Best a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries Podcasts (2024)

1
Personal Insurance: Help for Deacons 33:31

3d ago33:31

33:31

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Peter Haines, an elder at Concho Valley OPC in Concho, Arizona talks to two elders—Kris Lehner, an elder at Immanuel OPC in Medford, NJ and David Drake, an elder at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, PA. Each offer guidance to deacons, based on their expertise in the field of personal insurance in order to strengt…

1
Real World Cases: Policies and Procedures Part 2 20:37

9d ago20:37

20:37

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Part 2 of "Policies and Procedures", we'll dive into the case of Sam, a candidate with great potential but some rough edges, and discuss the importance of knowing candidates for officers in the church by walking side by side with them. The second scenario, the four deacons tackle the sensitive topic of …

1
Real World Cases: Policies and Procedures Part 1 31:23

16d ago31:23

31:23

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, David Nakhla facilitates part 1 of a discussion of real-life scenarios with four seasoned deacons: Lynne Hunter, Bob Keys, John Voss, and Doug Vos. As the men discuss, a common thread emerges—a need for diaconates to be prepared with policies and procedures for dilemmas like the two presented in this ep…

1
Loving Those in Prison 44:51

1M ago44:51

44:51

What did you think? Text us! In this episode OPC minister, Lowell Ivey, joins host David Nakhla, to talk about the importance of ministry to those in prison, specifically to the surprisingly large number who are in the family of God. Lowell talks about the importance of a Reformed approach to prison ministry, and points out the profound void that m…

1
PDS V 2023: Promoting and Encouraging Diaconal Work in Presbytery 41:04

2M ago41:04

41:04

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Tim Hopper, a deacon at Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the Presbytery of the Southeast Diaconal Committee and a member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries reminds us that being a deacon doesn't stand on its own, but serves as part of Christ's church. Tim says it's good that w…

1
Let Us Do Good To Everyone 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, MD talks with Rev. Adrian Crum, Associate Pastor of Youth and Evangelism at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan. Chris and Adrian discuss in broad brush fashion the scriptural basis and the theological maze of ministering to all, but especially t…

1
Presbytery Diaconal Summit V: PSE Response to the Kentucky Flood 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

What did you think? Text us! In this episode elder Mike Cloy from Landis OPC in Marion, North Carolina and elder Seth Long from Neon Reformed OPC describe what it was like on the ground the days after the devastating flood hit Neon, Kentucky and the surrounding counties in July of 2022. Neon Reformed, a struggling mission work of the OPC, sits in a…

1
How the Westminster Standards Relate to Deacons 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

What did you think? Text us! Have you ever tried to find the word, "deacon" (or elder for that matter) in the Westminster Standards? If you have, you probably couldn't find it, because it isn't referred to explicitly by name. Does that mean the Standards aren't important for deacons to study? Listen as Westminster Assembly scholar Dr. Chad Van Dixh…

1
Presbytery Diaconal Summit V: Overview of the PDC Mandate and the Role of the CDM 52:26

3M ago52:26

52:26

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, you'll hear a recording from the Presbytery Diaconal Committee's fifth Summit hosted by the OPC Committees on Diaconal Ministries and Ministerial Care entitled, "Overview of the PDC Mandate and the Role of the CDM". You'll hear from OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries administrator, David Nakhla, who p…

1
Biblical Financial Wisdom 41:05

4M ago41:05

41:05

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC Deacon and CDM member Tim Hopper welcomes Dr. Jim Newheiser, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC and author of the book, "Money, Debt and Finances: Critical Questions and Answers." Dr. Newheiser says the goal of his book is to bring together finance, accou…

1
Presbytery Diaconal Summit V: Assisting Churches and Mission Works without Deacons 58:05

4M ago58:05

58:05

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Rev. John Shaw, pastor and former OPC general secretary for Home Missions and Church Extension (CHMCE) addresses the OPC Presbytery Diaconal Committee (PDC) members at the recent OPC Presbytery Diaconal Summit (PDS) to share some of the challenges he experienced in planting churches when there are no de…

1
Serving by Supporting: The Role of Deacons' Wives 38:52

5M ago38:52

38:52

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, The Reformed Deacon producer and long-time OPC deacon's wife, Trish Duggan, hosts two other seasoned OPC deacons' wives, Rachel Engeltjes and Michele Martzke from Bethel OPC in Wheaton, IL. I Timothy 3 gives a clear directive to deacons' wives, so we thought we'd ask Rachel and Michelle for their though…

1
Real World Cases: Walking Alongside People in the Church 45:26

5M ago45:26

45:26

What did you think? Text us! In this episode Tim Hopper, Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC deacon and CDM member, facilitates a discussion with fellow OPC deacons: Bob Keys, a deacon from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio, Doug Vos, deacon at Oakland Hills OPC in Farmington Hills, Michigan and John Voss, a deacon Covenant OPC, Orland Park, Illinois and a fellow CD…

1
Presbytery Diaconal Summit V: Diaconal Needs, Counseling Pastors and the Obadiah Fund 45:53

6M ago45:53

45:53

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Rev. John Fikkert, the director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care (CMC) addressed the group of Presbytery Diaconal Committee (PDC) members at the recent Presbytery Diaconal Summit (PDS) to thank them for their work with his committee in coming alongside current and retired ministers and their wiv…

1
How Ruling Elders Can Help Deacons 40:27

7M ago40:27

40:27

What did you think? Text us! Elders and deacons working in conjunction for the good of their flock is of great importance to the health of any local church but the way to go about that is not always well-defined. In this episode, Rev. Stephen Tracey talks with David Nakhla and Jeffrey Roach, a deacon at Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Matthews,…

1
Elisha and the Oil 55:03

8M ago55:03

55:03

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Rev. Chris Cashen and Rev. Matt Holst explore 2 Kings 4 through the eyes of a deacon. As Matt points out, although this is not an obvious passage for deacons, it does include aspects of diaconal work, like caring for the widow by way of encouraging souls, and providing relief from distress. Matt insight…

1
A Conversation with a Former Refugee 1:00:14

9M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

What did you think? Text us! In this episode CDM Administrator David Nakhla talks with former refugee Okuch Ojullo about his time in a refugee camp and how the Lord led him to Himself in amazingly unique and surprising ways. Okuch, born in South Sudan, became a Christian in his early teens. His life was not easy. He reluctantly lived in a refugee c…

1
Opportunities for Witness in Ukraine 47:07

10M ago47:07

47:07

What did you think? Text us! In this episode CDM administrator David Nakhla and producer Trish Duggan sit down with OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord, MTW Ukraine country director, Doug Shepherd and L'viv Crates for Ukraine warehouse manager Ruslan. This devastating war continues and the need is greater than it's ever been. Heero summarizes the Crate…

1
The Privilege of Serving the Elderly 43:51

10M ago43:51

43:51

What did you think? Text us! Have you wondered if it's loving to employ a care facility for your loved one? Or how to know when and how to help manage an elderly loved one's finances? In this episode hosts David Nakhla and Chris Cashen find out more about what our responsibilities are as deacons—and Christians—in caring for the elderly. Rev. Brian …

1
Provisional Diaconates in Church Plants 42:24

11M ago42:24

42:24

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, host David Nakhla talks with John Shaw, OPC Home Missions and Church Extension General Secretary; Tyler Detrick, pastor of Light of the Nations OPC in Dayton, OH and former church planter; and Kurt Oliver, elder at Westminster OPC in Westminster, CA, about the need for deacons when starting a new church…

1
Real World Cases: Be Proactive 42:48

12M ago42:48

42:48

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, four seasoned deacons look at four different cases; three having to do with saints within the congregation and one really unique one regarding a visitor to Vacation Bible School. Deacon and CDM member, Tim Hopper facilitates this discussion with Bob Keys, a deacon from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio, Lynne…

1
A Deacon's Personal Library 48:18

1y ago48:18

48:18

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Shiloh OPC deacon and OPC CDM member, Tim Hopper and Rev. C. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, talk books—books specifically helpful for deacons to have in their personal libraries. From Bible reading plans to reader's guides to books on prayer to counsel…

1
Encouragement for Church-Wide Ministry Projects 30:41

1y ago30:41

30:41

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, host David Nakhla talks with Trinity OPC, Hatboro, Pa. deacon Dave Askey about his church's involvement in the recent denomination-wide ministry project, Crates for Ukraine. Dave shares details about how his church worked together in creative ways to bring the CFU project to completion and how the Lord …

1
A Study of Acts 6 with Regional Home Missionary Charles Biggs 43:53

1y ago43:53

43:53

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, Maryland and member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries is joined by Rev. Charles R. Biggs, Regional Home Missionary for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church’s Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic (PMA) and former pastor of Ketoctin Covenant Pre…

1
A Chat with Chris Verdick, OPC Uganda Mission Clinic Administrator 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, David Nakhla visits Chris Verdick, the administrator of the OPC Uganda Mission's Akisyon A Yesu Presbyterian Clinic in Karamoja, Uganda. Chris and his family have been serving in rural Uganda for over a decade. Listen as Chris describes how the mission serves this impoverished region by attending to the…

1
Real World Cases: Walk-Ins Part 2 24:26

1y ago24:26

24:26

What did you think? Text us! You may remember our January 1 episode, where three deacons discuss practical methods for dealing with walk-in situations. This episode is a continuation of that conversation; same three deacons sit down with host David Nakhla: John Voss, Chris Sudlow and Doug Vos. David presents two new walk-in scenarios to the panel t…

1
Fingerprints from the Pews: Crates for Ukraine 58:34

1y ago58:34

58:34

What did you think? Text us! In this episode OPC CDM Administrator David Nakhla is joined by OPC Communications Coordinator Jamie Dean to look back on a recent trip to Ukraine, where they, as two members of a four-person team, were able to follow the Crates for Ukraine as they arrived in L'viv for distribution. David and Jamie quickly take you chro…

1
NDS IV 2022 Plenary Session: The Deacon and His Congregation 1:23:54

1+ y ago1:23:54

1:23:54

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, Rev. Dr. A. Craig Troxel addresses the entire NDS IV 2022 group in his plenary session, "The Deacon and His Congregation." Rev. Troxel looks at the Confession of Faith chapter 26, "Of the Communion of Saints". Grab a coffee as Dr. Troxel dives deep into the vertical relationship between you and God and …

1
Neon Kentucky: Six Months After the Flood 25:58

1+ y ago25:58

25:58

What did you think? Text us! This episode is an interview our producer, Trish Duggan, had with OPC mission-work, Neon Reformed's elder Seth Long. His description of the current landscape of Neon is powerful, "The whole thing looks like a scene from The Hunger Games. It's dark; it's still muddy, there's still dirt on the streets, there are storefron…

1
International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) Diaconal Committee 27:10

1+ y ago27:10

27:10

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, David Nakhla takes the show on the road to Namibia, in southern Africa to interview the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) Diaconal Committee. This seven-member group from six continents meets quarterly by zoom and in person every two years to discuss matters of concern for the reforme…

1
Church Life and Ministry During War 18:39

1+ y ago18:39

18:39

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, we present the audio from the outstanding video produced by Mission to the World (PCA), of OPC Missionary to Ukraine, Heero Hacquebord. In case you missed it or were unable to take the time to watch the video, this episode may be a great way for you to hear about the work that our missionary is doing in…

1
NDS IV 2022 Plenary Session: Summit Devotional 28:15

1+ y ago28:15

28:15

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, we feature a popular OPC National Diaconal Summit IV plenary talk. Pastor Nathan Trice, Resurrection OPC, Matthews, NC, finishes out the Summit with a devotional chock-full of encouragement for deacons as they prepared to leave. He reminds the men, "So my friends, remember this when your service goes un…

1
Real World Cases: Walk-Ins 34:02

1+ y ago34:02

34:02

What did you think? Text us! This episode is an exciting one! Our first "Real World Cases" episode will kick off 2023 for The Reformed Deacon. This one focuses on walk-ins and provides numerous practical methods for stewarding unexpected encounters. Three seasoned deacons: John Voss from Covenant OPC in Orland Park, IL; Chris Sudlow from Bethel OPC…

1
NDS IV 2022 Plenary Session: The Deacon and His Community 1:16:05

1+ y ago1:16:05

1:16:05

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, we continue with the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV 2022 recordings as Rev. Al Tricarico brings us “The Deacon and His Community”. This one is chock full of insights and practical takeaways for deacons, as well as all Christians. Rather than summarize, here are a few quotes from Rev. Tricarico in the e…

1
NDS IV 2022 Plenary Session: The Ministry That Deacons Need 41:08

1+ y ago41:08

41:08

What did you think? Text us! This month we return to the Summit recordings, where you'll hear Rev. Ron Pearce as he leads the Summit’s Friday worship service. He asks the question, who was right in Luke 10: Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet or Martha, who was busy with preparations for her guests? Was one focus better than the other? What does it have t…

1
Neon Disaster Response 47:50

2y ago47:50

47:50

What did you think? Text us! In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, you’ll listen in on an information session held for OPC Disaster Response registrants held on Monday, September 19, 2022 regarding the disaster response effort in Neon, Kentucky. As many of you know, catastrophic flooding at the end of July destroyed most of the town of Neon, incl…

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Your Diaconate and Your Denomination 1:31:51

2y ago1:31:51

1:31:51

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. This is the second groupi…

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Disaster Response for the Local Church 1:27:17

2y ago1:27:17

1:27:17

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. This is the second groupi…

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Ministry to the Stranger 1:30:21

2y ago1:30:21

1:30:21

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. This is the second groupi…

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Strategy and Guidelines for Diaconal Ministry 1:21:35

2y ago1:21:35

1:21:35

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. This session from the sec…

1
The Church at Work for Ukraine: Interview with MTW's Ukraine Country Director 1:05:59

2y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

What did you think? Text us! In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, CDM Administrator, David Nakhla, sits down with Jon Eide, MTW's Ukraine Country Director, to discuss what the reformed church in Ukraine now looks like, what's been done, and plans for the future. In addition to the interview with Jon, we've added a poignant conversation with a Uk…

1
NDS IV 2022 Plenary: Diaconal Leadership Today 1:16:58

2y ago1:16:58

1:16:58

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. We've included the "gold …

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Refugee Ministry 51:58

2y ago51:58

51:58

What did you think? Text us! *We apologize for some portions of this audio that may be difficult to hear. We believe the content makes it worth powering through, and we think you'll be glad you did. In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in …

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Mercy Ministry in a Social Justice World 1:24:06

2y ago1:24:06

1:24:06

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. We've included the "gold …

1
NDS IV 2022 Workshop: Ministry to, and with, People with Disabilities 1:29:30

2y ago1:29:30

1:29:30

What did you think? Text us! In this special series, we are releasing the audio versions of the plenaries and workshops from the OPC National Diaconal Summit IV, held June 2-4, in Wheaton, Illinois. There is so much good content in here, we decided to go ahead and release them in groups, so you can listen at your own pace. We've included the "gold …

1
Disabilities and the Church 58:30

2y ago58:30

58:30

What did you think? Text us! In this episode of The Reformed Deacon hosts David Nakhla and John Voss talk with Rev. Stephen Tracey, pastor of Lakeview OPC in Rockport, ME on a topic that might seem overwhelming to churches, and as such, may be overlooked, “Disabilities and the Church”. This is a powerful and very helpful episode and should be requi…

1
Checking in at the National Diaconal Summit IV 2022 42:24

2y ago42:24

42:24

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, we check in at the 4th OPC National Diaconal Summit held June 2-4, 2022 in Wheaton, IL. The OPC National Diaconal Summit is only held every four to five years, and is as unique as it is rare. You’ll hear some as-it-happened highlights of the sessions and listen in as Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC deacon and C…

1
OPC Disaster Response 40:35

2y ago40:35

40:35

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, host David Nakhla talks to OPC deacon and Committee on Diaconal Ministries member, John Voss (Covenant OPC - Orland Park, IL), OPC elder Mike Cloy (Landis OPC - Marion, NC), and OPC deacon Jeff Davis (Cedar OPC - Jenison, MI) about their experience and expertise in disaster response. These men share the…

1
Interview with OPC Missionary Deacon Mark Van Essendelft 33:30

2y ago33:30

33:30

What did you think? Text us! In this episode, David Nakhla interviews OPC missionary deacon to Uganda, Mark Van Essendelft about his life, family and role in the Uganda Mission in Karamoja station. The OPC Uganda Mission in Karamoja labors in the areas of evangelism, church planting, leadership training, village Bible instruction, literature produc…

1
Special Episode: Practical Steps in Refugee Ministry 45:45

2y ago45:45

45:45

What did you think? Text us! In this follow-up to episode #2, we get into more detail about refugee ministry. Host, David Nakhla, talks to a member of Calvary OPC, Glenside, Pennsylvania, Jessica Hulsey, about her experiences in working with her church in helping an Afghan family relocate to the United States. Jessie shares with us how her church b…

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