Equipping Deacons
Spreading like Wildfire
While most of our conversations, meetings, newsfeeds and social media messages right now are related to the COVID-19 virus as it spreads around the world, the truth is, something else is spreading too. A message from Ron Vandenbrink, National Director of Diaconal Ministries Canada God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in…
Read MoreSigns of Hope in the Midst of Chaos
Diaconal Ministries Canada and World Renew partner to offer financial grants to churches and ministries during the Covid-19 crisis For Christians, the rainbow has long been a sign of hope – of promise. When Noah and his family disembarked the ark he built, after the waters receded, God made a promise – a covenant –…
Read MoreA Church on Mission
With a desire for spiritual renewal, Maple Ridge CRC initiated a Community Opportunity Scan in order to listen to their community, their church, and the Holy Spirit. Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels By Cindy Verbeek, Board Member of Diaconal Ministries Canada and Erin Knight Maple Ridge Christian Reformed Church is what you might call…
Read MoreSeeing the Unseen
For most of his life, Al Fielding suffered epileptic seizures. Through two local church communities and an encounter with God, he was healed — and now finds himself on his second term as deacon at Jennings Creek CRC. (Photo by Tim Fuzail from Pexels) “I always felt like God had no use for me. I…
Read MoreSparks Fly at Maritime Gathering
By: Karla Winham For over 10 years, a day of encouragement and equipping has been held in the Maritimes. This fall, on Nov. 8 and 9, members and leaders gathered for a time of learning, encouragement, and inspiration at John Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Truro, N.S. Participants worshipped together, heard presentations, attended workshops, enjoyed…
Read MoreThe Four “F” Words of Classis & Synod; Part 3 – From Faraway to Feasible
This month we are continuing our series on the four “F” words deacons may utter about classis & synod. When I say ‘we’, I mean Diaconal Ministries Canada and our good friend, Rev. Al Postma of Pastor Church Relations/Classis Renewal. So far we’ve covered “FOREIGN!” and “FORMAL!”. Our hope in writing these articles is to…
Read MoreDoing Ministry…One Cup of Coffee at a Time
How does a national organization engage, support, and equip its members in a hands-on, relevant, and meaningful way? Here at Diaconal Ministries Canada we do this through our incredible network of Diaconal Coaches (formerly known as Diaconal Ministry Developers, or DMDs for short). Our trained coaches are available to connect and meet with deacons and…
Read MoreThe Four “F” Words of Classis & Synod: Part 2 – FORMAL
In September and October, Diaconal Ministries Canada and Classis Renewal are running a series on Deacons at Classis and Synod. We’d like to propose a few of our own “F” words to help our denomination move forward and become stronger and better — together. Read our first post, The Four “F” Words Deacons Utter About…
Read MoreThe Four “F” Words of Classis & Synod; Part 1 – FOREIGN
By Guest Author: Al Postma, Classis Renewal When it comes to Deacons at Classis and Synod (C&S), what is your immediate reaction? It’s been a few years since the Diakonia Remixed Report came out and Synod made the decision to include Deacons as delegates to these denominational meetings. In our many discussions with Deacons (and…
Read MoreThe Four “F” Words Deacons Utter About Classis & Synod
When it comes to Deacons at Classis and Synod (C&S), what is your immediate reaction? It’s been a few years since the Diakonia Remixed Report came out and Synod made the decision to include Deacons as delegates to these denominational meetings. In our many discussions with Deacons (and other ministry leaders), we have quickly realized…
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