Why Churches Should Start a Veterans Fellowship
THE CHURCH
Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
THE CHALLENGE
Veterans have unique needs related to their service.
ONE BIG IDEA
Start a veterans fellowship for those who have served in the military.
With a desire to provide a community for those who have served in the military, a group from Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia gather together regularly for fellowship, friendship and faith. The Military Veterans’ Fellowship not only provides hope but also healing as veterans deal with painful reminders from their service.
Ron Stauffer, who serves as the visitation pastor of Calvary Chapel, helps oversee this group. Stauffer, who also served in the armed forces, is encouraged by the impact the ministry is having on these vets and on him personally.
The ministry was already in place before Stauffer began attending the church in 2019 and officially joined the staff in 2020.
“I wasn’t the one who started the group,” he explains. “The gentleman who started the group began it as a way to minister to those suffering with PTSD and as a ministry to all veterans.”
The church has between 10,000–12,000 in weekly attendance. While the current ministry only has 12–15 attendees, it has become like a second family for those in attendance and is open to anyone who served.
According to Stauffer, the group meets twice a month for a time of discussion, Bible study and prayer. “We pray for one another and pray for the guys going through different situations in their lives. The memories are a real struggle, but in this group they are able to open up about their experiences.”
Group members also have the opportunity to take communion and enjoy fellowship together with their spouses.
“There’s a barbecue place where our spouses join for a great time together,” Stauffer says. “There’s also a Chick-fil-A close by that offers free breakfast once a month for veterans.”
He offers a word of encouragement and practical advice for other churches interested in starting a similar ministry: “For those who are thinking about starting a group like this—like if you’re a veteran and feel like starting it—just start one. Make sure to focus on God’s Word and prayer.
“A lot of guys [won’t] open up and share about their experiences,” he advises. “But this group has been helpful to provide the opportunity for them to feel comfortable doing that and get to know others with shared experiences.”
