Selfless service, sacrifice, strong relationships, and requirements to go where one is called—are all things that military service and ministry have in common. Members of our military are ready to give up their lives for the many freedoms we enjoy in this country. Ministry workers serve by putting the needs of others above their own, to share the freedom we have in Christ. Military members, ministry workers, and their families make great sacrifices to protect and share these freedoms. There is a deep bond built between military members. They go through things that only other service members can relate to; they fight similar battles at home and abroad. In Christ we have fellowship with one another; we have an understanding and worldview unlike any other. Active-duty service members are told where to live and serve, in some ways similar to the call process our pastors go through. Because of these close similarities, our experiences in the military have strongly impacted and prepared us for ministry and given us a unique perspective on the two kingdoms in which Christians find themselves.

We met at the Military School of Music in 2011. Shawn joined the active-duty Marine Corps, went to training, and was stationed with the 2nd MAW Band in North Carolina. Amy joined the Army National Guard and returned to her home of South Dakota to finish her music education degree at Northern State University and serve her state in the 147th Army Band South Dakota National Guard. In 2013, Amy transferred to the 440th Army Band North Carolina National Guard. We married in November of 2013. Fast forward to today. Shawn is a student at the seminary, and Amy is a member of the 132nd Army Band Wisconsin National Guard. Amy also works with the Wisconsin Honor Guard, performing military funeral honors for veterans and their families.

We live temporarily as citizens in this world God created for us, interacting with the people around us, working under our government, and living in the countries where God has placed us. There is also a spiritual kingdom. This kingdom is eternal and, as Christians, we have peace because through faith we know that we are citizens of Christ’s kingdom. Sometimes these two kingdoms seem far from each other. Other times, they seem to overlap. This has been especially evident in our lives as we served (and continue to serve) in the US Military and now as Shawn prepares for public ministry.

In addition to all the similarities mentioned at the beginning of this article, the military provides a unique opportunity to share the gospel. We have both been able to have incredible scripture-filled conversations with soldiers and marines because of the built-in trust that comes with the bond only fellow service men and women have. There is also a deep and urgent need for the gospel because so many military members come face to face with the reality of death. While performing military funeral honors, Amy is frequently in an environment where both God’s Word is being preached and military members are serving side-by-side; it is not uncommon for religion to come up in conversation with her co-workers.

Military service has shown us that sometimes the temporary, earthly kingdom and the eternal kingdom of God can overlap. Our time in the military has prepared us for public ministry and given us unique opportunities to share the gospel. Conversely, being a Christian and studying God’s Word daily has helped in our military service by teaching us about sacrifice and servant leadership. What better example do we have than our Lord Jesus Christ?

Shawn and Amy Marron and their family live in Milwaukee as Shawn continues his studies at the seminary.