Deacon Resources Now Available in Spanish, Korean, and more

As ethnic and racial diversity has grown in most areas of the country, we want to help churches become healthy intercultural communities.

The CRCNA in Canada has acknowledged that there is a growing interest amongst churches to become healthy intercultural communities as ethnic and racial diversity has grown in most areas of the country (find out more here).

Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to welcome the stranger, love their neighbour, and live as one body with many members. These themes of diversity and hospitality are central to the gospel. Another word to encompass this kind of ministry is intercultural. 

Yet, intercultural ministry isn’t just about including others: it’s about being changed ourselves. “Different cultures bring fresh perspectives on scripture, worship, community, and mission,” shared Rachel Vroege, Regional Ministry Developer for Diaconal Ministries in Western Canada. “When we engage interculturally, we experience a richer, fuller faith.” Rachel points out that younger Canadians often grow up in diverse schools and social settings yet many of the churches we attend can remain monocultural. “If the church remains this way, it risks feeling out of touch. Intercultural ministry models for the next generation what it looks like to follow Jesus in a diverse world.”

Rachel wants to remind deacons that intercultural ministry is part of their reconciliation work by helping to dismantle barriers, honour diverse identities, and reflect Christ’s vision of unity without uniformity.

Along with a new Diaconal Coach in Western Canada, Rachel wanted to start translating some of Diaconal Ministries' most used and helpful resources. They began with the Deacon Mandate. “Language is one of the deepest markers of identity and having the deacons’ mandate in Mandarin communicates to Chinese-speaking members (and potential members) that they belong fully in the life of the church,” Rachel shared.

Rachel believes the deacons’ mandate is a spiritual vision of service, compassion, and justice and that translating it would help ensure that Chinese-speaking congregants could engage with it directly, rather than through summaries or secondhand explanations. “This will foster deeper understanding, ownership, and participation in ministry.” On top of that, she believes that this will help the church demonstrate respect for culture and heritage while inviting Chinese-speaking members to bring their unique perspectives and gifts into the community. 

“Translating the mandate embodies the vision of the church as a place where every tongue and nation are gathered, and where reconciliation in Christ is lived out through concrete acts of inclusion,” Rachel said. 

You can view and download these resources for free on our website.

If you would like hard copies, please reach out to your local Diaconal Coach, one of Regional Ministry Developers, or email our office: [email protected].