Being a deacon involves a lot more than passing the offering plate. Let's discuss all aspects of being a deacon.
Andrew
Diaconal Ministries
Melissa
Rebecca
Karl
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!
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?
A Place at the Table shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all, if the American public decides that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all.
Today the church is just one of many charitable organizations. With so many specialized charities and dying congregations, is giving to the church really the best option?
Most of us have debt. Student Loans. Car Loans. Mortgages. Credit cards. Lines of Credit. With all these regular payments our income is quickly depleted. Giving is not a priority. But should it be?
When it comes to financial stewardship many of us would like to have a clear answer to the question: "How much should I give?"
It was recently observed that although our weekly worship service attendance had increased steadily over the last few years—thanks be to God!—our weekly giving had not. Why? My mentor reminded me this isn’t necessarily a bad sign, as our church does bring in people with little if any church background. For some of those folks, giving to the church is a new thing, and must be taught. So that’s what I set out to do...
Financial stewardship is a topic we don't touch on frequently in the church, yet we deal with money daily! This week we're starting our journey into the questions related to tithing, giving and money in general.
The Diakonia Remixed report goes to Synod in a few months - have you read it? Been talking about it at your council or classis meetings? It's a good time to start preparing so that when it's time for the discussion!
We're called to devote ourselves to prayer. This year let's take that call seriously and intentionally pray for our communities knowing that God is moving, his kingdom is coming, and we have a calling to fulfill.
It's Christmas Day! How did your deacon team share the joy and hope of Christ's birth with those in your congregation and community? What did you try to do to make this season reflect more truly the greatest gift we've ever received - Jesus - God become man?
We talk about losing youth in our congregations. We talk about having less and less people wanting to be part of council. I wonder - why don't we start talking about youth on council. How young is too young?
We, as deacons, are called to a ministry of mercy. With the recent economy financial poverty has become more prevalent. The movie "The Line" shares the stories of people living at or below the poverty line in the US, and inspires us to rid ourselves of wrong assumptions and judgements.
The Diakonia Remixed: Office of the Deacon Task Force commissioned a diaconally-themed song "Everybody Get Diakonian!" and it is now available for you to listen to OR to remix for the chance to WIN $200 and a Deacon's Handbook!
The final report from Diakonia Remixed: Office of the Deacon Task Force is available for reading! Want the link? It's here!
Wondering what some of the hot reads have been on the Deacon Network? Wonder no more - here's a list of the top blogs based on interest and rating!
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 deacon’s partners in ministry.
Just in case you didn't get a chance to attend the webinar today with Donn Hansum of Volunteers in Action, here's a link to the recording of "Getting Started as a New Deacon."
Our diaconal responsibilities may sometimes feel repetitive or the nature of needs we're facing may be daunting. There comes a time when a break from the typical is helpful to refocus our energies and inspire us in new ways. Diaconal Ministires of Canada is hosting two "Day of Encouragement" events - and it could be exactly what you're looking for right now!
On October 17th at 9am EST there is a webinar feature for deacons (or anyone really)! This is a great opportunity to gain practical information about what a deacon is, does and how to partner and serve well in your community! All the information is here...
There's the old joke about how the Bible says that the man is always supposed to make coffee - HE BREWS - but I'm not making a joke when I say WE'RE ALL DEACONS! Are you surprised? Worried? Eager? Confused?