The Reformed Deacon a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries

Elders and deacons working in conjunction for the good of their flock is of great importance to the health of any local church but the way to go about that is not always well-defined.  
In this episode, Rev. Stephen Tracey talks with David Nakhla and Jeffrey Roach, a deacon at Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Matthews, North Carolina, about thoughts on best practices for the two offices: good communication, having joint meetings, using discretion, and practicing joint visitation. 

This episode has been graciously provided by the Committee on Christian Education's OPC Ruling Elder Podcast, which aired in September of this year.

Referenced in this episode:
The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today


Helpful articles pertaining to this episode from Ordained Servant:
“Balancing Sensitivity and Stewardship in Diaconal Assistance.” 7:3 (Jul. 1998): 67.
“The Biblical Foundation of the Diaconate.” (George W. Knight III) 5:3 (Jul. 1996): 66-68.
“Are Deacons Members of the Session?” (R. Dean Anderson, Jr.) 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 75-78.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 1.” 2:3 (Jul. 1993): 59-64.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 2.” 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 79-85.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 3.” 3:1 (Jan. 1994): 3-8.
“A Proposed Job Description for a Deacon.” (A. G. Edwards III) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 3-5.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 1.” (William Shishko) 1:2 (Apr. 1992): 43-45.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 2.” (William Shishko) 1:3 (Sep. 1992): 63-66.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 3.” (William Shishko) 2:1 (Jan. 1993): 16-18.
“Some Old Testament Roots and Their Continuing Significance.” (C. Van Dam) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 14-21.

You can find other helpful resources on OPCCDM.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.

In this episode, Rev. Chris Cashen and Rev. Matt Holst explore 2 Kings 4 through the eyes of a deacon. As Matt points out, although this is not an obvious passage for deacons, it does include aspects of diaconal work, like caring for the widow by way of encouraging souls, and providing relief from distress. Matt insightfully notes that within this prophetical role of Elisha's there is clearly an element of mercy ministry and believes that if this situation presented itself at his church, his deacons would most certainly care for this widow and her sons.

Deacons, we hope you will be encouraged by this passage as you serve in your local church. 

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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.

In this episode CDM Administrator David Nakhla talks with former refugee Ouch Ojullo about his time in a refugee camp and how the Lord led him to Himself in amazingly unique and surprising ways.

Okuch, born in South Sudan, became a Christian in his early teens. His life was not easy. He reluctantly lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for three years after leaving his home to avoid service in the rebel army and to search out an education—one he would not have received had he stayed at home.

This former refugee now serves as lecturer and academic dean at Knox Theological College, in Mbale, Uganda alongside OPC Missionary Charles Jackson. 
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.

In this episode CDM administrator David Nakhla and producer Trish Duggan sit down with OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord,  MTW Ukraine country director, Doug Shepherd and L'viv Crates for Ukraine warehouse manager Ruslan.

This devastating war continues and the need is greater than it's ever been. Heero summarizes the Crates for Ukraine program's essentialness: "Crates is one way for us to show people we are not here to take advantage of them. Our church is not here to get people's money, you know, to brainwash their kids or, you know, whatever the stereotypes may be. But we are really here to serve. People see the Protestant church, or our church, in this particular case and in many ways, much more so than the Orthodox Church.  Some of the more traditional churches in Ukraine stepping up in the face of this horrible war in Ukraine and saying, hey, you know what the church is about, loving people, showing Christ's love and helping to meet people's needs. And so people begin to see us in a different light."

Find more detailed information about Crates for Ukraine
Items for prayer: https://www.cratesforukraine.com/ Scroll down to the green box 


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.

Have you wondered if it's loving to employ a care facility for your loved one? Or how to know when and how to help manage an elderly loved one's finances? In this episode hosts David Nakhla and Chris Cashen find out more about what our responsibilities are as deacons—and Christians—in caring for the elderly.  Rev. Brian De Jong, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin along with his brother, elder at Bethel OPC in Wheaton, IL, Greg De Jong, share insights from Brian's book, Honoring the Elderly: A Christian's Duty to Aging Parents. Greg worked with Brian on the book to share their practical, spiritual and financial experience in order to help those who are caring for the elderly or supporting someone who cares for an elderly loved one.  There's some great discussion you won't want to miss.

Referenced in this episode: Honoring the Elderly: A Christian's Duty to Aging Parents
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.

In this episode, host David Nakhla talks with John Shaw, OPC Home Missions and Church Extension General Secretary; Tyler Detrick, pastor of Light of the Nations OPC in Dayton, OH and former church planter; and Kurt Oliver, elder at Westminster OPC in Westminster, CA, about the need for deacons when starting a new church in the OPC. 

Why when we church plant in the OPC are we sure to provide a provisional session, but not a provisional diaconate? John, Tyler and Kurt talk about this and the inherent need for deacons to  aid the session and pastor as they face mercy ministry needs both inside and outside of a new church plant. 

Should the process of starting churches in the OPC change to include provisional deacons? Listen to the variety of perspectives from this panel of guests.


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.