Looking for Devotions?

Is your diaconate ready to go a bit deeper during your devotion time?

In January 2021, Diaconal Ministries Canada partnered with Rev. Martin Boardman of Dunamis Fellowship Canada to produce a set of devotions about partnering more closely with the Holy Spirit as you do the important work you have been called to. 

Roadblocks in Ministry

Over the years, Diaconal Ministries has witnessed a team of deacons and/or a church start down a new ministry path when “out of nowhere”, a blockade (or a couple of blockades) would crop up that would discourage and often result in a slowing or halting of progress. 

When we think about roadblocks in ministry, most leaders think of the “typical” roadblocks that seem to creep up and they usually have a good plan of attack to avoid them. These known and sometimes anticipated roadblocks are usually any action and attitude that could undermine innovation and growth in the church.

But what about those “other” roadblocks we don’t always anticipate… or talk about.

Like the sudden mental and/or physical illness of a key leader or one of their family members that shifts their focus or forces them to step down? Or when a team member moves away or moves on? Or when things take a bit longer than hoped and a spirit of discouragement slowly begins to creep in among the team and/or congregation? Or when an unresolved issue comes to the surface (again), just when you think things are going so well! Or fill-in-the-blank. 

We could list a number of examples of where we’ve seen this happen. While these blockades could easily be seen as individual one-offs, taken as a whole, we began to wonder if there was more going on. 

We began to see them as spiritual roadblocks.

In order to make deacons aware of these realities AND help them deal with these kinds of challenges, we put together a devotional called “Detours: Overcoming Spiritual Roadblocks in Ministry”. 

The focus of these devotions are how the Holy Spirit equips and empowers deacons (and all believers) to do the work of ministry and advance the Kingdom of God. Each devotion has a bible reading and a short devotion. There are optional discussion questions as well as follow-up questions or exercises a diaconate can go through (either personally or as a group). Together, these devotion put together a ‘spiritual’ toolbox, of sorts, for deacons and leaders to use: prayer, discernment, listening to God’s voice, getting guidance from the Lord, and more.

Response to these devotions has been very good, with some even outside of our denomination going through them!

“So far, we think they flow really well and are a good length. We have enjoyed the “Rest Stops” to engage in some discussion and have even used the “Scenic Route” optional exercises…  The first devotion was perfect to take our deacons deeper in relationship with God’s Holy Spirit. We think this devotional is awesome and our diaconate is learning and growing immensely!” (Deacon from Bradford, New Hampshire)

Now It’s Your Turn!

If your diaconate is ready to have a more meaningful devotion and learning time, why not check this out!?

It is our hope that deacons will be encouraged, remembering to put on the full armour of God (Eph. 6:10-20) as they actively serve in God’s Kingdom, despite the challenges and detours that can come their way.