The Reformed Deacon

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 V

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 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 Michigan

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 WorldCrates for Ukraine Other Resources: David's Trip Report to the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries with photos Leave a comment or suggest a topic.

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.

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.

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: The ICRC Diaconal Committee mandate is as follows: 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.

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!

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.

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?

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: 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.

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.

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 OPC Neon Progressive Slide Show Video Version of Information Session OPCDisasterResponse.org Reformed Mission Services Mission to North America Disaster Response

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 is the second grouping of releases. This session from the second group is Mr. Mike Cloy's workshop, "Disaster Response for the Local Church." His bio and notes from this session can be found here. Referenced in this episode: "The Spiritual Nature of the Office of Deacon"Ordained Servant"The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy"presentation slide deckOPC Disaster Response WebsiteThe 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.

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 is the second grouping of releases. This session from the second group is Mr. David Nakhla's workshop, "Your Diaconate and Your Denomination." His bio can be found here. Much of what Mr. Nakhla references in his session can be found on OPCCDM.org. 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.

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 is the second grouping of releases. This session from the second group is Rev. Deryck Barson's workshop, "Ministry to the Stranger." His bio and notes from this session can be found here. 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.

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 MinistryThe 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.

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, CDM Administrator, David Nakhla, sits down with Jon Eide, MTW's Ukraine Country Director, to discuss what the reformed church in Ukraine now looks like, what's been done, and plans for the future. In addition to the interview with Jon, we've added a poignant conversation with a Ukrainian refugee family, now living in Lithuania, that David Nakhla was privileged to meet during his May trip to Eastern Europe. Listen carefully as the family describes the dangerous situations while they made an escape from their home in Ukraine after Russia's attack. This makes for a long episode, but well-worth the time. Referenced in this Episode: Crates for Ukraine MTW.org MTW Ukraine Team Donate to the OPC Ukraine Crisis Fund More about Ukraine Crisis Fund OPC Disaster Response

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. We've included the "gold nuggets", in this first grouping; the topics that were most popular at the Summit. This session from the first group is entitled, "Diaconal Leadership Today", a plenary session by Rev. Bill Shishko. Notes from this session can be found here. 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.

*We apologize for some portions of this audio that may be difficult to hear. We believe the content makes it worth powering through, and we think you'll be glad you did. 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. We've included the "gold nuggets", in this first grouping; the topics that were most popular at the Summit. This session from the first group is "Refugee Ministry", a workshop led by Rev. Chris Cashen. More about Chris can be found here. The video version of these topics are on OPCCDM.org. You may want to watch the videos 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.