While classis and synod may seem too formal to some, perhaps there is value in the way they are designed and conducted. Perhaps instead of being too formal, they are actually focused.
Welcoming deacons at Classis and Synod requires paying attention: both to the receiving and to the showing up.
When it comes to deacons at classis and synod, what is your immediate reaction? In our many discussions with deacons (and other ministry leaders), we came to realize this is a pretty hot topic!
How can churches ensure that their members are given the opportunity to support the church's ministries in ways that are accessible and readily available?
How can your diaconate (and church!) get the rest you need AND stay motivated during these cherished summertime months here in Canada?
We have a church/diaconate hoping to help cover the cost of counseling for those who request it and want to formalize the process for consistency and fairness. Got any suggestions?
It is our Christian responsibility to care for God’s creation, which not only includes personally in our homes, but also corporately, in our churches. So whose job is it to lead the charge in our churches? It's YOURS, Deacons!
Some churches have begun restructuring their Church Council to allow for better communication, more collaboration, and increased effectiveness. Has your church done this recently? We'd love to hear about it!
Worship resources have been sent to Canadian churches for the NewGround Offering Sunday (formerly Operation Manna), scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2019.
We are excited to announce that as of March 1, 2019, the Operation Manna Program was renamed NewGround. Learn more and discover ways to get involved today!
The Operation Manna Program of Diaconal Ministries Canada has been helping churches establish vital community ministries across the country for over 35 years. Read our official Press Release regarding big changes coming to the program!
No matter what ministry team you lead in the church, recruitment is likely your least favourite task; aka a necessary evil. Take heart—we're here to help!
We want to know: Does your church (or a church in your community) hold a Blue Christmas Service?
In 2019, a brand new Youth Justice Initiative will be launched! Teens from across Canada will be encouraged to work with the deacons in their church as they identify an injustice in their community.
Prayer is how we commune with God and it plays (or should play!) a huge role in our daily lives and in our relationships with others, as well as our work in His Kingdom. Here at Diaconal Ministries Canada, we want to encourage, equip and empower deacons to make prayer a regular part of their ministry.
Back in June, Diaconal Ministries Canada posed the question, “Why are Deacons needed at Classis & Synod”. They were pleased to hear what other deacons and ministry leaders had to say and one particular email came from Ada Kloet. DMC Staffer Erin Knight had the pleasure of talking to Ada about her experience growing up in the CRC and also about serving as a deacon.
Mission statements are wonderful, aren’t they? They tell us exactly what an organization is all about. For First CRC in Brandon, Manitoba, they’ve been discovering that one way practical way for them to fulfill their mission is to partner with a community ministry where one of their members is already serving!
Since a deacon's mandate is to “lead and equip the church to minister to its members and the world in a rich diversity of ministries, awaken compassion, demonstrate mercy, seek justice, and collaborate with God’s Spirit for the transformation of persons and communities,” can they ever really ‘take a break’??
DMC's e-Quip blog features news, stories and events related to transformational ministries. For monthly compilations of our blog posts and other news updates, subscribe to our e-Quip newsletter!
Our greatest hope for deacons (and all council members really) is that they will see these larger gatherings as much more than just ‘another meeting.’
This month on our e-Quip Diaconal Blog, we’ll be looking at Deacons at Classis & Synod, as well as Community Engagement. At first glance, you may wonder what these two things have in common. Well, both require TEAMWORK a.k.a. Collaboration!
In your church, who equips, encourages and empowers your members to live on mission (aka "do outreach", community engagement, etc.)?
Are you a deacon attending Synod this year? We'd love to hear from you!
The monthly eQuip newsletter keeps you informed about what is taking place in Diaconal Ministries Canada and what is happening in Diaconates throughout the CRC. Be sure and subscribe!
If churches aren’t creating and executing their ministries out of a place of genuine love and care, people will quickly become ‘problems to solve’ and our ministries will become solely needs-based.