September 26, 2017
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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.
Community Builder
David Apple
About Me:
In my many years of experience, I have had two philosophies of ministry: 1) There is no mercy without the gospel--we must provide an alternative to what the world offers; 2) Don't work harder than the people coming for help--encourage independence, not dependence. These philosophies are seen plainly in his work with poor and homeless persons, drug addicts, incarcerated adults and youth, nursing home residents, separated and divorced men and women, and others.
I have served in diaconal and mercy ministry for forty years--first a Northside Chapel and Madison Ave. CRC in Paterson, NJ and, since 1988, at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. I am author of Not Just a Soup Kitchen: How Mercy Ministry in the Local Church Transforms Us All.
March 27, 2017
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Visitation Brings Hope and Life
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.
February 6, 2017
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Who Are the Deacons?
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.
January 12, 2017
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New Resource for Deacons and More!
Neighborology provides a blueprint for how churches and servant leaders of every ministry can be neighborly helpers.
October 26, 2016
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2016 Deacon and Mercy Training at Westminster Seminary
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.
August 31, 2016
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How to Help the Single Parent
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.
August 23, 2016
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Not Just a Soup Kitchen
Not Just a Soup Kitchen is an excellent guide on how the local church can be involved in Mercy Ministry.
August 17, 2016
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Ministering Outside the Comfort Zone
Here are tips for coming alongside someone who is "differently-abled", uses a wheelchair, is blind, or is deaf.
August 10, 2016
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How Do I Help Someone Who ... Has Lost a Child in Death
Most of us have never experienced the trauma of losing a child. And while we may not be able to show empathy towards someone who has lost a child, we can express sympathy.
June 15, 2016
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Bearing Burdens: How Are We Doing?
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?
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When I was first ordained a CRC deacon in 1971, I was a servant and a rescuer on the course to burn-out. I made every mistake a deacon could make. A lot has happened since then, and I have now...
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Greetings, all. I am a former CRC-er, serving in the PCA since 1988. At Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, we have provided Christian hospitality to our downtown homeless neighbors for...
posted on: Homeless on the Church Campus -
Here's my January list as I focus on mercy and healing the effects of brokenness.
Dream with Me, John Perkins
Place Matters, Bill Krispin
Shame and Grace, Lewis Smedes...
posted on: What Books Are on Your 2018 Reading List? -
Hi Rene--I am in downtown Philadelphia where I have served as Diaconal consultant for 30 years. Check out my "Setting limits" at http://homelessministry.blogspot.com. For more guidelines, FAQ,...
posted on: How Does Your Church Handle Cold Calls? -
Thanks for this, brother. I am sorry, but there is no online registration. Please see the attached form and mail it in. God bless. https://www.dropbox.com/s/3j9uzxclx13jx75/2017%20FLYER-WTS.pdf?...
posted on: Philadelphia Area Diaconal Ministry Training -
Training diaconal servants since 1991
posted on: Philadelphia Area Diaconal Ministry Training -
Hi Virginia--I'd recommend Lester Dekoster's Handbook for Elders
Shepherd Leaders by Tim Witmer is also good, as is Philip Keller's A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
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In addition to my book, Not Just a Soup Kitchen: How Mercy Ministry in the Local Church Transforms Us All, I have a video on The Role of the Deacon which is broken up into small sections. Go to ...
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Other resources should include Tim Keller's Ministries of Mercy and Resources for Deacons, Randy Nabors' Merciful, Chris Sicks' Tangible, and my Not Just a Soup Kitchen: How Mercy Ministry...
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Let me suggest, also, my new book, Not Just a Soup Kitchen: How Mercy Ministry in the Local Church Transforms Us All. It is based on over 40 years' experience at Northside Chapel and Madison Ave....
posted on: Got Anything for Deacon's Training?