Too Young?

Deacons are normally known to be older and more experienced people in life. You won’t think of, nor even associate a 22 year old journalism student who is still trying to figure out what to do in life with the position of a deacon. I was asked to think about taking the position earlier this…

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Reverse Mentoring: A New Learning Curve

Group of people having a discussion.

“The church needs young blood in its veins. Our strength for holding the faith may lie in experienced saints but our zeal for propagating it must be found in the young.” Charles Spurgeon These words by British preacher Charles Spurgeon were written over 150 years ago but communicate a clear vision for young and old…

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Developing Spiritual Gifts: mentoring deacons and more

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” (Ephesians 4:11-12) The Taskforce report on Elders and Deacons roles in ministry has presented opportunities for teaching and unpacking how leaders in the…

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NEW! Next Devotion in the series

Follow the link below to download the eighth devotion for deacons in the latest set of devotionals from Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC). In our conversations with deacons across the country, DMC often summarizes the ministry of the deacon into 4 areas: community ministry, compassion, justice, and stewardship. This devotion is the second of three which will focus on…

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NEW! Devotion #7

Here is the seventh devotion for deacons in the latest set of devotionals from Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC). In our conversations with deacons across the country, DMC often summarizes the ministry of the deacon into 4 areas: community ministry, compassion, justice, and stewardship. This devotion is the first of 3 to focus on deacons and justice. Each devotion…

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NEW! Devotions for Deacons #6

Here is the sixth devotion for deacons in the latest set of devotionals from Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC). In our conversations with deacons across the country, DMC often summarizes the ministry of the deacon into 4 areas: community ministry, compassion, justice, and stewardship. This devotion is the third of 3 to focus on deacons and compassion. Each devotion…

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A New Year: setting goals as deacons

The beginning of 2015 may feel like a new start after the break for Christmas. Of course there is some continuation of existing ministry patterns and activities; however, some of those activities may follow the established agendas of past leaders or they may cause your diaconate to lose focus because of old dilemmas and diverse…

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Beyond a Bed: tools for deacons who want to walk alongside

A deacon is in the waiting room of a community walk-in clinic. There is a woman beside her, slumped in her seat. She is dozing lightly; she looks exhausted. After a number of minutes, the woman seems to abandon hope of a nap. She stretches, sighs and sits up. The deacon beside her begins a…

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Focus on Stewardship: Hope CRC in Thunder Bay

Hope CRC in Thunder Bay, Ontario recently shared how they weave the theme of stewardship throughout their month of worship in September. Deacons actively encouraged and challenged different leaders and groups to be intentional about stewardship: 1. Council was asked to think of ways to incorporate stewardship discussions into their visits in September. 2. The praise team was…

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