Making Connections at Classis
Pictured Above: Marg (left) and Erika ready to meet with deacons at the AB North Classis meeting in October 2024.
One of the best ways our Diaconal Coaches connect with deacons is at classis meetings! After doing some introductions, the coaches usually come with a topic in mind to spark discussion and get deacons talking and sharing ideas.
This past October, Alberta North Diaconal Coaches Marg Hoogland and Erika Repka set up a display table and had a casual pre-classis session with the deacon delegates in attendance. During this session, Marg and Erika brought along Diaconal Ministries’ Resource List to show what is offered to deacons They also highlighted a handout called the “Top Reasons Deacons are Needed at Classis & Synod”. Some of the deacons there commented on how they view their own role in relation to the elders and pastors and how as leaders of the church, they all work together to accomplish their required ministry tasks.
“Having these discussion times is also helpful to answer any questions deacons may have about who Diaconal Ministries is and how we work with deacons across Canada,” remarked Marg. “With the recent dissolution of the Northern Alberta Diaconal Conference, it was important to let these deacons know that we are here for support and training.” Both coaches extended an invitation to an upcoming workshop being held in Leduc on November 2nd with Financial Life Coach and Diaconal Coach-at-large, Anja Attema, who has been helping deacons with some tough benevolence situations over the past year.
Meet Coach Erika
“My time as a deacon (and now a coach) continually shapes me and how I see God’s people. I am (pleasantly) surprised by how these roles have been humbling and introspective, and it excites me to experience this journey with others. I’m passionate about the work outlined in the Charge to the Deacons. I believe that the servant-ministry attitude of deacons is the lifelong calling of all Christ-followers! God is constantly at work and we get to join in the bubbling up of His kingdom and experience glimpses of the coming Shalom.”
Holding a session like this at a classis meeting not only allows the coaches to sit with and meet a variety of deacons (from first-time deacons and delegates to more experienced deacons who have attended classis multiple times) but also allows cross-pollination around the table as deacon share ideas and best practices with one another. This has resounding benefits to both deacons and their churches.
During their discussion, one deacon asked for specific help with encouraging community engagement in his congregation. Another delegate asked about what other trainings Diaconal Ministries has to offer that could help equip his diaconate. The coaches keep notes on these kinds of interactions and make a point to follow up in the weeks after classis.
“Our hope is that the deacons we met will bring back what they heard to their fellow deacons and councils, to help grow awareness of the resources that Diaconal Ministries has to offer churches,” Erika shared.
“New deacons are often apprehensive – but excited – about their work within the congregation,” Marg added. “Those who attend this meeting are often the same people that ask for further training later in the year.”
In the past, Marg and Erika have arranged to meet with deacons during the lunch break at classis, but after hearing from some deacons that they prefer to use that time to network with other delegates, it was decided that a pre-classis session would be of better value in the future. “It’s important for us to hear from deacons what they need from us and how we can best walk alongside them,” Erika noted.
Meet Coach Marg
“As a Diaconal Coach, I emphasize using the assets that they already have, because that is where you can go so much further than just looking at needs. I encourage deacons to become the hands and feet of Christ, accompanying the people both inside and outside the church walls; collectively taking up the task that God has given them to do.”
Moving forward, these two coaches aim to be a presence at every classis meeting so that they can meet deacons face-to-face and network with them. “It’s nice for me to put names to the faces of the people I correspond with and pray for,” Erika shared.
One of their ‘big’ goals would be to have a session by Diaconal Ministries be a standing item on the classis agenda. Erika believes that the CRC’s Deacon Mandate touches on everyday ministry. “Deacons are important at meetings like classis and synod because they hold the church accountable and remind the church to live into its missional calling.”
Like Erika and Marg, many Diaconal Coaches (or Diaconal Ministries’ staff) make intentional efforts to connect with deacon delegates at classis meetings. Over the years, many have arranged a special lunch for deacons or set aside a meeting room to gather before the meeting or over the lunch break. Next time you’re at classis, find your coach!
Get Support for your Deacons
We have approximately one (1) Diaconal Coach per classis. They are ready and willing to guide deacons in their role. Our coaches will work with your church or diaconate to help you engage with your community, promote stewardship in your congregation, carry-out your benevolence ministry in holistic ways, and live justly.
