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This episode is the first in a series featuring recordings from the fifth OPC National Diaconal Summit (NDS), released by the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries.

In this opening plenary session, Bob Keys became the first deacon actively serving in a local Orthodox Presbyterian Church to address an OPC National Diaconal Summit as a plenary speaker. He introduced a theme that would resonate throughout the Summit: the ministry of mercy is not simply the work of deacons; rather, deacons help lead the entire church in showing the mercy and compassion of Christ.

Speaking to more than 220 deacons, deacons-in-training, elders, and pastors, Bob set the tone for the Summit by reminding the men that while accomplishing tasks is important, it is not the ultimate goal. The greater calling is to shepherd Christ's church into the compassion of Christ.

Over the coming months, we will release the audio from all fourteen plenary and workshop sessions from the Summit, making these encouraging and practical resources available to the broader church.

The video versions of all the Summit sessions can be found on OPCCDM.org.

Resources from this episode:

Handouts, the PowerPoint presentation from Bob's NDS Session and other resources from the OPC National Diaconal Summit V 2026 can be found here.

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.