New Deacons? What About Orientation?

Fall marks the beginning of another program year for most churches. It's also a time when new office bearers, elders and deacons, begin their term. There are many resources available on The Network to assist churches in thinking through and providing resources for a good orientation for new office bearers.

Here are some links that can get you started as far as deacons are concerned: 

• The Holland Deacons Conference has made their orientation for deacons available online. 
• Numerous articles have been posted on The Network that guide deacons through an orientation to their calling. These articles also provide a guide to planning diaconal activities for the year. For example, there is an article on how to achieve a good overall orientation, another one on setting the agenda for deacons, and finally, one on the overall leadership roles of deacons.  
• Diaconal Ministries Canada recently updated their website and it's a wonderful database of resources, including monthly articles in their E-Quip newsletter.

There is no need for deacons to begin their role without an appropriate orientation. Ministry will be more effective if this is done well!