Shows
Leadership TalksS2 EP01 - OPC International Exchanges ProgramThis episode takes us global!We welcome Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead, and Ana Mena, principal with the Trillium Lakelands DSB, in a conversation about OPC’s International Exchanges which is a job shadowing experience that immerses administrators in a personal and professional learning journey as they spend time learning with school leaders in other countries, shadowing them in their daily work, living in their homes, and experiencing life as they do. In this session you will hear what participants have to say about their experiences, the impact on their professional practice and adv...
2025-10-0127 min
The Reformed DeaconThe Widow's Mite: Financial Giving From the HeartWhat 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, host Chris Cashen (pastor at Trinity OPC, Lanham, MD) is joined by pastor John Shaw and deacon Bob Keys from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio for a conversation on the financial needs of the church and the importance of encouraging generosity. Drawing from the example of the widow’s mite in Luke 21, they reflect on how this passage shapes our understanding of giving, particularly in the context of diaconal ministry....
2025-10-0145 minThe Reformed DeaconEncouraging the Solo DeaconWhat 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, 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...
2025-09-0136 minThe Reformed DeaconMinistering to the WidowWhat 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, host, deacon Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC) is joined by Becky Haney, a member of New Hope OPC in Bridgeton, New Jersey, to share her experience following the sudden passing of her husband Dave Haney—a man well-known and loved by many in the OPC—who died unexpectedly at age 56 in 2019.Caring for widows lies close to the heart of diaconal work. Scripture is clear that God’s people...
2025-08-0138 minThe Reformed DeaconMinistering to Those Struggling with AddictionWhat 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, David Nakhla speaks with Dr. Jim Berry, an elder at Reformation OPC in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. He’s joined by Mr. Rob Guss, an elder at Calvary OPC in Glenside, Pennsylvania, who shares his powerful testimony of God’s grace in delivering him from addiction.Addiction brings with it deep brokenness. It can...
2025-07-0152 minThe Reformed DeaconReal World Cases: Unique Financial CircumstancesWhat 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, 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 several thought-provoking real-world scenarios.Consider what you might do if your church had a budget surplus or a woman visits your church asking for rent money for her motel stay; what the proper process is when a charity approaches your...
2025-06-0138 minThe Reformed DeaconHelping Those Struggling with Mental HealthWhat 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, host Rev. Adrian Crum speaks with Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling. Together, they offer deep and compassionate insight into how deacons—and entire congregations—can come alongside those facing mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and grief. This conversation is rich with practical suggestions and...
2025-05-011h 29
OPC Ruling Elder PodcastEncouraging Covenant YouthThe Ruling Elder Podcast talks with Roger Wagner and David Winslow about ruling elders encouraging covenant youth. One of the tasks of ruling elders, as set out by BCO X:3, is that ruling elders should "nourish and guard the children of the covenant”.Rev. Roger Wagner, now a retired minister, was ordained to the ministry in 1973, serving ten years at Sonora, then he became pastor of Bayview OPC in Chula Vista, California in 1983 where he served for the next forty years until his retirement. Ruling Elder David Winslow has served as a ruling elder for over forty yea...
2025-04-1552 minThe Reformed DeaconFlood InsuranceWhat 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, host Peter Haines, elder at Concho Valley OPC in Concho Valley, AZ, leads a discussion with Brian Tilton, deacon at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, PA, and co-owner of Millham Companies, a personal and business insurance firm in Pennsylvania. Together, they explore the topic of flood insurance—its importance, how it works, and its role in our responsibility as stewards of what God has entrusted to us. They also discuss how deacons ca...
2025-04-0122 minOPC Ruling Elder PodcastElders and women's ministryAnneke Fesko and Laurie Tricarico discuss how elders can encourage women in the church.Anneke currently serves the OPC as Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs) She is married to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi.Laurie serves as the coordinator of the Crisis Care Team at New Life OPC in Williamsport PA, where sh...
2025-03-1542 minThe Reformed DeaconHelping Your Congregation Understand a Deacon's RoleWhat 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, host John Stahl (deacon at Immanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE) leads a discussion with Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC Deacon Tim Hopper and Harvest OPC in Wyoming, MI Associate Pastor of Youth and Evangelism Adrian Crum to consider practical ways to help your congregation understand that a deacon's role extends beyond taking the offering and performing building maintenance.Referenced in this episode:The Letters of John Newton (Hardcover Banner of T...
2025-03-0137 minThe Reformed DeaconPractical Disaster ResponseWhat 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, host David Nakhla talks with three men: one whose family suffered damage to their home through regional flooding, one whose family suffered devastating property loss as a result of a fire, and one who has aided in a variety of disasters over the years. They share with us from the recipient's perspective in order to aid deacons and church families understand and gain some practical tips for aiding those in crises...
2025-01-0157 minThe Reformed DeaconThinking Outside the BoxWhat 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, host David Nakhla talks with two deacons, David Pendergrass, Covenant Reformed OPC in West Plains, MO, and Greg Harrison, Second Parish OPC, Scarborough, ME, who have, through the Lord's leading, found their professional calling largely based in the ministry of mercy. These two unique examples of thinking outside the box may not represent the Lord's calling for everyone, but David and Greg encourage deacons to look for ways in their lives t...
2024-12-011h 12The Reformed DeaconListener Questions: 1 Timothy 5What 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, 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.
2024-11-1535 minOPC Ruling Elder PodcastEncouraging the Pastor's WifeIn this podcast Anneke Fesko talks about how ruling elders can encourage a pastor’s wife. Anneke was hired a little over two years ago for the newly created position of Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs)Anneke is the wife to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They were married 22 years ago while John was a church planter for the OPC. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary scho...
2024-11-1559 minThe Reformed DeaconHow Deacons Can Care for Their PastorWhat did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.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...
2024-11-0145 minThe Reformed DeaconHow CDM and CMC Support Local DeaconsWhat 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, 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...
2024-10-0151 minThe Reformed DeaconReal World Cases: Long-Term Dilemmas Part 2What 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, the four deacons from Part 1 (John Stahl, Immanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE; Bob Keys, Grace OPC, Columbus, OH; Jared Grigg, Acacia OPC, Manassas, VA; Lynne Hunter, Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) continue discussing two more scenarios: a year-long intern is having car trouble and empty nesters who are struggling to pay their bills. This episode is particularly helpful with suggestions for approaching the family members of those who are needing help. T...
2024-09-2622 minThe Reformed DeaconReal World Cases: Long Term Dilemmas Part 1What 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, host John Stahl, deacon at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, DE, and member of the CDM, leads a discussion with three fellow deacons: Lynne Hunter from Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan; Bob Keys from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio; and Jared Grigg from Acacia OPC in Manassas, Virginia. The group explores dilemmas with significant long-term implications. They first address a situation involving a member who, due to an accident, requires extensive assistance...
2024-09-1635 minOPC Ruling Elder PodcastRuling Elders and Better Preaching What can ruling elders do to promote better preaching?On this issue of the Ruling Elder podcast, John Currie, OPC pastor and Professor and Dean of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, discusses why this is so important and gives practical suggestions on how and when to do it, and, just as importantly, how not to do it.The OPC Form of Government says “[Ruling Elders] should have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors.” (Fg. X.3)Several resources are also available onlin...
2024-09-1550 minThe Reformed DeaconA Committee to Care for the Elderly: Harvest OPCWhat 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, Rev. Adrian Crum, associate pastor at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, MI sits down with two of his deacons, Lynne Hunter and Cameron Brown to talk about the why and how of Harvest's newly constructed Elderly Committee or HARPs Group (Harvest Association of Retired Presbyterians.)Lynne says, "Part of it was that we had, or have, a number of elderly folk that have no family and we were getting called i...
2024-08-0142 minThe Reformed DeaconPersonal Insurance: Help for DeaconsWhat 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, Peter Haines, an elder at Concho Valley OPC in Concho, Arizona talks to two elders—Kris Lehner, an elder at Immanuel OPC in Medford, NJ and David Drake, an elder at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, PA. Each offer guidance to deacons, based on their expertise in the field of personal insurance in order to strengthen the understanding of "people-based insurance". Kris and David touch on risk management—a complicated topic for which...
2024-07-0133 minThe Reformed DeaconPDS V 2023: Promoting and Encouraging Diaconal Work in PresbyteryWhat 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, Tim Hopper, a deacon at Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the Presbytery of the Southeast Diaconal Committee and a member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries reminds us that being a deacon doesn't stand on its own, but serves as part of Christ's church. Tim says it's good that we have presbytery and denominational diaconal committees to aid us in our service, but ultimately, Christ hasn't established...
2024-05-1641 minThe Reformed DeaconLet Us Do Good To EveryoneWhat 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, Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, MD talks with Rev. Adrian Crum, Associate Pastor of Youth and Evangelism at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan. Chris and Adrian discuss in broad brush fashion the scriptural basis and the theological maze of ministering to all, but especially to those outside of the church while taking a deeper look into Adrian's February 2024 New Horizon's article, "Let Us Do Good to...
2024-05-0132 minThe Reformed DeaconPresbytery Diaconal Summit V: PSE Response to the Kentucky FloodWhat 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 elder Mike Cloy from Landis OPC in Marion, North Carolina and elder Seth Long from Neon Reformed OPC describe what it was like on the ground the days after the devastating flood hit Neon, Kentucky and the surrounding counties in July of 2022. Neon Reformed, a struggling mission work of the OPC, sits in an region known for extreme poverty and distrust. Sixteen counties in that region were affected by the "1,000-year...
2024-04-1943 minThe Reformed DeaconPresbytery Diaconal Summit V: Overview of the PDC Mandate and the Role of the CDMWhat 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, you'll hear a recording from the Presbytery Diaconal Committee's fifth Summit hosted by the OPC Committees on Diaconal Ministries and Ministerial Care entitled, "Overview of the PDC Mandate and the Role of the CDM". You'll hear from OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries administrator, David Nakhla, who presents the long history of the CDM, which has now existed for 76 years, to demonstrate that a great emphasis of the OPC, even...
2024-03-2352 minThe Reformed DeaconPresbytery Diaconal Summit V: Assisting Churches and Mission Works without DeaconsWhat 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, Rev. John Shaw, pastor and former OPC general secretary for Home Missions and Church Extension (CHMCE) addresses the OPC Presbytery Diaconal Committee (PDC) members at the recent OPC Presbytery Diaconal Summit (PDS) to share some of the challenges he experienced in planting churches when there are no deacons. John points out the overwhelming mercy ministry needs of a new, young church that often fall on new pastors and the need for t...
2024-02-2258 minThe Reformed DeaconServing by Supporting: The Role of Deacons' WivesWhat 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, The Reformed Deacon producer and long-time OPC deacon's wife, Trish Duggan, hosts two other seasoned OPC deacons' wives, Rachel Engeltjes and Michele Martzke from Bethel OPC in Wheaton, IL. I Timothy 3 gives a clear directive to deacons' wives, so we thought we'd ask Rachel and Michelle for their thoughts on family life, living in a fishbowl, and how they've been able to support their husbands in this important, and sometimes demanding...
2024-02-0138 minThe Reformed DeaconReal World Cases: Walking Alongside People in the ChurchWhat 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 Tim Hopper, Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC deacon and CDM member, facilitates a discussion with fellow OPC deacons: Bob Keys, a deacon from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio, Doug Vos, deacon at Oakland Hills OPC in Farmington Hills, Michigan and John Voss, a deacon Covenant OPC, Orland Park, Illinois and a fellow CDM member. These four men humbly share their experiences and wisdom as they discuss three diaconal cases. The f...
2024-01-2445 minThe Reformed DeaconPresbytery Diaconal Summit V: Diaconal Needs, Counseling Pastors and the Obadiah FundWhat 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, Rev. John Fikkert, the director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care (CMC) addressed the group of Presbytery Diaconal Committee (PDC) members at the recent Presbytery Diaconal Summit (PDS) to thank them for their work with his committee in coming alongside current and retired ministers and their wives. John says, "Thank you for wading through some difficult, challenging situations...I think PDCs are essential if we're thinking about how to care...
2024-01-0145 minOPC Ruling Elder PodcastHow Elders Can Encourage DeaconsDavid Nakhla and Jeffrey Roach talk to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders can help and encourage deacons. [David is Administrator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, and a ruling elder in Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA. Jeffrey is a deacon in Resurrection Presbyterian Church (OPC), Matthews, NC.]Topics covered include good communication between elders and deacons, joint meetings, discretion, visitation, and the dangers of being overworked.The article "A Holy Kind of Chaos" by Rev. T. Nathan Trice is available here Please also visit the following websites,The OPC Committee on D...
2023-09-1540 minThe Reformed DeaconProvisional Diaconates in Church PlantsWhat 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, host David Nakhla talks with John Shaw, OPC Home Missions and Church Extension General Secretary; Tyler Detrick, pastor of Light of the Nations OPC in Dayton, OH and former church planter; and Kurt Oliver, elder at Westminster OPC in Westminster, CA, about the need for deacons when starting a new church in the OPC. Why when we church plant in the OPC are we sure to provide a provisional s...
2023-08-0142 minThe Reformed DeaconReal World Cases: Be ProactiveWhat 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, four seasoned deacons look at four different cases; three having to do with saints within the congregation and one really unique one regarding a visitor to Vacation Bible School. Deacon and CDM member, Tim Hopper facilitates this discussion with Bob Keys, a deacon from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio, Lynne Hunter, a deacon at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan and Daniel Lascaze, a deacon from Amoskeag OPC in Manchester, Ne...
2023-07-2142 minThe Reformed DeaconA Deacon's Personal LibraryWhat 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, Shiloh OPC deacon and OPC CDM member, Tim Hopper and Rev. C. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, talk books—books specifically helpful for deacons to have in their personal libraries. From Bible reading plans to reader's guides to books on prayer to counseling, Nick and Tim cover a wide range of their recommended favorites in their discussion. There are even a few websites and vid...
2023-07-0148 minOPC Ruling Elder PodcastHospital VisitationStephen Tracey talks with the Rev. Gordon Cook, (Pastor of Living Hope, OPC, Brunswick, ME, and recently retired as a hospital chaplain) and Dr. Logan Murray, (Pediatric Hospitalist, and Ruling Elder in Living Hope OPC, Brunswick, ME). This episode is full of practical insights and wisdom on visiting people in hospital, or in hospice care. Jesus reminds us that visiting the sick is one of the marks of his sheep, “I was sick and you visited me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to...
2023-06-1537 minThe Reformed DeaconA Study of Acts 6 with Regional Home Missionary Charles BiggsWhat 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, Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, Maryland and member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries is joined by Rev. Charles R. Biggs, Regional Home Missionary for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church’s Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic (PMA) and former pastor of Ketoctin Covenant Presbyterian Church in Purcellville, Virginia. Chris and Charles unpack a unique passage of Scripture, one that deacons are especially familiar with: Act 6 ve...
2023-06-0143 min