If you’re new to the role of deacon, or gathering helpful tools for those who are joining the council, you’ll find plenty of helpful resources on The Network.
For New Deacons
- A recorded webinar called "Getting Started as a New Deacon" presented by Donn Hansum
- A recorded webinar called "Be an Effective Deacon in Today’s Church" presented by Bernita Tuinenga
- An article called "So Now You’re a Deacon" written by Karl Westerhof
- A book recommendation for The Deacon’s Handbook, an instructional handbook to the office of Deacon, written by Connie Kuiper Van Dyke and Lori Wiersma. Several excerpts of this book are also included in articles in the Deacons section such as "Deacons' Meetings", and "Handling the Money".
- A book recommendation for The Deacon, written by CRC church planter, Rev. Cary Holbert regarding deacon training.
The webinars listed above are available to view or to download from Vimeo, so deacons can view them at home and discuss them in a follow-up meeting, or watch them together at a meeting. The content could also be used to help shape a fresh presentation. (See all Deacons webinars)
For New or Experienced Deacons
The Deacons section of the Network has a guide--someone who is taking the lead on posting helpful content. The current guide, Jack Kooyman, is the Executive Director for The Holland Deacon’s Conference and the part-time chaplain for Workplace Chaplains U.S. at two factories in Zeeland, Michigan. He writes faithfully, providing challenging, inspiring, and encouraging articles for deacons. Here is a sample of some of the free resources that have been posted recently on the Deacon’s Network that might be helpful to you:
- A booklet of 12 devotionals to be used at monthly deacons meetings.
- Guidelines for Benevolence, a useful 9 page tool for understanding, developing, and implementing an effective benevolence ministry.
- A copy of the study, Diakonia Remixed: A Biblical Perspective on Diakonia by Dr. Mariano Avila
By subscribing to the Network Weekly Email you’ll receive updates on what’s been posted on the Network.
But it's also a two way conversation. As a deacon, you can post a question, a reflection, or a resource that's been helpful to you in order to get advice and answers or to strengthen others. By using keyword searches and the filters on the right hand side of the screen you can find articles, Q&A's, and discussions that relate to topics of interest.
Whether you’re a new or experienced deacon, check out what the Deacons section of The Network has to offer and how you can engage to encourage others!
