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In this episode, host Adrian Crum is joined by Mike and Naomi Schout, whose perspective on special needs was shaped by Mike’s brother, Stephen, who lived with an uncontrolled seizure disorder; Eddie and Hillary Mercado, whose eleven-year-old son Calvin is non-speaking autistic; and Nicki Gotch, whose son is on the autism spectrum and whose experience led her to serve as a teacher in the “Wonderfully Made” Sunday school class at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan. This episode pairs with the April 2026 issue of New Horizons, featuring the article “Special Needs Families in the Life of Christ’s Church” by Rev. Adrian Crum. Be sure to check it out.

Referenced in this episode (full list):

• Books:
  • A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty by Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Same Lake Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability by Stephanie O. Hubach
  • It Has Not Yet Appeared What We Shall Be: A Reconsideration of the Imago Dei in Light of Those with Severe Cognitive Disabilities by George Hammond (Reformed Academic Dissertation)
  • Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families by Sandra Peoples 
  • The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs by Andrew Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Russell Moore
• Other:
  • Harvest OPC From the Pastor's Desk: Disability in the Church - “To and With” Ministry
  • Accessible Church Website: https://www.accessible-churc

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 David Nakhla asks seasoned deacons Ray Pellerin from Merrimack Valley OPC in North Andover, Massachusetts and Len Richards from New Life OPC in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to discuss their experience and excitement about the National Diaconal Summits. Each have been to multiple Summits since their inception in 2010. Listen as these men reminisce about their favorite moments as well as some clips of the talks and the singing. 

Referenced in this episode:

NDS Summit Videos

NDS Summit Podcast Audio

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, Rev. Adrian Crum (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) speaks with Dr. David VanDrunen, professor at Westminster Seminary California and author of Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions, and Tracey Huyck (Grace Fellowship OPC, Zeeland, MI), a nurse with many years of experience working with the aged and dying, about how deacons and congregants can minister wisely and compassionately to those facing end-of-life decisions.

Referenced in this episode:

• Bioethics and The Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions by Dr. David VanDrunen
• Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care by Kathryn Butler
• Gospel Coalition Articles by Kathryn Butler
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul and Lucy Kalanithi
• Departing in Peace: Biblical Decision-Making at the End of Life by William Clifford Davis
• Bioethics: A Primer for Christians by Gilbert Meilaender
• Hard Choices for Loving People:

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, 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.

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OPC Foreign Missions is looking for a short-term missionary to attend to diaconal needs in Uganda! The OPC Uganda Mission in Karamoja is in need of a facilities manager to fill a short-term need while current missionary Travis Emmett and his family are in the States for medical leave early next year. Please consider how you may be able to help!

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host David Nakhla speaks with Douglas Clawson, General Secretary of the OPC’s Committee on Foreign Missions, and Travis Emmett, who serves as the current mission’s facilities manager. Together, they explain what it means to serve as a short-term missionary focused on diaconal work, the importance of the role in supporting gospel ministry, and what life and service look like in Karamoja.

Travis shares both the joys and challenges of maintaining mission facilities in a remote part of Africa. Those with general handyman skills—and a heart to serve Christ’s church—are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether they might step in to help during this season of need. You don’t need to be an expert tradesman—just willing to work hard and serve faithfully.

Please pray that this need is filled quickly and for all who labor for the Lord in Uganda.

If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please reach out to OPC CFM General Secretary, Douglas Clawson: [email protected].

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 Chris Cashen (pastor at Trinity OPC, Lanham, MD) is joined by pastor John Shaw and deacon Bob Keys from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio for a conversation on the financial needs of the church and the importance of encouraging generosity. Drawing from the example of the widow’s mite in Luke 21, they reflect on how this passage shapes our understanding of giving, particularly in the context of diaconal ministry.

Much of the discussion centers on the application of the passage as it relates to the work of the deacon, and how the generosity of Jesus Christ should move our hearts toward love and sacrificial giving within the church. Together, they explore the deacon’s role in fostering a culture of mercy ministry and faithful giving.

Listen in as Chris, John, and Bob offer gospel-centered insights on selfless generosity, financial stewardship and the church’s call to care for those in need.

Referenced in this episode:

Scripture 

·       Luke 21:1–4 

·       Psalm 110:1

·       Acts 6

·       2 Corinthians 9:6–8, 15

·       2 Corinthians 8:9

·       1 Timothy 5:8

·       Philippians 4:11–12

·       Philippians 2:1–8

·       John Calvin— Institutes’ section on prayer

• OPC Book of Church Order 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, David Nakhla is joined by seasoned deacons John Stahl (Emmanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE), Jared Grigg (Acacia Reformed OPC, Manassas, VA), and Dan Barnes (Trinity Reformed OPC, Lanham, MD) for a conversation on the unique challenges faced by solo deacons in their ministries.

The work of a deacon is vital to the life of the church. Deacons demonstrate Christ’s mercy by caring for the physical needs of the congregation. By providing aid to the poor, caring for the needs of the sick, supporting widows, and tending to those in hardship, deacons are at the heart of mercy ministry. The institution of the office in Acts 6, where the apostles instructed the church to appoint seven men, shows the biblical principle of plurality in this work.

Yet, in some small congregations, a plurality of deacons is not always possible. How does a deacon function when he serves alone? Listen as these men share practical wisdom managing expectations, leaning on the gifts of fellow church members, and faithfully carrying out mercy ministry in the strength God provides.

Referenced in this episode:

The Deacon Check-In program

OPCCDM.org

Presbytery Diaconal Committees

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.

What 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, deacon Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC)  is joined by Becky Haney, a member of New Hope OPC in Bridgeton, New Jersey, to share her experience following the sudden passing of her husband Dave Haney—a man well-known and loved by many in the OPC—who died unexpectedly at age 56 in 2019.

Caring for widows lies close to the heart of diaconal work. Scripture is clear that God’s people are to support widows in their time of need. Yet many struggle to know how best to minister to them in their new chapter of life. This important conversation hopes to equip deacons and other church members to care more effectively by listening well, being patient and allowing a "wide berth" following this life-altering experience.

Becky's openness offers valuable insight and practical wisdom to help deacons, pastors, and church members care for widows with greater empathy and understanding.

Referenced in this episode: 

• If I Should Die (produced by David Haney)
• What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts): (And How to Avoid Being That Person Who Hurts Instead of Helps) by Nancy Guthrie
• How Deacons Can Help: A Widow’s Advice
• Becky's Suggested Reading List

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.