Build a Spiritual Deployment Support Team

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14 [ESV])

Is the military sending you out by yourself? Surely not.

Is the Lord expecting you to endure this upcoming spiritual trial by yourself? Absolutely not.

Now is the time to build a Spiritual Deployment Support Team. (Yes, I just made up that term, but let’s go with it!)

What is a Spiritual Deployment Support Team? This is a group of 3-5 people who will actively walk through this deployment with you. Whether you are deploying or your spouse is deploying, you need a team of people to help you weather the challenges ahead and point you to the truth of God’s Word. These are also to be people who will spur you on towards “love and good works” even as you endure this significant trial (Heb. 10:24).

Who should be on your Team? Again, the goal is 3-5 of the right people. This is not a situation where “more is better”. Instead, the 3 right people will be better than 100 of the wrong people.

• Your Spouse. If you are married, your spouse is on your team. Whether you are the deployer or the spouse remaining behind, you need their support and they need yours. They need to know that you expect them to support you on this journey, and that you plan to support them.
• A Spiritual Leader. Perhaps this will be one of the pastors at your church, or your small group leader, or someone a little farther along in the faith than you. Reach out to them and see if they will help you along this journey. If you are married, a couple to support you and your spouse together is ideal.
• A brother or sister on a similar journey. For the deploying, is there another (same gender) Christian in your unit that you can walk this journey together? For the spouse staying at home, is there a (same gender) Christian whose spouse will be gone at the same/similar time and you can walk through this trial together? Share with them the resources you are getting here and aim to walk through it together.
• Trusted Neighbors. It’s hard to beat proximity. Do you have someone who lives nearby who will be able to be called upon for those times that proximity will be most important?
• Family. How will your parents, siblings, or grandparents be able to help you in this season? Don’t forget to employ them in the things that will be helpful for you. I’m assuming there is a relatively healthy relationship there. If there is not a relatively healthy relationship, what boundaries need to be put in place to provide the space necessary to thrive in this season without unnecessary drama from your families of origin?

What if I don’t have these people in my life? If that is you, please find a local church and plead with them to walk through this season with you and your family. Here is my recommendation for How to Find a Church in a Military Community.

Do you have a list of people? (This is the practical part- make the list!) Recruit them onto your team! Give them a call or send them a text message now to set up a lunch or coffee to start the conversation. Invite them into this season to walk alongside you.

If you know the types of things you might expect from them, share those things with them. “Hey Pastor, can I email you once per week while I’m deployed and let you know how my spiritual walk is going and send you questions that I have?” or “Hey neighbor, my husband is deploying soon. Can I hire your son to cut our grass?”

The more specific you can be with team members, the better. The most important step at this point is opening the conversation and inviting them to walk with you along this journey.

As you’re making these contacts, let’s keep preparing- continue on to the next article below.

I love you guys,

Brian O’Day

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