Guide

Getting Started


	Deacon Resources on The Network Posted on January 17, 2012, 2:09 am Topics: Getting Started A gold mine of information exists in the realms of the Deacon network! When was the last time you checked out the "All Resources" section? If you've browsed it, you've noticed tabs for articles, blogs, resources and websites. The wealth of information you can access is phenomenal! Read more »
	Devotions For Deacons Posted on January 10, 2012, 4:54 am Topics: Getting Started, Spiritual Health How do you start your deacon meetings? Would you be interested in devotions that explore your calling to this role, while helping you understand the charge to deacons? Diaconal Ministries of Canada has provided deacons with another great resource - Devotions for Deacons! Read more »
	Stumbling In The Dark Posted on September 13, 2011, 2:27 am Topics: Getting Started As deacons we can often find ourselves in situations that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable to us. As easy as it is to try to ignore or avoid these scenarios, we know that at some point, we need to venture out into that unknown. Are you ready to risk it? Read more »
	Simply Simple Encouragement Posted on August 30, 2011, 2:02 am Topics: Getting Started, Roles In the Charge to Deacons it says “They are also called to speak words of Christian encouragement”. This statement is broad, and it can take many different forms. I think that makes it exciting! There are a multitude of ways we can live this out as individuals (and a diaconate) using our unique giftings. That freedom is pretty cool. Read more »
	Deacon Training Curriculum - Is It A Good Idea? Posted on August 16, 2011, 8:19 am \| 10 comments Topics: Denomination, Getting Started When I became a deacon I got a giant binder of information. I loved it! The year after me someone got that same binder and was totally overwhelmed. I wonder if a gradual training program would be a better way of introducing new deacons to their role? The Office of Deacon Task Force is currently exploring this idea, and looking for your input! Read more »
	Be A Champion! Posted on August 9, 2011, 10:49 am Topics: Getting Started, Roles Deacons have good days, so-so days and not-so-good days. Yes, we’re human. Being a leader comes with a weight. Having a mentor to share successes and struggles with can make the difference between despair and delight. So I wonder... are you a champion? Read more »
	Deacons Harnessing "God Gifts" Posted on February 21, 2011, 8:58 am Topics: Community, Getting Started We deacons are in a leadership role and as such our job is to empower, prepare, nurture and disciple our congregation to go out into the world and do the real work of the church. How do we do this? Read more »
	Oppression, Calamity, Sin -- How to Help Posted on November 15, 2010, 5:58 pm \| 8 comments Topics: Getting Started Grace demands change; it holds us accountable. How do we do that with fellow humans -- hold this balance between undeserved but conditional? "Grace is undeserved caring that intercepts destructive behavior". Read more »
	Four Steps to a Great Deacons' Meeting! Posted on August 30, 2010, 4:35 pm Topics: Getting Started First, there’s just no getting around it, somebody has to do some good preparation, and that usually falls to the chair. If you are not the chair, offer to help; this business of having better meetings involves taking responsibility – stepping up to the tasks. Read more »
	POWER QUESTIONS Posted on August 3, 2010, 10:30 am Topics: Getting Started Some questions just sit quietly in the back of our minds and influence our behaviors Read more »
	Here Comes Trouble! Posted on July 19, 2010, 5:28 pm Topics: Getting Started Yes, good ideas are often trouble. Timing is wrong, or they're not really that good, or they're great but no one can execute, or you have to exert energy heading them off without offending the source, and on and on.... Read more »
	A Deacon Reflects Posted on June 29, 2010, 5:04 pm \| 5 comments Topics: Getting Started The Christian Reformed Church down the street sat silent, waiting. The deacons were coming. Tomorrow they would come. They would meet. They would turn on lights; they would talk and drink coffee. They would follow the agenda. They would turn out the lights and ... Read more »
	What Kind of Help Helps? Posted on June 14, 2010, 12:08 pm Topics: Getting Started I once had a boss who was in the habit of copying a page or two out of a book, and then giving it to me, saying, "Here, I think you'll find this helpful". He left me to imagine what situation or behavior of mine he was trying to help! Read more »
	Daring All Deacons!!! Posted on June 7, 2010, 4:25 pm \| 1 comment Topics: Getting Started When is a deacon like a doodle bug? In an entirely unReformed tactic, I dare you, in fact I double-dare you, to be the first deacon to post a story on this site. What do you have to lose? Read more »
	Deacons, What Works? Posted on May 24, 2010, 3:17 pm Topics: Getting Started Deacons, what's working? What excites and motivates the deacons in your congregation? Or, what blocks them? Share a story with us. Read more »