FEATURE

The Reformed Deacon: Encouraging the Solo Deacon

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.

You can listen to this episode here.

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