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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 gospel-centered encouragement for caring well within the church. Adrian also shares personally how John, through his role in the Committee on Ministerial Care, supported him during a difficult season.

It’s a longer episode, but well worth the time. Don't forget your notepad—you’ll want to remember the many takeaways.

Referenced in this episode:

• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
• OPC Book of Church Order (chapter 11 on deacons)

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, 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 can collaborate with congregants to help them make informed decisions about the relevance of flood insurance for their families. We hope this conversation will serve as a valuable resource, particularly for deacons as they assist church families in evaluating their budgets.

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.

What 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 Truth Edition)
• The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy by Cornelis Van Dam
• The Reformed Deacon podcast hosted by the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries
• “Finding the Next Deacon” (S4: E 4 Feb. 2025 episode of TRD)
• “The Heart of a Deacon” (S 3: E18 Sept. 2024 episode of TRD)
• “How the Westminster Standards Relate to Deacons” (S3: E 9 April 2024 episode of TRD)
• “A Study of Acts 6 with RHM Charles Biggs” (S 2: E 12 June 2023 episode of TRD)
• “The Deacon is No Small Office” C. Nick Willborn (audio from PSE 2018)
• OPC Book of Church Order (Section 11 on Deacons)
• The OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries (CDM) website
• OPC Presbytery Diaconal Summit 2025
• OPC National Diaconal Summit 2026

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.