Resource Browser Page
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| January 11, 2011 |
Deacons in LeadershipRoles Have you ever heard someone say that elders are to rule, and deacons are to serve? What in the world do you make of this odd separation of functions in the body of Christ? You may be asking, “What does leadership have to do with my ministry as a deacon? Isn't it the elders and the pastors who lead by ruling?” The more common portrayal of deacons is... |
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| September 14, 2010 |
Money and Ministries of MercyDeacons In the past two years’ flurry of news headlines about the world’s financial meltdown, little attention was given to the work of deacons in the church. But their work is exactly what our world needs. In many ways the meltdown was caused by a lack of biblical imagination about what money is, and how it should be used (and not used). In their intervention and prevention work, deacons offer exactly the ministry and message our world needs... |
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| August 17, 2010 |
Overture 16 Task Force on Office of DeaconDeacons ... encourage revitalization of the diaconate and its role in the community. ...to encourage, empower, and educate churches and broader assemblies to structure their diaconal ministry in ways that.... |
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| April 6, 2010 |
The Deacon in Today's ChurchGetting Started The office of deacon is a unique and divine calling within the church. Although you were chosen by members of your church, you have been called and appointed by God himself to this role. The Christian Reformed Church regards the office of deacon as being of equal standing with the offices of elder and pastor. Although serving... |
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| January 26, 2010 |
The Power of a Mission-Focused ChurchCommunity, Congregation A mission-focused church is always looking for ways to reach beyond its own needs and spread the Good News wherever God gives the opportunity. Mission-focused ministry flourishes in a church culture that says, “We are here to serve.” That sounds simple, but it becomes more complex in situations where the needs of the church conflict with the needs of those outside your church. |
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| January 26, 2010 |
You Have Gifts!Congregation, Roles Understanding your particular giftedness will allow you to focus your primary energy on using the gifts you have in effective ministry while permitting yourself—without guilt!—to say no to other opportunities that may take you away from deploying your gifts. The key to determining whether you are using your spiritual gifts effectively is to assess if you are being fruitful and feeling fulfilled in your ministry. |
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| January 26, 2010 |
Stewardship 101Stewardship The question you want people in your congregation to be asking themselves is “How can my whole life show that Jesus is my Lord?” That’s different than asking, “How much money do I have to give to the church?” Learning to be a good steward of all God has entrusted to us is part of our sanctification and reflects our spiritual walk with God. Your goal is to... |
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| January 26, 2010 |
How's Your Spiritual Health?Spiritual Health Prayer and Bible study – of course! But time management? Setting boundaries? Staying healthy spiritually and emotionally is vital for those who serve. Here’s brief but golden advice to help you with this top priority in your diaconal life. |
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| January 22, 2010 |
So Now You're a DeaconGetting Started You got roped in. Or maybe you are now a deacon as a result of a prayer you’ve been praying for years. Are you feeling just a bit uncertain? Doubtful? Skeptical? Are you wondering if missing three dozen evenings with your family over the next three years will be worth it? |
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| January 22, 2010 |
Working with VolunteersCongregation, Getting Started Volunteers to help you! Yes, you need to think about how to identify and harness the gifts of the congregation to help the deacons do their work. This is very important both for the deacons (who will need help!), AND for the members of the congregation who need to use their gifts in ministry as we’ll discover in this excerpt from the Deacon’s Handbook. |
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| January 22, 2010 |
Handling the MoneyRoles Of course there’s the job of handling the money. How to do that, not just efficiently, but also responsibly? What to record? How to ensure accuracy? How to ensure accountability? You’ll find clear and simple procedures in this excerpt from the Deacon’s Handbook. |
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| January 22, 2010 |
Deacons' MeetingsRoles So, what do I do first? Go to meetings; make a plan; schedule offerings. The Deacon’s Handbook gives you enough in these two-and-a-half pages to get you started. It’ll show you the big picture in clear and practical steps. |
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| January 22, 2010 |
The Diaconate StructureRoles Advice for Experienced Deacons: provide a good orientation to new deacons. You’ll reduce stress and increase job satisfaction if you provide new deacons with clarity about structure, roles, and responsibilities. Be sure to look for gifts of service AND administration as the following excerpt from the Deacon’s Handbook explains. |
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| January 20, 2010 |
Kill the Deacons First!Roles It’s said that during the persecution of the church by the Roman empire, the soldiers often would kill the deacons of the church first. They did this because the deacons were so powerful in bringing new members into the church through their compassionate witness. |
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| January 18, 2010 |
8 Responses Deacons Use in Weak EconomyCommunity It’s a harsh fact of life that when the economy tanks, many people get pitched out of work through no fault of their own. The consequences for them and their families can be devastating: economic hardship, loss of self-respect, emotional upheaval, overstressed and overstretched relationships, hopelessness, and despair. |
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| January 12, 2010 |
In Tough Times, Ministry Remains FocusCommunity Like many churches, Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, about 25 miles (40 kilometres) northeast of Detroit, Mich., is not exempt from these difficult financial times. Come the New Year, things may get even tougher, since several of its members are connected to the auto manufacturing industry, which is struggling. Layoffs are looming.
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| January 12, 2010 |
Stephen Ministers Expand Pastoral CareCongregation A group settles into a meeting room at Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church on a Tuesday evening. They greet each other warmly. They are the Stephen Ministers of Fleetwood CRC in Surrey, British Columbia. |
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Average Rating | |
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| September 6, 2011 |
Are You One Of The 300?Congregation, Denomination To date Diakonia Remixed has received 300 responses to the survey that was created to help them evaluate the state of diaconal ministry in North America. Have you filled it out yet? If you haven't, you have less than a month to add your voice to this important discussion. So what are you waiting for? We need you! (And I'm not only talking to deacons here!) |
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| August 30, 2011 |
Simply Simple EncouragementGetting 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. |
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| August 22, 2011 |
The Offering As Worship In An Electronic AgeCongregation, Stewardship We know that giving of our offerings is an act of worship, yet with the advent of electronic giving methods one might begin to wonder how meaningful this part of our service is. How do we as deacons continue to create the space for people to enter into worship through their giving, even if it's done on a regular banking day? |
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| August 16, 2011 |
Deacon Training Curriculum - Is It A Good Idea?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! |
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| August 9, 2011 |
Be A Champion!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? |
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| August 2, 2011 |
Working For The Church While Your Family DiesSpiritual Health We eagerly enter into diaconal ministry, thinking our eyes are wide open. Often we are surprised to realize how much work a deacon does! As the tasks find their way onto our plates, we try to create space for them. But what is being sacrificed for “the work of the church”? |
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| July 25, 2011 |
Partnering WellDeacons We should give thanks to God for partners in ministry. As drought and famine ravage East Africa we are able to offer our support through CRWRC. It is imperative that deacons utilize the resources already in existence and continue to foster these relationships. |
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| July 18, 2011 |
Sharing Our Perpetual HopeCongregation, Spiritual Health I know our journey to wholeness in Christ is a refining process; being purified in thought, word, deed and heart. But what if we find ourselves spinning our wheels in the mud of sin, not able to move forward? There are many people who are in this very situation. People who lay their burdens down, only to |
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| July 10, 2011 |
Your Role: Is It Too Much To Handle?Roles Have you ever had one of those days when you just want to throw in the towel and yell "ENOUGH - I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!"? Many of us have gone through that. How is it possible to continue when you feel there is nothing left to give? |
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| July 4, 2011 |
The Power Of Being PresentCommunity, Spiritual Health Everything in our being craves shalom. This is why when we see people hurting, we want them to be free of their pain. We know it's not right. It's not what God intended. So, we try to rescue them, perhaps we even try to be their saviour... but is that what we're called to? |
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| June 26, 2011 |
New Guide Takes The StageThe lights dim, a hush falls over the crowd, anticipation builds for the grand unveiling of… A NEW GUIDE FOR THE DEACONS NETWORK. Everyone waits, barely wanting to take a breath. The curtain lifts. It’s... |
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| June 24, 2011 |
Over To You, Melissa!Deacons What does it look like from THAT perspective? You're going to find out. The new deacon guide - it's a generational thing! |
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| June 14, 2011 |
Pentecost! Synod! Deacon!Deacons Pentecost! Synod! These words go together – or they ought to! And CHURCH, and INCARNATION. And without the Spirit, what would incarnation be? What could be more incarnational than... |
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| June 6, 2011 |
The Hand-OffDeacons When it's transition time on the church council, how can it be as smooth and as affirming as possible? Relief for the tired retirees and honor for the incoming new members are just not adequate marks of transition! What does your council do to make transitions healthy and as pleasant as possible? |
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| June 1, 2011 |
Alive? Welcome to Council!Roles It seems like there is a leadership crisis in many of our churches, specifically relating to our council roles of deacon and elder. Many congregations are struggling to find individuals who are able or willing to step into these roles. What’s going on? Why is this happening? |
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| May 23, 2011 |
Can You Spell Stability?Deacons Some of us thrive on turmoil, unanswered questions, and unclear directions. Most of us don't. How can we be effective leaders in our respective roles when our own anxieties are snapping at our heels? |
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| May 17, 2011 |
Diakonia Remixed"Diaconia Remixed" is a new task force to revitalize and rethink the role of deacons in the Christian Reformed Church. Can you help us as we get started? |
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| May 10, 2011 |
When Deacons ShineDeacons Unemployment! Can deacons help? In this economy, and in many communities, our churches come in contact with job seekers. What can deacons do? The church is not an employment agency, but deacons can be a powerful resource to support discouraged job seekers... |
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| May 3, 2011 |
Tired DeaconsDeacons "...the more we pursued spiritual formation, the more we were convinced that Christlike people intentionally reach out to those who are ignored, forgotten and marginalized.... We make room for them... because this is what Jesus did." |
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| April 26, 2011 |
Easter Deacons"Who today is the focus of [the deacons'] task? Our church order and ordination form emphasize the necessity of addressing widening circles of need that center in the congregation. Is this a good distinction for us to be making? Do we run the risk of ignoring greater needs because we see only |
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Date |
Average Rating | |
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| February 1, 2011 |
The Church as Community AssetCommunity The Kingdom has already begun to break in - Jesus said so. The church is called and empowered to be sign and foretaste of the coming attraction. How? By becoming a kingdom community asset. Sherman discusses what this means through three dimensions of the church's life - visiting the poor and needy, making strategically foolish investments, and exercising "being there" authority. WE are life-imparters, resource allocators, and servant minded authorities who've earned the right to exercise authority by being incarnationally present. Sherman rocks the Kingdom vision. |
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| January 24, 2011 |
Signs of Community TransformationCommunity Looking for a short but richly packed starting place for a conversation about how your church might get engaged with community transformation? You couldn't find a better place to look than in this 2 page list of questions and bullet points by Jay Van Groningen. |
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| June 8, 2010 |
Operation Manna and Muffin MorningsCommunity Learn how a CRC diaconal resource in Canada works with local congregations, resulting in delightful community involvement. |
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| May 24, 2010 |
The Church As Community AssetCommunity Dr. Amy Sherman unpacks the concept of the church in its community as a preview of the coming Kingdom attractions. |
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| February 4, 2010 |
The Community Opportunity ScanCommunity Does your church know its neighbors? This resource from Diaconal Ministries Canada will help you to see where God is already at work in your community, to help you understand your community, and to reveal ministry opportunities within it. |
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| January 26, 2010 |
Biblical Reflections on the Essentials of Being a DeaconRoles This is a reflective, richly biblical, and very challenging set of reflections on the dimensions of the role of the deacon from the Holland Deacons Conference. It could be the basis for a set of devotions at deacons' meetings; it could serve as a discussion guide... |
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| January 21, 2010 |
Deacons' MandateGetting Started One congregation's mandate for Deacons. |
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| January 21, 2010 |
Deacon RolesGetting Started, Roles A one-page example of one congregation's role descriptions for elders and deacons. |
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| January 21, 2010 |
Offerings - How to Handle the MoneyGetting Started One congregation's procedure for ensuring integrity in handling offerings. |
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| January 21, 2010 |
The Deacon's HandbookGetting Started Everything you need to know about being a deacon, all in one little book from Faith Alive. |
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| January 21, 2010 |
Ministry Shares - Overview and FormsDenomination Need to explain ministry shares to someone? Here's a resource. |
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| January 21, 2010 |
Offering CalendarDenomination Use this online calendar, printable calendar, worksheets, and guidelines to help you plan the offering schedule for your church. |
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| January 18, 2010 |
Denominational IntroductionA general introduction to the Christian Reformed Church in North America. |
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| January 18, 2010 |
How is Your Church Engaging the Community?Community A helpful checklist and discussion questions designed to assist you in checking your church's relationship to the community. |
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| January 12, 2010 |
Books for Church LeadershipGetting Started Want to go deeper? Resources for office bearers from Faith Alive. |
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| January 12, 2010 |
What's A Deacon to Do?Getting Started A video from the Reformed Church in America about the six dimensions of being a deacon. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Nomination Process SampleGetting Started From start to finish, one congregation's deacon nominating process complete with tasks and timeline. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
CTS Forum on MoneyStewardship Need devotional thoughts? Here's some! Thoughts on stewardship, generosity, and contentment. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Workshops by Diaconal Ministries CanadaGetting Started Training resources for key components of diaconal ministry, designed to provide understanding and growth for participants in diaconal ministry. The workshops are the result of much research and discussion. They are interactive and require time and effort to complete. Clarity and focus in diaconal ministry is the outcome. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
The Compassionate CongregationGetting Started This book from Faith Alive includes first-hand stories, practical advice, and resources to help churches care for people in a wide range of difficult situations. Includes sections on AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, depression, troubled relationships, single parenting, substance abuse, and more. |
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Date |
Average Rating | |
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| July 26, 2010 |
Resources for CRCNA DeaconsA treasure trove of CRCNA resources for office bearers, including many tools for use by deacons. |
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| May 24, 2010 |
All Nations CRC Diaconal Work in WorshipCongregation How a small congregation in Nova Scotia incorporates diaconal work into worship. |
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| January 20, 2010 |
Kalamazoo Deacons ConferenceCommunity CRC regional deacons' resources, programs, events and opportunities to serve community needs. |
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| January 18, 2010 |
Charity NavigatorStewardship How to find a charity you can trust using a big scale rating of a broad range of charities. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Barnabas FoundationStewardship A non-profit organization building a network of partners committed to reaching and helping the less fortunate all over the world. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Kid's Hope USACommunity 74 CRC congregations are partnering to give hope to at-risk elementary school children through caring relationships. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Volunteers in ServiceCommunity Created by local Deacons of the Christian Reformed Church, Volunteers In Service enables churches to be Christ's servants in their communities in West Michigan. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Faith Alive Christian ResourcesGetting Started The publishing ministry of the Christian Reformed Church and Reformed Church in America. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
CRWRC ChampionsCommunity Most CRWRC Champions are members of a Christian Reformed Church. Their primary responsibility is to promote CRWRC within that church and to encourage involvement. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Communities First AssociationCommunity A CRWRC partner organization that helps deacons, churches, and communities engage in wholistic, long-term, and structural responses to poverty. |
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| January 11, 2010 |
Diaconal Ministries CanadaGetting Started A CRC ministry that inspires, equips and encourages deacons, churches and their partners in transforming communities with the love of Christ. |
