FEATURE

Released June 1

Real World Cases: Unique Financial Circumstances

In this episode, host Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC) is joined by fellow seasoned deacons Lynne Hunter (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) and Bob Keys (Grace OPC, Columbus, OH) to wrestle through four thought-provoking real-world scenarios.

Consider what you might do if your church had a budget surplus, or if a woman visited your church asking for rent money for her motel stay. What is the proper process when a charity approaches your diaconate for support? Or when a church member requests tuition help for her final semester of art school?

Tune in to hear how Tim, Lynne, and Bob suggest working through each scenario—and then bring the conversation to your own diaconate! A few of these were submitted by Joel Vander Kooi, a deacon at Redeemer OPC in Airdrie, Alberta—thanks, Joel! (He received a The Reformed Deacon t-shirt for his suggestions.)

You can listen to this episode here.

Released June 11

Providing Hope in Ukraine

In this episode, host David Nakhla speaks with Elder Mark Agarkov of Kharkiv Presbyterian Church and OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord to get an update on the situation in Ukraine, now three years into the war. Mark shares about the ongoing suffering in the eastern region of Kharkiv—just 20 miles from the front lines—the support they've received from generous U.S. donors, and the deep sense of care they've experienced amid hardship. He also reflects on how many are being drawn to Christ through their suffering, the work that the ministry of the church is doing, and the lasting physical and emotional toll the war is taking. Heero provides updates on his family, his church, and the ongoing work of Crates for Ukraine, an initiative of the Presbyterian Church in America that continues to bring aid to those in need.

You can listen to this episode here.

You can find all of our episodes on your favorite podcast player or by going to thereformeddeacon.org. Lord willing, our next episode will be released July 1, "Ministering to Those Struggling with Addiction."