best in your physical strength and character. By grasping tightly onto Christ and the faith He has gifted to you, the military is a place where you can grow. In fact, not only can you survive life in the military, you can thrive in the military as a Lutheran Christian.

Chaplain Steven Hokana serves as the Assistant Director of Ministry to the Armed Forces for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Chaplain Hokaha taught a 2019 breakout session on this topic Concordia-Minnesota.