David Nakhla and Jeffrey Roach talk to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders can help and encourage deacons. [David is Administrator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, and a ruling elder in Calvary  OPC, Glenside, PA. Jeffrey is a deacon in Resurrection Presbyterian Church (OPC), Matthews, NC.]

Topics covered include good communication between elders and deacons, joint meetings, discretion, visitation, and the dangers of being overworked.

The article "A Holy Kind of Chaos" by Rev. T. Nathan Trice is available here

Please also visit the following websites,
The OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries

The Reformed Deacon podcast

This edition of the ruling elder podcast will also be published in an upcoming edition of the reformed deacon podcast.

Further Reading
Cornelis Van Dam: “The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy” (Reformation Heritage Books)

There are several articles in the archives of Ordained Servant that also may be helpful.

“Balancing Sensitivity and Stewardship in Diaconal Assistance.” 7:3 (Jul. 1998): 67.
“The Biblical Foundation of the Diaconate.” (George W. Knight III) 5:3 (Jul. 1996): 66-68.
“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 1.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:1 (Jan. 1997): 4-9.
“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 2.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:2 (Apr. 1997): 31-36.
“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 3.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:3 (Jul. 1997): 49-54.
“The Deacons.” (John Calvin) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 21.
“Deacons and/or Trustees?” (Roger Schmurr) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 20-22.
“Are Deacons Members of the Session?” (R. Dean Anderson, Jr.) 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 75-78.
“If You Are a Deacon.” (Nathan Trice) 23 (2014): 72-77
“The Ministry of Mercy for Today [part 1].” (Peter Y. de Jong) 3: 3 (Jul. 1994): 53-58.
“Organic Officer Training.” (William Shishko) 22 (2013): 69-71.
“The Pastoral Wisdom of John Calvin.” (John Calvin) 3:3 (Jul. 1994): 64-70.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 1.” 2:3 (Jul. 1993): 59-64.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 2.” 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 79-85.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 3.” 3:1 (Jan. 1994): 3-8.
“A Proposed Job Description for a Deacon.” (A. G. Edwards III) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 3-5.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 1.” (William Shishko) 1:2 (Apr. 1992): 43-45.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 2.” (William Shishko) 1:3 (Sep. 1992): 63-66.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 3.” (William Shishko) 2:1 (Jan. 1993): 16-18.
“Some Old Testament Roots and Their Continuing Significance.” (C. Van Dam) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 14-21.
“The Spiritual Nature of the Office of Deacon.” (Carl Carlson) 26 (2017): 63-67.
“A Training Program for Deacons.” (William Shishko) 6:3 (Jul. 2000): 62-70.