Pathfinders is a scouting-like activity of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. I love the program; it’s an incredible way to build Christian character in very young children through adults. At the center of the activity is the military formation and marching.
The activity bases their marching standards off of the US Army’s TC 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies (D&C). However, the Seventh-day Adventist Church stance is conscientious objection to all forms of military service that involves combat. This position is rooted in the church’s belief that followers of Jesus Christ should live lives of non-violence, love, and compassion, even toward their enemies. While Adventists are encouraged to be law-abiding citizens, they are also taught that their highest loyalty is to God.
This causes an issue at times since the Pathfinder activity desires to use 3-21.5 but does not want to use it due to the images of weapons in certain sections.
We’re Not the Military. So Why Do We Act Like It?
That statement, “We’re not the military,” is heard often in the Pathfinder program, and it’s a completely valid point. Pathfinders is a youth ministry, not a fighting force. But that fact shouldn’t be the end of the conversation—it should be the beginning. Instead of focusing on what you’re not, let’s explore why the program uses a structure and discipline based in the military and how it benefits every single Pathfinder.
Drill and ceremonies is a foundational part of the Pathfinder program. It teaches teamwork, discipline, and respect. It’s a key part of our history as a program and a tradition passed down through generations of Pathfinders.
Fear
The use of the statement “We’re not in the military” can very likely be used in fear, and this fear can manifest in several ways. It’s not just a statement of fact; it’s often a way to express a deeper concern or anxiety – even if this concern is unrealized. Understanding these underlying fears is key to addressing the sentiment with empathy and respect.
Here are some of the fears that could be behind the statement:
- Fear of Misunderstanding: Many parents and Pathfinders worry that the program’s use of military-style D&C will be misinterpreted by others. They might fear that outsiders, or even new church members, will see the uniforms and drill and assume the program is a recruitment tool or that it contradicts the church’s non-combatant stance. Saying “we’re not the military” is a way of pre-emptively creating a clear boundary to prevent this misunderstanding.
- Fear of Recruitment: This is a very powerful and historical fear within the church. For a parent, the thought of their child being prepared for or recruited into combat is a genuine source of anxiety. The statement is a way for them to reinforce the distinction and protect their child from what they perceive as a potential threat to their spiritual and physical well-being.
- Fear of Violence: The military is a symbol of conflict and violence. For someone who holds a deep-seated commitment to pacifism, any association with the military can be unsettling. Saying “we’re not the military” is a way of reaffirming their commitment to non-violence and creating a safe, peaceful space within the Pathfinder program.
- Fear of Losing Identity: Pathfinders is more than just a club; it’s a spiritual ministry with a distinct identity and purpose. Some members might fear that by embracing military structure, the program is losing its unique spiritual focus and becoming too secular or militaristic. The statement is a defense of the program’s core values and spiritual mission.
When you hear “we’re not the military” as a response to a discussion, for example, it’s often a signal to slow down and listen, not react. It’s an expression of a valid concern rooted in the church’s history and core beliefs. Addressing it with a gentle, educational approach that acknowledges these fears, rather than dismissing them, is the most effective way to help people understand the true purpose of drill and ceremonies in the Pathfinder program.
Misunderstanding
“We’re not in the military” can also stem from other, more nuanced possibilities based on a person’s values, historical understanding, or personal preferences.
- Historical and Theological Identity. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a long history of standing up for non-combatancy and pacifism, a position rooted in its understanding of the Bible and the example of Jesus. For some, the statement is a way of reaffirming their commitment to this theological identity. It’s a declaration that their loyalty is to a spiritual mission, not a physical one, and that the program’s activities, no matter how they look, must be aligned with a peaceful Christian worldview.
- Misunderstanding of Purpose. Some individuals may genuinely not understand the educational benefits of drill and ceremonies. They might see the synchronized marching and precise commands as purely militaristic or as a meaningless tradition. By stating “we’re not the military,” they may be expressing a critique that the activity of marching in formation lacks a clear, relevant purpose for a youth ministry, without realizing its value in teaching discipline, teamwork, and respect.
- Discomfort with Authority. The military operates on a strict chain of command and hierarchy. For people who are uncomfortable with such rigid structures, or who prefer a more informal and egalitarian environment, the Pathfinder activity’s emphasis on drill can feel alienating. The statement could be a subtle expression of a desire for a less authoritarian, more relaxed approach to leadership and organization.
All the possibilities above boil down to a core misunderstanding of what the Pathfinder program is trying to accomplish with drill and ceremonies. The fundamental misunderstanding is a confusion between form and function.
Form vs. Function
The form of Pathfinder drill and ceremonies is modeled after the military. We use the same terminology, the same movements, and a similar command structure. This is what leads to the statement, “We’re not the military.”
However, the function of D&C in Pathfinders is completely different. Its purpose is not to prepare for combat, but to achieve specific goals for the program:
- Teamwork: Learning to move in unison and cooperate as a cohesive unit.
- Discipline: Instilling self-control and respect for authority.
- Spiritual Growth: Fostering a sense of order and purpose that reflects God’s character.
When someone says, “We’re not the military,” they are often focusing solely on the military form and mistakenly assuming that it dictates the military function.
How Misunderstanding Fuels Other Concerns
Framing it this way helps us see that the other issues are all symptoms of this single, central misunderstanding:
- Fear of military service is based on the misunderstanding that a military-style activity will lead to a military-style outcome.
- Concerns about historical identity stem from the misunderstanding that using a military-style tool is a betrayal of the church’s pacifist history, rather than a clever re-purposing of a tool for a different goal.
- Discomfort with authority is a misunderstanding that the hierarchy in D&C is about rigid control instead of a practical way to manage a large group of people efficiently.
What Is Drill and Ceremonies?
D&C is about learning to move as a group with precision and order. It’s an important part of the military, police, cadet and explorer programs, scouting, and other organizations where working as a team is crucial.
Some Pathfinders worry that using the Army’s manual and performing D&C is contradictory to the church’s teachings of peace and non-violence. It’s easy to see why. The military is often associated with conflict and violence. But the military isn’t just about conflict. The military also performs humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and other services. D&C is one of the many ways the military instills discipline, teamwork, respect, and a whole host of benefits in its members. These are all characteristics that are helpful in life, no matter what profession you choose.
A Pathfinder-Focused Approach to D&C
To help bridge the gap between military doctrine and the Pathfinder program’s core values, I was commissioned by the Southeastern Conference to write the first complete D&C manual that includes flag protocol specifically for the entire Pathfinder activity. This manual is based on Army doctrine but re-focuses the purpose of these protocols on the benefits for the program, such as teamwork, discipline, and spiritual growth, rather than on a military context. This resource helps Pathfinders understand that the skills learned are for personal and communal development, not for military service.
Let’s Look at it Biblically
Isiah 2:4
He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Micah 4:3
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
These verses represent the ultimate ideal of Christian pacifism: the transformation of tools of war into tools of productivity and life. This concept directly challenges the idea of using military equipment or training for its original, destructive purpose and instead re-purposes it for something that benefits humanity. This is a perfect metaphor for how the Pathfinder program re-purposes military-style drill for spiritual and personal growth.
What Can We Learn from D&C?
D&C teaches us discipline. We learn to follow instructions and work together as a team. This skill is vital in all parts of life, from school to our future careers. It also teaches us to be patient and attentive to detail. This is what helps Pathfinders perform with precision and excellence in drill competitions. It helps them learn about self-control and how to work with others to achieve a common goal.
Pathfinders is a large activity with members all around the world and need a way to organize in a way that is structured and efficient. D&C provides that structure. It teaches a myriad of skills that are invaluable for any young person.
The next time you are learning a D&C movement, remember the rich tradition behind it. Pathfinders from around the globe are all learning the same things as you are. They are learning to be disciplined, respectful, and organized – even though they may march differently. These skills will help you become a leader in your church, school, and community.