We recently sat down with John Klein-Geltink, a pillar of the Diaconal Ministry for over four decades, to discuss the evolution of the work, the power of asset-based ministry, and why authenticity is a leader’s greatest tool.
Q: John, you’ve been involved in diaconal work since the early 80s. Looking back 45 years, how did this journey start for you?
John: It started with a spark of interest in the form of ordination. I felt there was so much more to being a deacon than what was happening at the time. I began asking the “bigger questions”: how can we impact our communities and even our nation? I started with local conferences and eventually joined the board of what was then All Ontario Diaconate Conference. It was a fantastic group of people addressing big issues.
Q: You’ve seen the organization evolve from local conferences to national programs like Operation Manna (now NewGround). What stands out to you from those transitions?
John: Serving on the Operation Manna board for six years was incredibly inspiring. Initially, we did both domestic and foreign projects, but we eventually decided to focus our efforts on training and equipping deacons right here in Canada, working through partners like World Renew for overseas needs. By the late 90s and early 2000s, we moved into the “coaching” concept. It’s been a journey of seeing the role of the deacon become something much larger than we can often comprehend.
Q: You’ve spoken a lot about “changing the language” of ministry. Can you explain that?
John: This is something I’m very excited about lately: the shift to an asset-based approach. For years, the focus was on asking people, “What do you need?”. But when you explore what people are passionate about, you get on a much better footing. I remember a conversation about disability concerns. The light went on when we realized that people with disabilities have a whole lot to contribute.
Everyone has assets. When we recognize that, the ministry becomes about walking alongside people rather than just fixing problems.
Q: After four decades, what moments feel the most rewarding?
John: It’s often the “fruit” you see years later. I remember a university mission trip we funded where students worked with indigenous ministries. One of those students, Danielle Rouan, went on to take leadership in refugee programs in Hamilton.
Other times, it’s just striking a spark in a workshop. I’ve seen deacons who were “set in their ways” suddenly engage with our resources and eventually join the board themselves. Seeing people’s eyes open to what a diaconate can truly do is very satisfying.
God is working with all kinds of groups in the community…we should be asking what we have in common and how we can walk alongside them.
John Klein-Geltink
Q: What is your aspiration for the future of diaconal ministry?
John: I want to see us connect more with the wider community. There is a tendency to only work with neighboring churches, but God is working with all kinds of groups in the community, including secular ones. We don’t need to just “copy” the secular world; we should be asking what we have in common and how we can walk alongside them.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to a brand-new diaconal coach?
John: Be authentic. Be yourself, and give yourself and the deacons permission to make mistakes. You are on the same level as the deacons you serve. Most of them are just trying to get their heads around what it means to be a deacon. If you speak from the heart and stay open to dialogue, you’ll help them see that this role is a beautiful, growing thing.
John has served Diaconal Ministries Canada in numerous roles, from board member to one of the original six diaconal coaches. His legacy is one of building connections and fostering a heart-led approach to service.
