https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:05:45 +0000 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:16:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/visitation-brings-hope-and-life What do you think of when you hear the word visit? Here’s a story that gives a good definition. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/visitation-brings-hope-and-life Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:16:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/who-are-deacons The Presbyterian Church of America’s Book of Church Order describes the office of deacon as “one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need.” It further encourages these officers David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/who-are-deacons Mon, 06 Feb 2017 19:53:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/how-help-single-parent The number of married couples becoming separated and divorced in the United States is astounding. Over fifty percent of first marriages end in divorce and seventy-five to eighty percent of second marriages fail. These ended marriages include Christian men and women who, in their new cir David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/how-help-single-parent Wed, 31 Aug 2016 15:09:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/bearing-burdens-how-are-we-doing While still aboard the ship Arbella, John Winthrop, the first governor of the colony of Massachusetts, encouraged his people to bear one another’s burdens, practicing the Christian duty of love, rather than looking only to their own concerns.  He said, “We must delight in each other David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/bearing-burdens-how-are-we-doing Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:39:51 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/church-work-part-ii Someone asked Jesus the question, “How do we do the work God requires?” To that he answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (John 6:28-29) It is in this work that we can perform good works. The Westminster Confession states, David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/church-work-part-ii Wed, 27 Apr 2016 22:06:54 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/church-work-reaching-out Several years ago I read a Missions Conference brochure. It said, “We are a sent people witnessing to salvation in Christ and participating to build up the Church. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/church-work-reaching-out Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:29:08 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-empower-needy Deacons must empower needy non-members to make good use of all available community resources and institutions of mercy. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-empower-needy Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:09:07 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-be-knowledgeable-about-local-community-resources How can community resources benefit church members and others? The government administers help massively, not individually. Deacons must see that municipal, state and federal governments are being good stewards of the Lord’s resources by making them known.  David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-be-knowledgeable-about-local-community-resources Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:36:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-seek-prevent-poverty Deacons need to keep an eye on their members, looking out for the most vulnerable—those who are poor, sick, elderly, fatherless and widowed—so that none fall between the cracks. Deacons should not stop at feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and rescuing the oppressed in their midst. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-seek-prevent-poverty Wed, 28 Oct 2015 20:05:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-come-alongside-those-who-are-hurting In one of my workshops, I use this cry for help: “I hurt and I feel no one is there. No one I can talk to—no one who will listen—no one who will bear my burden. I feel lonely, fearful and sad. I feel tired and unwanted. I know there’s something better—I’m about to give up. Will you help me? David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-come-alongside-those-who-are-hurting Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:41:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-stimulate-and-model-servant-lifestyle John Calvin sought to provide holistic help to the citizens of sixteenth-century Geneva. He intentionally partnered worship with ethics, and love of God with love of neighbor. For him, this was biblical and necessary. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-stimulate-and-model-servant-lifestyle Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:23:25 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-collect-gifts-gods-people-and-distribute-them In my recent post, I shared that the deacons must serve those who are in need, the sick, the friendless and any who may be in distress. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-collect-gifts-gods-people-and-distribute-them Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:27:48 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-equip-members-service I mentioned in my last blog (Hot Air Balloons and the Role of Deacons) that many deacons are not prepared for ministry prior to ordination. David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacons-must-equip-members-service Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:45:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/hot-air-balloons-and-role-deacons A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a man below. He descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help me? David Apple https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/hot-air-balloons-and-role-deacons Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:50:31 +0000