The Reformed Deacon

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In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host Chris Cashen talks with Rev. Nathan Trice and Deacon Jeff Roach of Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Matthews, North Carolina, about the importance of developing a close and intentional relationship between the session and diaconate. 

Drawing from Acts 6 and years of serving together, Nathan and Jeff discuss the distinct yet interconnected responsibilities of elders and deacons. They emphasize that healthy cooperation is built on communication, mutual trust, and a willingness on the part of elders to entrust deacons with meaningful responsibilities and seek their wisdom. 

The conversation also explores why mercy ministry cannot be separated neatly into physical and spiritual concerns. Material needs often reveal deeper pastoral concerns, making communication between deacons and shepherding elders essential. Nathan and Jeff offer practical examples of how their church has cultivated this relationship through regular reports, shared meeting minutes, representatives attending one another's meetings, joint planning, and informal communication between deacons and shepherding elders. 

Finally, they encourage deacons who desire greater cooperation with their session to take humble, practical steps toward building that relationship. The goal is for the two offices to work together in a ministry of word and deed for the good of Christ's church. 

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, recorded at the 2026 National Diaconal Summit, Rev. Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the OPC Committee on Christian Education, takes a whirlwind tour through nearly ninety years of diaconal ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

From caring for struggling pastors and families during the Great Depression to disaster response, refugee ministry, foreign missions, and short-term missions, Olinger shares stories of how the Lord has used deacons and congregations to meet needs throughout the OPC’s history. He also traces the development of the Committee on Diaconal Ministries and the church’s ongoing commitment to keeping Word and deed together.

Danny brings the history back to where diaconal ministry begins—the local church—and encourages today’s church to “pray for the next generation of deacons,” encourage young men in service, and “give your hearts away.”

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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This episode is the first in a series featuring recordings from the fifth OPC National Diaconal Summit (NDS), released by the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries.

In this opening plenary session, Bob Keys became the first deacon actively serving in a local Orthodox Presbyterian Church to address an OPC National Diaconal Summit as a plenary speaker. He introduced a theme that would resonate throughout the Summit: the ministry of mercy is not simply the work of deacons; rather, deacons help lead the entire church in showing the mercy and compassion of Christ.

Speaking to more than 220 deacons, deacons-in-training, elders, and pastors, Bob set the tone for the Summit by reminding the men that while accomplishing tasks is important, it is not the ultimate goal. The greater calling is to shepherd Christ's church into the compassion of Christ.

Over the coming months, we will release the audio from all fourteen plenary and workshop sessions from the Summit, making these encouraging and practical resources available to the broader church.

The video versions of all the Summit sessions can be found on OPCCDM.org.

Resources from this episode:

Handouts, the PowerPoint presentation from Bob's NDS Session and other resources from the OPC National Diaconal Summit V 2026 can be found here.

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, guest host Brad Hertzog sits down with OPC CDM Administrator, David Nakhla, Pastor of Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, Chris Cashen, Grace Fellowship, Zeeland, Michigan member, Stephen Majauskas, and OPC missionary, Heero Hacquebord following their recent visit to Kharkiv, Ukraine—just miles from the Russian border. There they witnessed firsthand how one small Reformed congregation continues to proclaim Christ and care for its community despite the daily realities of missile attacks, displacement, and uncertainty.

You'll hear how acts of mercy are opening doors for the gospel, why the ministry of presence is often one of the greatest gifts deacons can offer, and how the courage and perseverance of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters challenges us to think about our own service to Christ.

Whether you serve as a deacon, elder, pastor, or church member, this episode serves to encourage you to embrace difficult ministry opportunities, trust God's providence, and remember that faithful service often begins simply by being present. It also reminds us that we have the privilege of standing alongside our brothers and sisters in Ukraine through the OPC's Ukraine Crisis Fund, where our prayers, giving, and encouragement continue to strengthen this vital work.

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 David Nakhla is joined by OPC member and dementia care advocate Lizette Cloete to explore how deacons and their churches can better care for congregants and families affected by dementia. Lizette explains what dementia is, how it differs from Alzheimer's disease, and why many worldly approaches to dementia care can be misguided. Drawing from both personal and professional experience and a biblical worldview, she challenges churches to see those living with dementia not primarily through the lens of loss, but as image bearers of God who retain their value and place within the covenant community.

Lizette focuses especially on the role that deacons and churches can play in supporting both dementia sufferers and their caregivers. She offers a few proactive care strategies to help the church; from respite care to meal support, transportation, and companionship, helping families remain connected to worship. As the number of families affected by dementia continues to grow, churches and deacons have a unique opportunity to demonstrate Christ's care through intentional mercy ministry.

Referenced in this episode:

• thinkdifferentdementia.com
• Email Lizette Cloete (for advice, encouragement and speaking engagements)
• Dementia Caregivers Support for Christians podcast
• Dementia: Living in the Memories of God by John Swinton
• Blame It on the Brain by Edward T. Welch

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 Tim Hopper is joined by seasoned deacon McRay Simmons to reflect on what it means to grow in maturity and perseverance in diaconal ministry. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, McRay emphasizes spiritual growth shaped by the Holy Spirit’s work through years of service. The conversation highlights common challenges deacons face—discouragement, overwhelming workloads, and the temptation to rely on their own strength rather than the Lord. A central theme throughout the episode is the need for intentional dependence on God through prayer, as McRay candidly reflects on his own struggle with a “do-first” mindset and the ongoing call to repentance and humility in service. 

The episode also underscores the importance of fellowship, communication, and mutual encouragement among deacons, especially in difficult seasons or contexts where resources may be limited. McRay shares how relationships with fellow deacons, elders, and his own family have sustained him, and offers practical encouragement in delegation, caring for one’s household, and maintaining spiritual health while serving others. This episode underscores the reality that diaconal ministry requires perseverance, prayer, and a continual reliance on the Lord, who sustains His servants as they press on in their calling. 

Referenced in this episode:

• The OPC Deacon Check-In program
• The Reformed Deacon podcast
• The 2026 National Diaconal Summit (now at capacity, but a waitlist is in place)

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 of The Reformed Deacon, host Tim Hopper is joined by Jared Grigg, deacon at Acacia Reformed Church in Manassas, Virginia; Ray Pellerin, deacon at Merrimack Valley OPC in North Andover, Massachusetts; and Lynne Hunter, deacon at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan, for another “real-world cases” discussion. Together, they address common but often challenging situations in diaconal ministry, including chronic shortfalls in giving, the balance between financial assistance and personal responsibility, and how to care wisely for individuals and families in need without fostering dependency.

The conversation also explores how to navigate disagreements within a diaconate, how to support young couples facing financial strain, and how to respond when needs arise within a pastor’s own family. Throughout, the discussion highlights the importance of humility, mutual submission, and thoughtful, gospel-centered care.

This episode provides practical insight and encouragement for deacons seeking to serve their congregations with both compassion and discernment. 

Referenced in this episode:

• https://www.healthcare.gov/
• Lynne Hunter's email address (for Dave Ramsey information): [email protected] 
• Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University

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 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-church.com
  • Make Room at Church for Special-Needs Families by Sandra Peoples

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 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.

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 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: CPR, Feeding Tubes, Palliative Care, Comfort Measures, and the Patient with a Serious Illness by Rev. Hank Dunn

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.