Philadelphia Area Diaconal Ministry Training
Westminster Seminary in Glenside, PA, is the site of the 2017 Deacon and Mercy Training, Saturdays, November 18, December 2, and 16 from 9:00-12:00.
Westminster Seminary in Glenside, PA, is the site of the 2017 Deacon and Mercy Training, Saturdays, November 18, December 2, and 16 from 9:00-12:00.
I remember the turning point for Larry’s new faith journey. He had witnessed a model of service that was new to him—a church that showed it cared about those who are afflicted.
While the church has “capital D” elected Deacons and Deaconesses, it also has “small d” deacons—you. Together we possess a dynamic energy as the people of God.
Neighborology provides a blueprint for how churches and servant leaders of every ministry can be neighborly helpers.
Topics of the 2016 Deacon and Mercy Training (Saturdays Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3) include The Role of the Deacon, Setting Boundaries, Dealing with Con Artists, Listening, and Visitation.
A single parent has suffered loss—whether through death, desertion, separation or divorce. She/he will exhibit all the stages of grief but also needs to go on with daily life. Here are several ways a church can help.
Not Just a Soup Kitchen is an excellent guide on how the local church can be involved in Mercy Ministry.
Here are tips for coming alongside someone who is "differently-abled", uses a wheelchair, is blind, or is deaf.
Many people fear that they cannot count on others for help anymore. As Christians, we are called to respond to those in distress, following the example of our master teacher. So how are we doing?
We are the dynamic energy of the people of God. Welcome the lonely, encourage those who are down, befriend the friendless. This is how the church works.
We are always preparing for this mission of demonstrating biblical love to others — not as an “evangelism program,” but as a natural display of Christ’s love to others.
When I first served as a deacon, a book that encouraged my growth was the CRC's Deacons and Evangelism. This book made me realize that mercy and sharing the gospel are inseparable.
I’ve heard people say: “I thought the church was supposed to help people”— meaning “You have to give me what I want.” What we must do is avoid developing a relationship of dependency.
At my church, we developed a brochure listing the best public and private social services in our area. What social services have you (or your church) found helpful?
The apostle Paul commands that we use our gifts for the benefit of others and God’s honor and glory—because the gifts are HIS and on loan to us.
In order to show we care, we need to be available to others and we need to take time to listen to what is occurring in the lives of those we seek to serve.
John Calvin intentionally partnered love of God with love of neighbor. How do Deacons, as catalysts, share the blessing of serving with church members?
For those near Dallas/Fort Worth, the PCA Mercy Ministry conference is just a few weeks away. Come if you're excited about mercy & justice. I would love to see you there!
Just as deacons facilitate the financial offerings of God’s people, they must also collect data on the talents of God’s people. Which member is a hairdresser or a handyman? Can they help?
It is not the deacons’ task to be “lone rangers.” In Acts 6, “the Seven” (deacon prototypes) had to have wisdom and the Holy Spirit to manage their new ministry. They needed help, as do we...
Many deacons learn and make mistakes as they go. I certainly did when I was first a deacon in the mid-1970s. Many deacons don’t know what they are doing and don’t know where to turn for help.
The book Not Just a Soup Kitchen shows how genuine care and friendship in times of being overwhelmed by circumstances can have lasting effects.
How mercy ministry in the local church transforms us all.