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In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, Rev. Adrian Crum (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) speaks with Dr. David VanDrunen, professor at Westminster Seminary California and author of Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions, and Tracey Huyck (Grace Fellowship OPC, Zeeland, MI), a nurse with many years of experience working with the aged and dying, about how deacons and congregants can minister wisely and compassionately to those facing end-of-life decisions.

Referenced in this episode:

• Bioethics and The Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions by Dr. David VanDrunen
• Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care by Kathryn Butler
• Gospel Coalition Articles by Kathryn Butler
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul and Lucy Kalanithi
• Departing in Peace: Biblical Decision-Making at the End of Life by William Clifford Davis
• Bioethics: A Primer for Christians by Gilbert Meilaender
• Hard Choices fo

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.

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In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, Rev. Chris Cashen discusses with Rev. Peter VanDoodewaard (Covenant OPC, Taylors, South Carolina) about where a deacon’s confidence should come from as he seeks to show the compassion of Christ in mercy ministry. Using John 6 and the feeding of the 5,000, they explore how Jesus intentionally tested His disciples—not because He lacked a plan, but because He wanted them to learn to trust His power and provision. The lesson is not self-confidence, but deep confidence in Christ, who sees the needs of His people, has already purposed to meet them, and graciously invites His servants to participate in distributing what He supplies.

The conversation emphasizes that fear, feelings of inadequacy, and even unbelief in Christ's ability are common temptations in mercy ministry. Deacons are reminded that they are not the source of provision—they are the “basket carriers.” As they serve, they not only meet physical needs but also have opportunity to point people to Christ.

Referenced in this episode:

OPC National Diaconal Summit 2026—June 25-27, 2026

Primary passage:

• John 6:1–14 — The feeding of the 5,000 (central text)

Key biblical references mentioned or clearly alluded to

• 1 Timothy 3:13 — Deacons gaining “great boldness in the faith”
• John 2:1–11 — Water into wine; seeing Christ’s glory in His signs
• John 1:1–14 — The Word made flesh; glory of the only begotten
• John 6 (later section) — “I am the Bread of Life”
• Colossians 1:29 — “Christ labors with all His energy”
• Acts 4 — Boldness of Peter and John
• Exodus 14 — Moses at the Red Sea: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”

Confessional / church order reference

• OPC Book of Church Order — Description of the deacon’s role: “to show forth the compassion of Christ…”

Practical OPC reference

• OPCCDM.org
• OPC Presbytery Diaconal Committees
• David Nakhla, Administrator, OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries

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.

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Scammers have grown increasingly sophisticated, and their schemes can target anyone, whether a ninety-two-year-old widow or someone with a PhD. After a scam, victims are often left confused and unsure of what to do next. How should someone respond when they realize they’ve been scammed? And what role should the church, specifically deacons, play in helping those affected?

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, Tim Hopper, a deacon at Shiloh Presbyterian Church in North Carolina, speaks with Jon McCann, a seasoned police officer with expertise in financial crimes, and Evan Strickland, a cybersecurity professional with nearly twenty years of experience.

Listen in as they discuss common scams, practical steps for prevention, and how the church can care wisely and compassionately for those who have fallen victim.

Referenced in this episode:

• Visa Freud Report: https://www.visaacceptance.com/en-us/insights/fraud-report.html
• FBI Holiday Scam Reminders: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams
• Free site free website to check whether an email address has appeared in known data breaches: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

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.