FEATURE

Deacons and Session Cooperation

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.

Look for more in our series from the OPC National Diaconal Summit to be released in the coming weeks.

You can listen to this episode here.

You can find all our episodes on your favorite podcast player or by going to thereformeddeacon.org.