A Fresh Old Understanding of Evangelism and Witnessing
This is a slide presentation I prepared and have used primarily as an introduction to how we have understood and practiced evangelism compared and contrasted to a more Biblical perspective.
This is a slide presentation I prepared and have used primarily as an introduction to how we have understood and practiced evangelism compared and contrasted to a more Biblical perspective.
An online and/or downloadable presentation that serves as an orientation and training resource for deacons.
We need to shift from viewing community or diaconal ministry primarily as something done “to” or “for” others to more of one which does ministry “with” our neighbors, communities, businesses, and churches.
Instead of functioning largely as "lone rangers", the approved changes invite deacons to equip and provide opportunities for members of the congregation to participate in diaconal work.
Synod 2015 voted to include deacons at future Synods, along with expanding the role of the Office of Deacon.
If you're a deacon, elder, or pastor in the CRC, I encourage you to read the full report of the Task Force to Study the Offices of Elder and Deacon. Additionally, I've shared other resources to dig deeper!
Here is an updated version of a job description for deacons in the CRC. Use it as a template to develop or update a job description for deacons from your congregation and in your particular setting and context.
76 years ago a humble deacon from Neerlandia, Alberta, clearly expressed his concerns and challenged his church to examine the importance of the role of deacons. Check out his letter...
This book is a useful resource for deacons, as well as anyone else engaged in mission and/or ministry with those on the margins of society. Check it out!
While simply sending deacons to meetings of Classis and Synod will not create change on its own, it is part of a new future.
According to Karl Barth, "Deacons cannot be expected to meet all the material needs of society, but they should be permitted to look deeper into the roots of the social issues causing those needs." This and other insights by Barth are shared with us by Dr. David Guretzki in this online article.
Has your church found it difficult to get people to serve as Deacons and Elders? Here's how one CRC congregation changed and improved their process for selecting and equipping deacons.
What are, should or could deacons be doing about injustice? What resources are available to help deacons carry out this aspect of their Charge?
What do you think deacons need most and how might that or those needs best be met?
Diaconal Ministries Canada is providing CRC deacons with a 2nd set of devotions for use at monthly deacon meetings as a result of the positive response to their first set in 2011.
This 3 minute video does a very nice job of explaining and highlighting the what, why, and how of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) for local congregations.
A brochure from Communities First Association that provides a succinct explanation of the differences between church that does ministry in, to/for, and with a community . . . and why it matters.
A strong diaconal assembly goes beyond the scope of "one at a time" mercy and benevolence ministry; together we address root causes and we conspire and act together to change the systems perpetuating poverty in our community.
Proposed Changes for Deacons from The Task Force to Study the Offices of Elder and Deacon
How are or are CRC deacons addressing issues of waste, injustice, and selfishness?
Even if you read last year's Diakonia Remixed Report to Synod 2013, you might have missed this very important study on "diakonia" in Scripture by Dr. Mariano Avila.
A useful handbook for understanding, developing, and implementing an effective benevolence ministry.
Exploring ways and reasons to do diaconal ministry with others in the community.