In this episode Benjamin Schultz explores the ministry of presence—how deacons move beyond quick problem-solving to sit with people, listen deeply, and build trusting relationships that make care more effective.

Practical takeaways include slowing down, following up, and making relationships central to faithful diaconal service. We also look ahead to the next few episodes, which will feature plenary sessions from our recent Deacons’ Fellowship Annual Conference.

On this episode of The Deacon’s Table, Curt Moore interviews Bruce Cullen about Mission to North America Disaster Response's efforts in Florida and how churches and volunteers can be better prepared to serve when disaster strikes.

Bruce explains the importance of technical skills, teamwork, and proper safety equipment, what volunteers can expect from hands-on chainsaw and skid-steer training, and how meeting practical needs after a disaster can open doors for ministry in storm-impacted communities.

Join us for MNA Disaster Response Chainsaw Training at Willow Creek Church 4725 E Lake Dr, Winter Springs, FL 32708, on Friday, October 9, from 6:30–8:30 p.m., and Saturday, October 10, from 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon.

This hands-on training will help equip volunteers with the practical skills needed to serve safely and effectively when disaster strikes.

Follow the registration link below to learn more and sign up.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chainsaw-training-central-florida-presbytery-tickets-1995755433225?aff=oddtdtcreator

This episode examines the biblical qualifications for deacons, emphasizing that character and spiritual maturity matter more than technical skill. Drawing from Acts 6, it shows how trust, mercy, and consistent Christian formation enable effective diaconal ministry.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own formation and the ways God's mercy shapes their service. The episode closes with a preview of the next show featuring Curt Moore and Bruce Cullen on MNA Disaster Response and an upcoming Chainsaw Training at Willow Creek Church, Winter Springs, FL (Oct 9 evening–Oct 10 morning).

Benjamin Schultz interviews Dr. Greg Perry, President of Third Mill Seminary, about co-hosting The Deacons' Fellowship conference and the calling of deacons to display Gods mercy. They discuss accessible theological training, the theme of studying mercy, and what attendees can expect from speakers Randy Nabors and Chris Sicks.

Register for the conference on September 11–12 at Orangewood Church in Maitland to gain practical, scripture-based tools for serving your congregation with clarity and compassion. 

[Registration Link: "Deacon's Display God's Mercy" Annual Conference]

Host Benjamin Schultz challenges deacons to move from reactive caregiving to proactive mercy ministry by building relational networks, creating clear pathways for care, and mobilizing the whole church to serve.

The episode explains why preventive mercy requires presence, discernment, and leadership, and offers practical steps for equipping members to meet needs before they become crises.

This episode explores what deed ministry truly is: the mercy of Christ made visible through the church, not just managing projects.

Benjamin Schultz explains why deacons must balance efficiency with long-term presence, support elders, and prioritize people over measurable tasks.

Listeners are invited to reflect on how their diaconate measures success and to recommit to showing up again and again with compassionate, patient care.

In this brief episode, Benjamin Schultz explains why deacons exist: to enable the church to both declare and demonstrate the gospel by freeing elders for devoted prayer and the ministry of the Word while ensuring vulnerable people are faithfully cared for.

Using Acts 6 and practical examples, the episode outlines how deacons bring order, processes, and mobilization so elders can shepherd without being constantly pulled into operational tasks. It closes with three assessment questions for deacons and a preview of the next episode on deed ministry.

In this episode, Benjamin Schultz explains how the New Testament recognizes two ordained offices—elders and deacons—and why understanding their distinct responsibilities strengthens the church. Using Philippians, 1 Peter, and Acts 6, he shows elders’ pastoral oversight and deacons’ ministry of service, and how both work together so the Word and mercy flourish.

Listen for practical guidance on how to assign responsibilities wisely, protect the dignity of both offices, and foster partnership that advances the gospel.

Welcome to The Deacon's Table with Benjamin Schultz. In this episode we define the office of deacon, explain why the church needs this role using Acts 6, and outline the two primary lanes of diaconal ministry: support and mercy. Learn how deacons lead the church in practical care, enable elders to focus on the word, and help the church demonstrate the gospel through organized, wise service.