Podcast
The Reformed Deacon
Hosted by a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries · EN
The Reformed Deacon is an interview and discussion podcast created by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Committee on Diaconal Ministries. The Reformed Deacon exists to strengthen and encourage the brotherhood of reformed deacons in their God-given role of serving the local church. We hope you'll find this podcast to be helpful to you as you serve the Lord in your church. For more information about the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, go to our website: OPCCDM.org. Contact us: mail@thereformeddeacon.org.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Helping Your Congregation Understand a Deacon's Role
Mar 1, 202500:37:27Tap to summarizeWhat did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode, host John Stahl (deacon at Immanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE) leads a discussion with Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC Deacon Tim Hopper and Harvest OPC in Wyoming, MI Associate Pastor of Youth and Evangelism Adrian Crum to consider practical ways to help your congregation understand that a deacon's role extends beyond taking the offering and performing building maintenance.Referenced in this episode:The Letters of John Newton (Hardcover Banner of Truth Edition)The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy by Cornelis Van DamThe Reformed Deacon podcast hosted by the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries“Finding the Next Deacon” (S4: E 4 Feb. 2025 episode of TRD)“The Heart of a Deacon” (S 3: E18 Sept. 2024 episode of TRD)“How the Westminster Standards Relate to Deacons” (S3: E 9 April 2024 episode of TRD)“A Study of Acts 6 with RHM Charles Biggs” (S 2: E 12 June 2023 episode of TRD)“The Deacon is No Small Office” C. Nick Willborn (audio from PSE 2018)OPC Book of Church Order (Section 11 on Deacons)The OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries (CDM) websiteOPC Presbytery Diaconal Summit 2025OPC National Diaconal Summit 2026You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
Transcribe →Finding the Next Deacon
Feb 1, 202500:44:22Tap to summarizeWhat did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode, Revs. Chris Cashen and Bill Shishko consider how churches might identify men called to the office of deacon, drawing from 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Many congregations and church plants either lack deacons entirely or may not have enough to meet their needs. How can a church discern and recognize those whom God may be calling to this vital role? Join seasoned pastors Bill and Chris as they offer thoughtful guidance on following the Holy Spirit's leading in identifying future deacons.Referenced in this episode:1 Timothy 3:8-13Acts 6A Training Program for DeaconsAbout the guest:Rev. Bill Shishko bio You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
Transcribe →Practical Disaster Response
Jan 1, 202500:57:18Tap to summarizeWhat did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode, host David Nakhla talks with three men: one whose family suffered damage to their home through regional flooding, one whose family suffered devastating property loss as a result of a fire, and one who has aided in a variety of disasters over the years. They share with us from the recipient's perspective in order to aid deacons and church families understand and gain some practical tips for aiding those in crises. Their experiences have taught them an appreciation for being a part of Christ’s church during difficult times, how the actions of others helped them through their ordeal and the lessons that can sometimes come in dealing with the aftermath.Referenced in this episode: 5 Initial Steps to disaster responseOPC Disaster Response websiteOPC Disaster Response on FacebookOPC Disaster Response on InstagramOPC Disaster Response effort in western North CarolinaOPC Disaster Response effort in FloridaYou can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
Transcribe →Thinking Outside the Box
Dec 1, 202401:12:37Tap to summarizeWhat did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode, host David Nakhla talks with two deacons, David Pendergrass, Covenant Reformed OPC in West Plains, MO, and Greg Harrison, Second Parish OPC, Scarborough, ME, who have, through the Lord's leading, found their professional calling largely based in the ministry of mercy. These two unique examples of thinking outside the box may not represent the Lord's calling for everyone, but David and Greg encourage deacons to look for ways in their lives to follow where the Lord is leading as they think outside the box.Referenced in this episode:Hearts of HopeSweetwater ResearchJames 1:27John 14:18Practicing the King's Economy by Michael J. Rhodes, Robby Holt, Brian FikkertDavid Pendergrass' church: Covenant Reformed OPC, West Plains, MOGreg Harrison's Church: Second Parish OPC, Scarborough, METhe Life of Lilian Trasher: Nile Mother by Beth Prim Howell Mark and Debbie MacLachlan "To the Least of These" David Nakhla’s trip to Romania to visit Greg Harrison Jeremiah 29:7 Contact David Pendergrass (dpendergrass@sweetwaterresearch.org)Contact Greg Harrison (gregory26466@gmail.com)Prayer requests:David: An increase in needed donations for Sweetwater ResearchFull-time remote work for DavidAdd to Sweetwater board membersGreg:Praying that people gifted in teaching would come alongside to help teach their kidsLooking for a place to purchaseA body of Christ to be raised up nearby for the family to be fed spirituallyYounger people to help serve with Hearts of HopeFunding to aid additional orphansYou can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
Transcribe →