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In this episode, host, David Nakhla is joined by deacon John Stahl (Immanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE), deacon John Voss (Covenant OPC, Orland Park, IL) and pastor Adrian Crum (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) to discuss our fist set of listener questions, from Caleb in Phoenix, Arizona, all related to I Timothy 5:3-16. This is an insightful, yet complex passage regarding widows and how they are to be regarded and provided for by the church.

Caleb's questions:
1. How should deacons interact with people asking for help when they have not yet asked their family for it? Verse four basically implies it's first the family's job then the church's job right? And is it the deacons job to go to the family asking for money on behalf of the person, or just telling them to ask and then come back if they refuse? Just overall I wonder what that interaction should look like. Have you ever had to enact church discipline on family members unwilling to provide for a widow (since they are "worse than an unbeliever")? Also, do you think this also applies to people with only unbelieving family?

2. How do deacons (or how SHOULD they) deal with the command to "refuse to enroll younger widows" (v. 11) and basically refuse to help people that could change their own circumstance (get remarried?) Is Paul referring to this group of "widows" widely and generally. Some of these concepts probably have to carry over to widowers as well so how do you decide what is specific to that time period and what is prescribed for today's church?

3. Similarity to #2, how should deacons focus on the godliness of those asking for help? Verses 9-10 seem to say that they must have shown exceptional godliness to be enrolled. (is there something special about this term "enrollment" compared to general financial help?) How do deacons differentiate between a request of a very godly member of the church compared to a spiritually lukewarm member (or an outside unbeliever asking for help)?

Although our panel doesn't pretend to have all the answers, we hope you will find the discussion to be insightful, helpful and scripturally based.

If you have questions you'd like more insight on, please be sure to email us: mail@thereformeddeacon.org.

Referenced in this episode:
Hebrews 3:13
1 Timothy 5:4
The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today
1 Corinthians 7:37
Hebrews 13:17

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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It's the start of season 4!

In this episode, pastor Chris Cashen, Trinity Reformed OPC, Lanham, MD and deacon Tim Hopper, Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC, propose and discuss some different ways for deacons to care for their pastors. From forming friendships, to periodic check-ins, to helping them wade through the complicated maze of choosing an home, car, insurance plan and completing taxes, Tim and Chris see many opportunities for serving the pastor and allowing them to be able to focus on the care of the congregation through the Word and preaching. Deacons can alleviate the loneliness often felt by pastors and their families by strengthening the pastor-deacon relationship, encouraging the women of the church to befriend the pastor's wife—all which can lead to promoting unity within the church. Join us as we explore meaningful ways deacons can be a blessing to their pastors, all while growing together in Christ.

Referenced in this episode:
OPC Committee on Ministerial Care's website
Pastor Retreat information (found on the CMC website)
Healthcare.gov
OPC Insurance Benefits

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! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.

In this episode, hosts Chris Cashen, a CDM member and pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Lanham, MD, and Tim Hopper, a CDM member and deacon at Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, NC, welcome guests John Fikkert, Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and David Nakhla, Administrator of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries. Together, they explore the origins and missions of these committees, the work being done in diaconal ministries, and how local deacons can use the connected church to access support in areas of the diaconate including caring for your pastor. John talks about the Obadiah Fund, a special fund for retired ministers, their wives and minister’s widows. This fund was initiated to provide special care and concern to those in the OPC who have sacrificed so much for the ministry of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fund was previously overseen by the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries but is now managed by the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. You’ll hear about the CDM’s resources, online and in person by way of presbytery-level and local diaconal summits. This episode is full of good information and even a few case studies to help with knowing who to contact in relation to caring for your pastor. This episode is a helpful resource for sure!

Referenced in this episode:

OPCCDM.org
OPCCMC.org
Presbytery and National Summits
OPC Committee on Ministerial Care Pastoral Compensation Tool

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.