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In this episode, host Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC) is joined by fellow seasoned deacons Lynne Hunter (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) and Bob Keys (Grace OPC, Columbus, OH) to wrestle through several thought-provoking real-world scenarios.

Consider what you might do if your church had a budget surplus or a woman visits your church asking for rent money for her motel stay; what the proper process is when a charity approaches your diaconate for support or when a church member asks for tuition help for her last semester of art school.

Tune in to hear how Tim, Lynne, and Bob suggest working through each scenario—and then bring the conversation to your own diaconate! A few of these were submitted by Joel Vander Kooi, a deacon at Redeemer OPC in Airdrie, Alberta—thanks, Joel! (He got a cool The Reformed Deacon t-shirt for his suggestions.)

Referenced in this episode:

Suggested guidelines and questions for a deacon to ask a stranger

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 of The Reformed Deacon, host Rev. Adrian Crum speaks with Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling. Together, they offer deep and compassionate insight into how deacons—and entire congregations—can come alongside those facing mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and grief. This conversation is rich with practical suggestions and gospel-centered encouragement for caring well within the church. Adrian also shares personally how John, through his role in the Committee on Ministerial Care, supported him during a difficult season.

It’s a longer episode, but well worth the time. Don't forget your notepad—you’ll want to remember the many takeaways.

Referenced in this episode:

• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
• OPC Book of Church Order (chapter 11 on deacons)

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, host Peter Haines, elder at Concho Valley OPC in Concho Valley, AZ, leads a discussion with Brian Tilton, deacon at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, PA, and co-owner of Millham Companies, a personal and business insurance firm in Pennsylvania. Together, they explore the topic of flood insurance—its importance, how it works, and its role in our responsibility as stewards of what God has entrusted to us. They also discuss how deacons can collaborate with congregants to help them make informed decisions about the relevance of flood insurance for their families. We hope this conversation will serve as a valuable resource, particularly for deacons as they assist church families in evaluating their budgets.

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.