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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.

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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.

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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): lfhunter1@gmail.com
• 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.

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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-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.

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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.

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.

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. 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.

What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.

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.