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In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, Rev. Chris Cashen discusses with Rev. Peter VanDoodewaard (Covenant OPC, Taylors, South Carolina) about where a deacon’s confidence should come from as he seeks to show the compassion of Christ in mercy ministry. Using John 6 and the feeding of the 5,000, they explore how Jesus intentionally tested His disciples—not because He lacked a plan, but because He wanted them to learn to trust His power and provision. The lesson is not self-confidence, but deep confidence in Christ, who sees the needs of His people, has already purposed to meet them, and graciously invites His servants to participate in distributing what He supplies.

The conversation emphasizes that fear, feelings of inadequacy, and even unbelief in Christ's ability are common temptations in mercy ministry. Deacons are reminded that they are not the source of provision—they are the “basket carriers.” As they serve, they not only meet physical needs but also have opportunity to point people to Christ.

Referenced in this episode:

OPC National Diaconal Summit 2026—June 25-27, 2026

Primary passage:

• John 6:1–14 — The feeding of the 5,000 (central text)

Key biblical references mentioned or clearly alluded to

• 1 Timothy 3:13 — Deacons gaining “great boldness in the faith”
• John 2:1–11 — Water into wine; seeing Christ’s glory in His signs
• John 1:1–14 — The Word made flesh; glory of the only begotten
• John 6 (later section) — “I am the Bread of Life”
• Colossians 1:29 — “Christ labors with all His energy”
• Acts 4 — Boldness of Peter and John
• Exodus 14 — Moses at the Red Sea: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”

Confessional / church order reference

• OPC Book of Church Order — Description of the deacon’s role: “to show forth the compassion of Christ…”

Practical OPC reference

• OPCCDM.org
• OPC Presbytery Diaconal Committees
• David Nakhla, Administrator, OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries

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.

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Scammers have grown increasingly sophisticated, and their schemes can target anyone, whether a ninety-two-year-old widow or someone with a PhD. After a scam, victims are often left confused and unsure of what to do next. How should someone respond when they realize they’ve been scammed? And what role should the church, specifically deacons, play in helping those affected?

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, Tim Hopper, a deacon at Shiloh Presbyterian Church in North Carolina, speaks with Jon McCann, a seasoned police officer with expertise in financial crimes, and Evan Strickland, a cybersecurity professional with nearly twenty years of experience.

Listen in as they discuss common scams, practical steps for prevention, and how the church can care wisely and compassionately for those who have fallen victim.

Referenced in this episode:

• Visa Freud Report: https://www.visaacceptance.com/en-us/insights/fraud-report.html
• FBI Holiday Scam Reminders: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams
• Free site free website to check whether an email address has appeared in known data breaches: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

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.

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In this episode, David Nakhla welcomes Pastor Mark Winder of Wolf River OPC in Collierville, TN, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of deacons in the life of the church.

It's not uncommon for church plants to go several years without deacons, often due to the challenges of identifying, training, and overseeing qualified men during the early stages of organization. Pastor Mark shares how installing deacons brought transformative change to his congregation—and why this often-overlooked office is essential to a healthy church.

Reflecting on the biblical call to service, Pastor Mark reminds us: “The church is not a theology club. We are a church that serves.”

We hope you find this to be an encouraging and insightful discussion on the ministry of mercy, and discover why the work of deacons is central to the mission and fellowship of the church.

Referenced in this episode:

OPC Book of Church Order

OPCCDM.org

Training Videos (from the NDS IV 2022 National Diaconal Summit)

"Diaconal Leadership Today" Bill Shishko

“The Deacon and his Congregation” Craig Troxel

"Mercy Ministry in a Social Justice World" Eric Watkins

"Ministry to the Spiritually Immature" Seth Long

"Doing Business as Deacons” by Chris Sudlow

Sample Deacon Meeting Agenda (Wolf River OPC)

Diaconal Training Syllabus (Wolf River OPC)

Scripture

· Ephesians 4:7, 11-13, 16

· Hebrews 6:10

· Acts 2:42

· Acts 6:1-6

· Acts 8:5-8

· I Peter 4:10

· Hebrews 10:24

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.