Being a deacon involves a lot more than passing the offering plate. Let's discuss all aspects of being a deacon.
Andrew
Diaconal Ministries
Michael 
Fred
Melissa
Looking for tips on how to do hospital visits well? Applicable not only to deacons, but also to pastors, elders or anyone who offers compassionate care, this blog post shares some dos and don'ts to help you out! You can also add your own...
Have you ever wondered about whether justice is worth it? With some thoughts about this provocative question and a passionate video you'll get a response that may be more than you bargained for.
The Office of Synodical Services is in the process of soliciting nominees for service as ethnic and deacon advisers, as well as young adult representatives to synod.
This webinar is designed to assist you in understanding the role and purpose of a deacon, where your skill and interests fit with this calling, how to best help people who are struggling, and to identify who are the deacons' partners in ministry.
Suddenly Sarah McLachlan said "your turn" and the crowd burst into song, more shouting than singing with her. It didn't matter that they had no skill or musical ability, they simply joined together with her...
We often have the privilege of hearing another person's story - but have you thought lately about the responsibility that comes with someone sharing with you? Are you an emotionally safe person - someone who guards their words about others when it comes to reporting, praying or conversations?
One of the diaconates in the area of Alberta I serve as a consultant is asking for ideas on how to support those who are part of the 'sandwich generation.' In other words those who find themselves raising children while at the same time caring for elderly parents.
We're a couple weeks away from September and for most churches this means it's time to start up programs and meetings again. How can we as deacons be prepared for what is ahead?
When a mystery guest arrived at my door with roses, I wasn't sure what to think. Little did I know that God's extravagant love was about to be revealed again...
So often we are innundated with magazine images about what hospitality looks like, however, Martha Stewart has it wrong! Hospitality is much simpler than popular culture would have us believe - and more enjoyable too!
Long evenings, vacations, quieted responsibilities often provide opportunities during the summer months for reading. If you haven't already decided on your book list, I thought I would give you some ideas to explore.
A Summary of Synodical Reports and Decisions Concerning the Delegation of Deacons to Major Assemblies
At Synod last week the Diakonia Remixed Report was discussed. Ultimately what was discussed on the Synod floor was different than what had been submitted by the task force. Here's what happened...
In a globalized world, those needs “are always close to us,” and we have the call and duty to respond to them in the name of Jesus our Lord. We could say that the biblical teaching leads to a simple but wide ranging fact: Our fundamental vocation is the "Deaconship (diakonia) of all believers."
I wasn't really paying attention to anyone or anything, I was already lost in the thoughts of my upcoming day, when suddenly my ears perked up. I listened intently because I wasn't sure if I was just imagining it. I wasn't - it was definitely what I thought it was...
If you are a Canadian CRC church seeking to engage your community you may qualify for an Operation Manna grant to help your congregation complete a Community Opportunity Scan, develop a new or grown an existing community ministry! Applications are due by August 15th.
This webinar will examine and discuss the Diakonia Remixed (Office of Deacon Task Force) report to synod, a report that re-visions the diaconal calling and calls for greater participation of deacons in the life of the church, including its major assemblies.
In the middle of a poorly run meeting a question I didn't want to answer bubbled up: "Have I learned more about how to be a good administrator than I have about how to be a faithful disciple through my congregation?"
This webinar identifies the main roles of the deacon, discuss how deacons can be more effective with benevolence needs, as well as learn how to encourage good stewardship of time, talent and finances in the congregation.
There are many ways God is revealed in our lives - however, we must be careful not to confuse God revealed with God himself! Too often we forget that things like the confessions and creeds were created to point us to a person, Christ, not to replace that person! As leaders we need to continually draw near to God, to know him more, so that we may lead his people as he would.
There are two webinars coming up which you might enjoy - Be An Effective Deacon in Today's Church (April 24th) and Diakonia Remixed: Preparing the Church For Larger Ministry (May 1st) - you can find the details here!
Both of these one-hour webinars are free. Questions for the presenters can be submitted in advance on the registration form and also during the live webinar.
Every day we make decisions that draw us near to God or move us away from him. How do we ensure that the choices we may with our finances are ones that honour God and help us to become more like him?