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 UkraineItems 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.

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 ParentsYou 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.

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.

In this episode, four seasoned deacons look at four different cases; three having to do with saints within the congregation and one really unique one regarding a visitor to  Vacation Bible School. Deacon and CDM member, Tim Hopper facilitates this discussion with Bob Keys, a deacon from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio, Lynne Hunter, a deacon at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan and Daniel Lascaze, a deacon from Amoskeag OPC in Manchester, New Hampshire.  The consensus? Know your congregation, be proactive, and let the Gospel of Jesus Christ show in all you do.Share this episode with your fellow deacons or present these scenarios at your next deacon's meeting for discussion!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.

In this episode, Shiloh OPC deacon and OPC CDM member, Tim Hopper and Rev. C. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, talk books—books specifically helpful for deacons to have in their personal libraries. From Bible reading plans to reader's guides to books on prayer to counseling, Nick and Tim cover a wide range of their recommended favorites in their discussion.  There are even a few websites and videos they suggest checking out. Nick's wide range of  insight and Tim's thirst for reading and knowledge on the subject of deacons makes this episode invaluable!Referenced in this episode:Resources on the office of deacon Rev. John L GirardeauNotes on Ecclesiology by Thomas PeckThe Deaconship: A Treatise on the Biblical Office by John G.  LorimerThe Deacon by Cornelis Van Dam Presbytery of the Southeast Diaconal Summit 2018 VideosChronological Bible reading plan—Greenville Seminary by Ben ShawThe Westminster Confession of Faith and CatechismsConfessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith by Chad Van DixhoornThe Presbyterian Standards by Francis R. BeattieCalendar of Readings in the Westminster Standards organized by Dr. Joseph Pipa, Jr.ReformedConfessions.comThe Orthodox Presbyterian Church Book of Church OrderGospel Worship by Jeremiah Burroughs With Reverance and Awe by D.G. Hart and John R. MuetherA Method for Prayer by Matthew Henry (updated)Full list found here: 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.

In this episode, host David Nakhla talks with Trinity OPC, Hatboro, Pa. deacon Dave Askey about his church's involvement in the recent denomination-wide ministry project, Crates for Ukraine. Dave shares details about how his church worked together in creative ways to bring the CFU project to completion and how the Lord blessed their ministry in very large ways.  We hope this episode will encourage you as you look toward future possibilities to invite your congregation to participation in church-wide ministry projects.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.

In this episode, Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, Maryland and member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries is joined by Rev. Charles R. Biggs, Regional Home Missionary for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church’s Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic (PMA) and former pastor of Ketoctin Covenant Presbyterian Church in Purcellville, Virginia. Chris and Charles unpack a unique passage of Scripture, one that deacons are especially familiar with: Act 6 verses 1 to 8. We pray that in taking the time to look more in depth at passages like this is deacons would be strengthened in their understanding of and purpose for his office. Referenced in this episode:Presbytery Diaconal Summit VYou 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.

In this episode, David Nakhla visits Chris Verdick, the administrator of the OPC Uganda Mission's Akisyon A Yesu Presbyterian Clinic in Karamoja, Uganda. Chris and his family have been serving in rural Uganda for over a decade. Listen as Chris describes how the mission serves this impoverished region by attending to their health needs  while pursuing the ultimate goal of leading lost souls to Christ. The OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries in conjunction with OPC Foreign Missions provides significant funding to aid with the operational costs of the Clinic as well as to missionary deacons who help with maintaining the Clinic building as part of the OPC Uganda Mission.Referenced in this episode:OPUM (OPC Uganda Mission) Website 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.

You may remember our January 1 episode, where three deacons discuss practical methods for dealing with walk-in situations. This episode is a continuation of that conversation; same three deacons sit down with host David Nakhla: John Voss, Chris Sudlow and Doug Vos. David presents two new walk-in scenarios to the panel to tap into their years of diaconal experience on how to help. The panel grapples with one scenario of a woman who is homeless, but needs a specific amount of money and another of a young couple who show up to the church asking for help with their pregnancy situation. The panel is not of the same mind, and the discussion is interesting. Do you know what you would say or do when put on the spot like that? Participants: CDM Administrator, David Nakhla; and deacons John Voss from Covenant OPC in Orland Park, IL; Chris Sudlow from Bethel OPC in Wheaton, IL and Doug Vos from Oakland Hills OPC in Farmington Hills, MI.Referenced in this episode:AA Pregnancy Center in MichiganYou 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.

In this episode OPC CDM Administrator David Nakhla is joined by OPC Communications Coordinator Jamie Dean to look back on a recent trip to Ukraine, where they, as two members of a four-person team, were able to follow the Crates for Ukraine as they arrived in L'viv for distribution.David and Jamie quickly take you chronologically through the trip, highlighting the beauty of the country, even at war, and the forward-thinkingness of those who minister in Christ's name as they use the Crates program to leave a trail of breadcrumbs back to the church and ultimately to Christ.Referenced in this episode: Ukraine Awareness Month VideoMission to the World (PCA)Crates for Ukraine Other Resources:David's Trip Report to the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries with photosLeave a comment or suggest a topic.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.

In this episode, Rev. Dr. A. Craig Troxel addresses the entire NDS IV 2022 group in his plenary session, "The Deacon and His Congregation." Rev. Troxel looks at the Confession of Faith chapter 26, "Of the Communion of Saints".  Grab a coffee as Dr. Troxel dives deep into the vertical relationship between you and God and the horizontal relationship you have with fellow believers.This is the final episode featuring our National Diaconal Summit IV 2022 speakers. We hope you've enjoyed them and will share them with others. You can find all of the NDS IV 2022 episodes at thereformeddeacon.com. Dr. Craig Troxel serves as Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. He has served on the Committee on Christian Education (CCE) since 2002 and was named president of the CCE in 2019. Referenced in this episode:Dr. Troxel's outline for "The Deacon and His Congregation" from the National Diaconal Summit IV 2022.Presbytery Diaconal Committee members, be sure to check OPCCDM.org to find out more about the Presbytery Diaconal Summit V 2023.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.

This episode is an interview our producer, Trish Duggan, had with OPC mission-work, Neon Reformed's elder Seth Long. His description of the current landscape of Neon is powerful, "The whole thing looks like a scene from The Hunger Games. It's dark; it's still muddy, there's still dirt on the streets, there are storefronts boarded up and down the streets.”  Last July’s record-breaking flood was a unique flashflood, raising a single stream into a raging river. “That little stream that runs through Neon, that you can normally practically jump over, became 300-yards wide and 12-feet deep,” Seth says. That’s a memory you don’t easily forget. It’s clear they continue to need the love and compassion that only Jesus, through his disciples, can give. You can find a story from this interview on OPCDisasterResponse.org. If you would like to volunteer to help in the Spring Community Outreach effort in Neon, contact Jane Robinson: kentuckyvolunteers@opc.org. Consider bringing a youth group to build some Sheds of Hope! (Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age.)Please subscribe, share, like and comment. We love comments.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.

In this episode, David Nakhla takes the show on the road to Namibia, in southern Africa to interview the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) Diaconal Committee. This seven-member group from six continents meets quarterly by zoom and in person every two years to discuss matters of concern for the reformed church and how to continue to grow and bless one another. With the world events happening around us, there's no better time to understand how like-minded churches can encourage and enable one another in the many realms of international diaconal work, including disasters, such as COVID, and what is happening in Ukraine and Turkey. Members of the ICRC Diaconal Committee include:Mr. David Nakhla, United StatesThe Rev. Dr. Aaron Bae, KoreaThe Rev. Dr. Pieter Boon, South AfricaThe Rev. Ge Drayer, The NetherlandsThe Rev. Lungawiruol Khawbung, InidaMr. Rick Postma, CanadaMr. Chris Boersema, BrazilThe ICRC Diaconal Committee mandate is as follows:Work towards a common understanding of what  fully orbed Reformed diaconal ministry ought to look like, confer with ICRC member churches on such an understanding, and challenge them to pursue establishing such ministry in their churches.Encourage and facilitate networking among representatives of the diaconal agencies/ministries of the ICRC member churches for the purposes of exchanging information on the work of deacons locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, discussing issues of mutual concern, and exploring ways for possible cooperation in ministries of mercy among the member churches.Bring focus to the diaconal ministry at ICRC conferences by employing various formats (presentation of papers, round-table discussions, information table, video presentation, etc.) to encourage networking and present material that has been collected and/or developed.In response to the request of a member church in case of a major disaster, identify entities connected with member churches, working in the area and/or responding to the disaster and provide contact information. This committee serves to facilitate networking and does not serve as a source or channel of funding for member churches.Find out more about the ICRC and find resources for deacons on their website: https://www.icrconline.com.  Let us know if you would like to learn more about how the ICRC Diaconal Committee works, or if you have any other questions by emailing: diaconalministries@opc.org.Like, subscribe and comment. We really do like comments.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.

In this episode, we present the audio from the outstanding video produced by Mission to the World (PCA), of OPC Missionary to Ukraine, Heero Hacquebord. In case you missed it or were unable to take the time to watch the video, this episode may be a great way for you to hear about the work that our missionary is doing in Ukraine during the war. Imagine an OPC Missionary with 100s and 1000s of people coming into contact with the church community as war causes them to relocate, find help, and search for answers to life’s most important questions. You don’t have to imagine it. This is OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord’s world and ministry right now in Ukraine.God is working in Ukraine through this tragedy of war. Heero reminds us, "God is in control. God will take care of us. Our strength and our hope is not in horses and armies."This winter, the OPC had the unique privilege to participate in, "Crates for Ukraine",  a program led by MTW (PCA). To date, 47 OP Churches in 16 presbyteries  have pledged to pack over 200 crates of humanitarian aid to be sent to Ukraine. For updates on the "Crates for Ukraine" program, go to OPCDisasterResponse.org. If you would like to watch the video version of the Ukraine video, please visit our Vimeo Channel.Please like, share and comment on our episode. We love comments!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.

In this episode, we feature a popular OPC National Diaconal Summit IV plenary talk. Pastor Nathan Trice, Resurrection OPC, Matthews, NC,  finishes out the Summit with a devotional chock-full of encouragement for deacons as they prepared to leave. He reminds the men, "So my friends, remember this when your service goes unrecognized and gratitude is not gushing in your direction. As deacons there's often a very good, godly, gracious reason for that. It's something that God has made true of you. Something that qualifies you to be a Deacon in your church. It is your readiness and willingness to serve apart from applause, apart even from gratitude from men." Please like, share and comment.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.

This episode is an exciting one! Our first "Real World Cases" episode will kick off 2023 for The Reformed Deacon. This one focuses on walk-ins and provides numerous practical methods for stewarding unexpected encounters. Three seasoned deacons: John Voss from Covenant OPC in Orland Park, IL; Chris Sudlow from Bethel OPC in Wheaton, IL and Doug Vos from Oakland Hills Community OPC in Farmington Hills, MI serve as our first panel and CDM administrator David Nakhla facilitates. This is an episode you won't want to miss! And you'll be sure to share it with the deacons at your church, won't you?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.

In this episode, we continue with the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV 2022 recordings as Rev. Al Tricarico brings us “The Deacon and His Community”. This one is chock full of insights and practical takeaways for deacons, as well as all Christians. Rather than summarize, here are a few quotes from Rev. Tricarico in the episode that will leave you wanting more:“See the encounter [with a stranger] as an opportunity to serve, not a nuisance to avoid.” “[A stranger] is made in God’s image, has a value and therefore is worth knowing.”“Let generosity prevail.”“Diaconal work can be reactive, but it doesn't only have to be reactive.”“When you welcome a person in need you honor Jesus.”“Hospitality is in a sense a living parable of the gospel”“What do we want to be as a church, a fortress or haven?”You can find the video versions of all of the OPC National Diaconal Summit recordings on OPCCDM.org, along with many other diaconal resources.Email David Nakhla or producer Trish Duggan with your questions or comments: diaconalministries@opc.org.Subscribe, share and comment to let us know what you liked and what you’d like to see more of.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.

This month we return to the Summit recordings, where you'll hear Rev. Ron Pearce as he leads the Summit’s Friday worship service. He asks the question, who was right in Luke 10: Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet or Martha, who was busy with preparations for her guests? Was one focus better than the other? What does it have to do with the parable of the Good Samaritan and your service to the church? You can find The Reformed Deacon on your favorite podcast player. Like, share and comment. We like comments.You can find all the National Diaconal Summit IV video recordings, along with lots more 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.

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, you’ll listen in on an information session held for OPC Disaster Response registrants held on Monday, September 19, 2022 regarding the disaster response effort in Neon, Kentucky. As many of you know, catastrophic flooding at the end of July destroyed most of the town of Neon, including Neon Reformed OPC’s building. The local church, presbytery of the Southeast and OPC Disaster Response have been serving there for about eight weeks now and have made a lot of progress in the church building to restore worship in Neon. If the Lord wills, disaster response efforts will extend into the community of Neon. Referenced in this episode:Neon Reformed OPCNeon Progressive Slide ShowVideo Version of Information SessionOPCDisasterResponse.orgReformed Mission ServicesMission to North America Disaster ResponseYou 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.

In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. This session from the second group is Mr. Luke Fawcett's workshop, "Strategy and Guidelines for Diaconal Ministry."  His bio and notes from this session can be found here. Referenced in this episode:Resurrection OPC,  Matthews, NC Guidelines for Mercy Ministry The video version of these topics are on OPCCDM.org. You may want to watch the video versions with your fellow deacons, maybe even as a part of your regular meeting, and then discuss. However you decide to use them, you won't be sorry you took the time. As always, like and share, and comment, if you can. We like feedback.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.