The Reformed Deacon

a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries

The Reformed Deacon is an interview and discussion podcast created by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Committee on Diaconal Ministries. The Reformed Deacon exists to strengthen and encourage the brotherhood of reformed deacons in their God-given role of serving the local church. We hope you'll find this podcast to be helpful to you as you serve the Lord in your church. For more information about the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, go to our website: OPCCDM.org.  Contact us: mail@thereformeddeacon.org.

  1. DEC 1

    The Importance of Having Deacons

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. In this episode, David Nakhla welcomes Pastor Mark Winder of Wolf River OPC in Collierville, TN, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of deacons in the life of the church. It's not uncommon for church plants to go several years without deacons, often due to the challenges of identifying, training, and overseeing qualified men during the early stages of organization. Pastor Mark shares how installing deacons brought transformative change to his congregation—and why this often-overlooked office is essential to a healthy church. Reflecting on the biblical call to service, Pastor Mark reminds us: “The church is not a theology club. We are a church that serves.” We hope you find this to be an encouraging and insightful discussion on the ministry of mercy, and discover why the work of deacons is central to the mission and fellowship of the church. Referenced in this episode: OPC Book of Church Order OPCCDM.org Training Videos (from the NDS IV 2022 National Diaconal Summit) "Diaconal Leadership Today" Bill Shishko “The Deacon and his Congregation” Craig Troxel  "Mercy Ministry in a Social Justice World" Eric Watkins "Ministry to the Spiritually Immature" Seth Long "Doing Business as Deacons” by Chris Sudlow Sample Deacon Meeting Agenda (Wolf River OPC) Diaconal Training Syllabus (Wolf River OPC) Scripture ·      Ephesians 4:7, 11-13, 16 ·      Hebrews 6:10 ·      Acts 2:42 ·      Acts 6:1-6 ·      Acts 8:5-8 ·      I Peter 4:10 ·      Hebrews 10:24 You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    55 min
  2. NOV 1

    Short-Term Missionary Needed

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. OPC Foreign Missions is looking for a short-term missionary to attend to diaconal needs in Uganda! The OPC Uganda Mission in Karamoja is in need of a facilities manager to fill a short-term need while current missionary Travis Emmett and his family are in the States for medical leave early next year. Please consider how you may be able to help! In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host David Nakhla speaks with Douglas Clawson, General Secretary of the OPC’s Committee on Foreign Missions, and Travis Emmett, who serves as the current mission’s facilities manager. Together, they explain what it means to serve as a short-term missionary focused on diaconal work, the importance of the role in supporting gospel ministry, and what life and service look like in Karamoja. Travis shares both the joys and challenges of maintaining mission facilities in a remote part of Africa. Those with general handyman skills—and a heart to serve Christ’s church—are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether they might step in to help during this season of need. You don’t need to be an expert tradesman—just willing to work hard and serve faithfully. Please pray that this need is filled quickly and for all who labor for the Lord in Uganda. If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please reach out to OPC CFM General Secretary, Douglas Clawson: Douglas.clawson@opc.org. You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    30 min
  3. OCT 1

    The Widow's Mite: Financial Giving From the Heart

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. In this episode, host Chris Cashen (pastor at Trinity OPC, Lanham, MD) is joined by pastor John Shaw and deacon Bob Keys from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio for a conversation on the financial needs of the church and the importance of encouraging generosity. Drawing from the example of the widow’s mite in Luke 21, they reflect on how this passage shapes our understanding of giving, particularly in the context of diaconal ministry. Much of the discussion centers on the application of the passage as it relates to the work of the deacon, and how the generosity of Jesus Christ should move our hearts toward love and sacrificial giving within the church. Together, they explore the deacon’s role in fostering a culture of mercy ministry and faithful giving. Listen in as Chris, John, and Bob offer gospel-centered insights on selfless generosity, financial stewardship and the church’s call to care for those in need. Referenced in this episode: Scripture  ·       Luke 21:1–4  ·       Psalm 110:1 ·       Acts 6 ·       2 Corinthians 9:6–8, 15 ·       2 Corinthians 8:9 ·       1 Timothy 5:8 ·       Philippians 4:11–12 ·       Philippians 2:1–8 ·       John Calvin— Institutes’ section on prayer OPC Book of Church Order on deacons  You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    45 min
  4. SEP 1

    Encouraging the Solo Deacon

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. In this episode, David Nakhla is joined by seasoned deacons John Stahl (Emmanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE), Jared Grigg (Acacia Reformed OPC, Manassas, VA), and Dan Barnes (Trinity Reformed OPC, Lanham, MD) for a conversation on the unique challenges faced by solo deacons in their ministries. The work of a deacon is vital to the life of the church. Deacons demonstrate Christ’s mercy by caring for the physical needs of the congregation. By providing aid to the poor, caring for the needs of the sick, supporting widows, and tending to those in hardship, deacons are at the heart of mercy ministry. The institution of the office in Acts 6, where the apostles instructed the church to appoint seven men, shows the biblical principle of plurality in this work. Yet, in some small congregations, a plurality of deacons is not always possible. How does a deacon function when he serves alone? Listen as these men share practical wisdom managing expectations, leaning on the gifts of fellow church members, and faithfully carrying out mercy ministry in the strength God provides. Referenced in this episode: The Deacon Check-In program OPCCDM.org Presbytery Diaconal Committees You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    37 min
  5. AUG 1

    Ministering to the Widow

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. In this episode, host, deacon Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC)  is joined by Becky Haney, a member of New Hope OPC in Bridgeton, New Jersey, to share her experience following the sudden passing of her husband Dave Haney—a man well-known and loved by many in the OPC—who died unexpectedly at age 56 in 2019. Caring for widows lies close to the heart of diaconal work. Scripture is clear that God’s people are to support widows in their time of need. Yet many struggle to know how best to minister to them in their new chapter of life. This important conversation hopes to equip deacons and other church members to care more effectively by listening well, being patient and allowing a "wide berth" following this life-altering experience. Becky's openness offers valuable insight and practical wisdom to help deacons, pastors, and church members care for widows with greater empathy and understanding. Referenced in this episode:  If I Should Die (produced by David Haney)What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts): (And How to Avoid Being That Person Who Hurts Instead of Helps) by Nancy GuthrieHow Deacons Can Help: A Widow’s AdviceBecky's Suggested Reading ListYou can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    38 min
  6. JUL 1

    Ministering to Those Struggling with Addiction

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. In this episode, David Nakhla speaks with Dr. Jim Berry, an elder at Reformation OPC in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. He’s joined by Mr. Rob Guss, an elder at Calvary OPC in Glenside, Pennsylvania, who shares his powerful testimony of God’s grace in delivering him from addiction. Addiction brings with it deep brokenness. It can consume a family’s resources and, when discovered, often brings added pressure to the household—resulting in broken relationships, sadness, confusion, and other diaconal needs.  This conversation hopes to equip deacons to better understand how to walk alongside those caught in addiction—emphasizing the importance of presence, listening, and long-term counsel. A practical case study at the end offers a real-world scenario, guiding deacons through how to respond when someone confesses a struggle with addiction. The episode reminds listeners that while the path may be long and difficult, deacons are privileged to come alongside those suffering with lasting hope through the love of Christ. Referenced in this episode: Flesh and Thorn: Understanding Addiction as Disease Dr. James Berry; Ordained Servant June-July 2018 You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    53 min
  7. JUN 11

    Providing Hope in Ukraine

    What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address. In this episode, host David Nakhla speaks with Elder Mark Agarkov of Kharkiv Presbyterian Church and OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord to get an update on the situation in Ukraine, now three years into the war. Mark shares about the ongoing suffering in the eastern region of Kharkiv—just 20 miles from the front lines—the support they've received from generous U.S. donors, and the deep sense of care they've experienced amid hardship. He also reflects on how many are being drawn to Christ through their suffering, the work that the ministry of the church is doing, and the lasting physical and emotional toll the war is taking. Heero provides updates on his family, his church, and the ongoing work of Crates for Ukraine, an initiative of the Presbyterian Church in America that continues to bring aid to those in need. Referenced in this episode: Listeners can find more details and make direct donations on the Kharkiv Presbyterian Church website: https://www.kharkivpresbyterianministry.com. There, you can also subscribe to receive their monthly updates. Alternatively, you can email Mark Agarkov, and he will add you to the list: mark.agarkov@gmail.com. Additionally, here is the link to their WhatsApp group where they regularly post photos: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FhrlLtJWtdB4sjbizl3FaA. Cratesforukraine.com, Heero's (easy) e-mail address ukraine.europe@me.com, and if you would like to get the Hacquebord's prayer letters and read older issues you can do so with this long link:  https://us7.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=49d839383d86ec3614b01b767&id=7be70c1b6a. Prayer Requests from Mark and Heero Prayer Requests from Mark Agarkov (Kharkiv Presbyterian Church) For stable peace in Ukraine, along with lasting justice, national freedom, and the continued blessing of religious freedom.For Ukrainian pastors, elders, and ministry leaders—for courage, endurance, and faithfulness under pressure, as well as for more workers to meet the overwhelming needs of Gospel ministry.For prayer for spiritual revival in Ukraine, that the suffering of war would lead many to seek Christ and that the nation would experience a widespread turning to Jesus.For prayer for their social ministry, as needs grow while donations have declined. He asks that Ukraine would remain on people's hearts and that God would provide resources to serve both now and in the long recovery ahead.For safety, especially for families and children, amid frequent drone attacks and shelling near Kharkiv.For their summer trip to the U.S., that doors would open for them to travel legally, that the time would be fruitful, and that thYou can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

    49 min
5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Reformed Deacon is an interview and discussion podcast created by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Committee on Diaconal Ministries. The Reformed Deacon exists to strengthen and encourage the brotherhood of reformed deacons in their God-given role of serving the local church. We hope you'll find this podcast to be helpful to you as you serve the Lord in your church. For more information about the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, go to our website: OPCCDM.org.  Contact us: mail@thereformeddeacon.org.

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