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In this episode, Peter Haines, an elder at Concho Valley OPC in Concho, Arizona talks to two elders—Kris Lehner, an elder at Immanuel OPC in Medford, NJ and David Drake, an elder at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, PA. Each offer guidance to deacons, based on their expertise in the field of personal insurance in order to strengthen the understanding of "people-based insurance". Kris and David touch on risk management—a complicated topic for which diaconal resources are hard to come by.

Kris and David share their expertise on the importance of working within a budget to aid pastors, their families and others in choosing benefit packages with appropriate and sufficient amounts of disability insurance. Whether you are wealthy or struggle to make ends meet, everyone needs a plan and wisdom in knowing how to go about it. We hope that this episode will leave you with some important first steps toward that goal.

Referenced in this episode:
If you have questions you'd like to ask of Kris or David, please contact them:
Contact Kris Lehner
Contact David Drake
"The Exchange" (government website for insurance plans)

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.

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In this episode, Part 2 of "Policies and Procedures", we'll dive into the case of Sam, a candidate with great potential but some rough edges, and discuss the importance of knowing candidates for officers in the church by walking side by side with them. The second scenario, the four deacons tackle the sensitive topic of allowing non-members, particularly same-sex couples, to use church facilities for weddings, and the importance of establishing clear policies aligned with doctrinal values. This episode is packed with practical advice and thoughtful insights on these two interesting scenarios.

Referenced in this episode:
Part 1 of "Policies and Procedures" can be found here: https://www.thereformeddeacon.org/1849391/15266887-real-world-cases-policies-and-procedures-part-1

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.

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In this episode, David Nakhla facilitates part 1 of a discussion of real-life scenarios with four seasoned deacons: Lynne Hunter, Bob Keys, John Voss, and Doug Vos. As the men discuss, a common thread emerges—a need for diaconates to be prepared with policies and procedures for dilemmas like the two presented in this episode. The first, a member asking to create and lead a new ESL program, and the second having to do with a member of your church experiences a disaster in his home.

Referenced in this episode:

• ESL with Mission to North America (PCA): https://pcamna.org/ministry/esl-ministries/
• Deacon Lynne Hunter: lfhunter1@gmail.com
• Harvest OPC Pastor Adrian Crum: adrian.crum@harvestopc.org
• Bob Keys' list of essential tools:
  1. Sump pump with flexible hose (40 ft.)
  2. Large tarp (or two!)
  3. Generator
  4. 4-5 small heaters (1500 watt)
  5. Fan (to dry things out)
  6. Wet/dry vac

A few other suggestions from Bob (not mentioned in the episode):

• working chain saw with extra blade
• gloves, hard hat and protective eye equipment (for safety)
• appliance dolly (for moves)
• some kind of a truck or van for helping people move or take things where they need to be

Part two of Real World Cases: Policies and Procedures is scheduled to be released on June 25, 2024.

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.

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In this episode OPC minister, Lowell Ivey, joins host David Nakhla, to talk about the importance of ministry to those in prison, specifically to the surprisingly large number who are in the family of God. Lowell talks about the importance of a Reformed approach to prison ministry, and points out the profound void that mature believers in prison often feel when they are not enjoying regular interaction with fellow believers, receiving the sacraments and necessary pastoral care.

Lowell shares from his experience how vital it is for inmates to have regular contact with Christ's church and how deacons can be a vital resource in leading their churches in this ministry. Lowell reflects on his life changing time in prison; from his conversion, subsequent call to ministry and the path on which the Lord has led him from inmate to preacher of the Gospel.

Learn about the profound impact of family visits and letters on inmates' lives as Lowell shares his personal experiences of spiritual growth through correspondence with a mentor pastor. Lowell highlights the importance of viewing inmates as our neighbors, affirming their worth in Jesus' name and how the church community can collectively support incarcerated individuals and their families through diaconal ministry.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in finding out more about the powerful impact of loving those behind bars.

Referenced in this episode:
Metanoia Prison Ministry

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.

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In this episode, Tim Hopper, a deacon at Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the Presbytery of the Southeast Diaconal Committee and a member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries reminds us that being a deacon doesn't stand on its own, but serves as part of Christ's church. Tim says it's good that we have presbytery and denominational diaconal committees to aid us in our service, but ultimately, Christ hasn't established and ordained these committees. He has instituted deacons primarily for service within the local church and we must remember that's the greatest calling that they've been given. As a result, there is the opportunity, as members of our various committees, to serve and build up our local churches and local diaconates. In this session, Tim shares how that might be done through Presbytery Diaconal Committee

Referenced in this episode:

• OPCCDM.org (where you can find lots of diaconal resources)
• Union Seminary Magazine 1903: The Deacon RC Reed
• The Mercy Minute quarterly e-newsletter
• C. Nick Wilborn on The Reformed Deacon "A Deacon's Personal Library"
• Presbytery Diaconal Summit Videos
• National Diaconal Summit Videos
• "The Deacon is No Small Office"—audio recording Rev. C. Nick Willborn at the 2018 PSE Diaconal Conference
• The Reformed Deacon podcast

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.

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In this episode, Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, MD talks with Rev. Adrian Crum, Associate Pastor of Youth and Evangelism at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan. Chris and Adrian discuss in broad brush fashion the scriptural basis and the theological maze of ministering to all, but especially to those outside of the church while taking a deeper look into Adrian's February 2024 New Horizon's article, "Let Us Do Good to Everyone."

A common objection to mercy ministry can be that a person is of an ill temper or ungrateful spirit. Jonathan Edwards responds by reminding us that Christ loved us, was kind to us and was willing to relieve us, though we were very evil and hateful, of an evil disposition not deserving of any good. So we should be willing to be kind to those who are of an ill disposition and are very undeserving. That should be the spirit behind our compassion, that we should again be able to place ourselves in the position of those who are lost, who are needy, and realize God has been gracious and merciful toward us, and we should then extend benevolence with wise, practical and prudential considerations, but we should practice love and care for the lost in that way. You may get bitten, like a shepherd might by his own sheep, but we need reminders of steadfast, steady faithfulness to love people who don't always say thanks.

Referenced in this episode:
"Let Us Do Good to Everyone" by Rev. Adrian Crum (New Horizons, Feb. 2024)
The Deacon's Handbook: A Manual of Stewardship by Gerard Berghoef and Lester De Koster.
The Reformed Deacon—Real World Cases: Walk-Ins
Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced by Jonathan Edwards

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.

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In this episode elder Mike Cloy from Landis OPC in Marion, North Carolina and elder Seth Long from Neon Reformed OPC describe what it was like on the ground the days after the devastating flood hit Neon, Kentucky and the surrounding counties in July of 2022. Neon Reformed, a struggling mission work of the OPC, sits in an region known for extreme poverty and distrust. Sixteen counties in that region were affected by the "1,000-year flood". Over six feet of water accumulated inside the building of Neon Reformed OPC, leaving distruction in its wake.

Disaster Response isn't just about building structures; it's about building hope and restoring worship. Seth and Mike describe the emotional and physical toll on the residents and the way the Lord led many hands to help in the rebuilding of Neon Reformed and the outreach to the community. This effort, powerfully led by the Presbytery of the Southeast, showed what disaster response ought to look like and the many ways that the Lord cares for his people in desperate times.

Referenced in this episode:
Disaster Response Registry
Neon Reformed OPC
OPC Disaster Response
Contact OPC Disaster Response
OPC Presbytery of the Southeast
Watch all of the PDS V Videos
Neon Flooding

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.

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Have you ever tried to find the word, "deacon" (or elder for that matter) in the Westminster Standards? If you have, you probably couldn't find it, because it isn't referred to explicitly by name. Does that mean the Standards aren't important for deacons to study?

Listen as Westminster Assembly scholar Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn describes the profound impact the Westminster Standards has on the role of Reformed deacons. His expertise provides a glimpse into the spiritual requirements of a deacon and gives insight to the Westminster Standards as they relate to deacons.

In this episode, Dr. Van Dixhoorn answers questions from a hypothetical deacon-in-training named Bob, who, after being given the Standards to study, questions their relevance to deacons.

Dr. Van Dixhoorn navigates through the importance of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms in maintaining unity and transparency in doctrine.

Dr. Van Dixhoorn's insights remind us that the role of a deacon extends far beyond the ordinary, offering solace and motivation through the communion of saints. As we conclude, we're left with a renewed appreciation for the Westminster Standards' relevance and an affirmation of their critical use in Christ's church.

Referenced in this episode:

• The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly 1643-1653 by Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn
• Confessing the Faith by Dr. Chad VanDixhoorn
• The Westminster Standards (including the Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechism.)
• The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today

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.