When deacons gather, what makes those gatherings powerful? What makes them relevant? What makes them really hum? Some deacons' assemblies have faded into oblivion. Is resuscitation possible? Advisable? Here are some thoughts from Jay Van Groningen.

7 Factors in a Strong Diaconal Assembly . . . Again!
Occasionally, I take a look back at previous contributions and existing resources on The Network for Deacons . . . especially if I'm considering posting something that might already be available. Today, while looking for something else, I discovered the following post from November 2010 contributed by Karl Westerholf regarding the thoughts of Jay Van Groningen. I think what Jay shared in 2010 is especially timely and worth re-posting at this time. It relates very well to some of the key recommendations made regarding the office of deacon both from last year's report to synod (Diakonia Remixed) as well from this year's report by the Task Force to Study the Offices of Elder and Deacon. (Note: Jay uses the term diaconal "assemblies" in place of the more commonly used CRC term "conferences.")
Posted On
June 11, 2014Let's Discuss…

What would it take to get the assemblies rolling again? Were they at the classis level? Thanks They sound usefull.
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Yes, usually at the classical level. Some classes have deaconal coordinators or coaches, and they could help explore how to create or recreate an assembly. OR, a church could write to the classical interim committee to request that this be considered. Some thought will need to be given to how to make this fresh since it's an old idea, and classical reactions could easily be, "we used to do that, but we don't anymore" and then give it no more time.
There are deacons' conferences that still exist, though in quite different form, for example in Kalamazoo, MI. http://www.kazoodc.org/
Another good resource would be the Deacons Ministry Conference in Canada.
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