Matters of Life and Death Faith under fire: Following Christ in the military, with Maj Gen Tim Cross
Mar 25, 2026
Tim Cross, retired British Army Major General turned lay minister and leadership writer. He talks about reconciling Christian faith with military command. Short reflections cover conversion in service, moral complexity of combat, just war questions, technology and AI in warfare, and care for soldiers' souls.
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Garden Tomb Conversion That Changed His Life
- Tim Cross became a committed Christian in 1981 after visiting the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem on Easter and reading John's Gospel with a retired British colonel guide.
- He describes an Emmaus-style, head-driven conversion where Scripture study and prayer led him to declare “I will stand with you.”
Scripture Supports Christians Serving In The Military
- Tim Cross argues Scripture shows no inherent contradiction between being Christian and serving as a soldier, citing John the Baptist and the centurion as examples.
- He concludes God needs Christians across society, including the military, to restrain abuse and pursue justice.
Biblical Battles Show God Is Commander Not Nationalist
- Cross reads Joshua and Gideon as models: military action must be under God's command and reliant on the Spirit rather than mere earthly power.
- He frames leadership as being a man under command, asking ‘Am I on his side?’ not ‘Is God on mine?’
