Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/94

Contributor - John Chandler

Title - As One Who Serves

Topic - Diaconal Ministries

It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col. 3:23 & 24 NIV)

On May 13-15/94, under the leadership of Betty Voskuil, the RCA had a denominational Diaconal Ministries gathering for the purpose of establishing a core group for each Regional Synod with the intent of providing resources and training to help churches enhance or develop cohesive diaconal ministries.

The RCA is in need of a comprehensive program to deal with repeated requests from various churches for help in these areas. This gathering was designed to make a start for developing such a system. At the same time all churches should be made aware of the various ministries of the RCA. Six volunteers from each regional synod and a team of RCA staff perused six areas, namely:

1. Stewardship education/congregational giving

2. Special individual and family concerns

3. Mission education, involvement and support

4. Disaster response/volunteer service opportunities

5. Hunger advocate/Reformed Church World Service

6. Caring for creation/simple living

All these areas are related and often intertwined with each other. Since the underlying and all encompassing factor is spiritual growth and awareness these aspects also overlap various functions in the life of a congregation. It is therefore important that every church has its leadership as a whole; pastor(s), elders, deacons, youth leaders, teachers, etc., being aware of the various programs such as missions, radio/TV programs etc. the RCA is engaged in, and what kind of resources, in the form of materials and expertise, is available to each church.

Presently it is generally the norm that the leadership of a given congregation has little understanding of what the call to ministry for each individual and their church in total, actually is. Consequently, their focus individually and corporately is task oriented and visibly fragmented. When problems arise, as they invariably do, the approach is then one of crisis management. This results in development of a number of scenarios which have a common effect: a fractured effort by a few (sometimes contentious) leaders to restore the situation to a status of at least surface calm, where "all things appear to be well". When they find it too difficult to achieve this a call is then extended to any person or organization for help.

The RCA can help to some extent through their resources in materials and staff members' expertise. There is however, no structured system in place. At the same time many (primarily "new" congregations and outreach churches) are unaware of the programs and resources the RCA offer and manage. The intent is to build a network of people who will have the expertise and resources regionally to both help various congregations with their ministry and create awareness of where and how each congregation and/or individual can participate in RCA ministries such as missions. The potential of our denomination is truly enormous. When we compare ourselves with other groups of affiliated churches on basis of counting nickels and noses, we are a relatively small group. Our strength lies in the fact that when we @re weak then God's power is made perfect in, our weakness and then we are strong. (2 Cor. 12:9 & 10). Yet another revival could sweep our lands starting with us, if we rely on our Lord and Saviour using all the gifts he has given us. This includes resources denominationally of which diaconal services are an integral part. May this start to use our resources wisely, coordinately and comprehensively to assist all churches He blessed.

The following are a brief report on discussions held at various workshops:

1. Stewardship Education/ Congregational Giving Many congregations do not understand what the biblical concept of financial stewardship entails. It is even very unpopular to discuss or preach about each individual's responsibilities in financial matters. Moreover the vast majority of all churches do not come close to receiving one tenth of total income, much less of reaching their true potential. Nor do they have their giving as a church in place in order of spiritual priorities. For example mission giving takes place at or near the end of the year with whatever is left over after all "in house" expenses and projects are paid. Since all we have is a gift from Goa, it is essential that each church and individual clearly understand what stewardship encompasses. Good teaching materials and counselling are available. (by Albert Spaa)

2. Special Individual and Family Concerns

As the North American family continues its struggle to grow and maintain healthy, stable, vital relationships, the Body of Christ needs to be a source of encouragement and support. There are occasions when the Church needs to intervene, as in cases of family violence or substance abuse, or come alongside with respite or hospice care for the disabled or terminally ill. We shared a wealth of resources available through the denomination of personnel, programs, study series and audio visual aids that can provide support and training for those willing to minister to virtually every personal or family issue from the cradle to the grave. (by Carol Moerman)

3. Mission Education, Involvement and Support

RCA mission giving is falling off the last years. The main reason is competition for the mission dollar. There is a tug-of-war going on where every sort of mission agency is pulling on the rope on one side and with RCA Missions on the other end of the rope. These missions all compete with each other. The advantage of local mission is that people can see where the dollars are going. Let us hope and pray the pendulum for RCA mission giving is swaying. The RCA mission record is excellent. Hardly any overhead and very long term commitment: China 152 years, the Middle East 105 years, Chiapas 67 years. We need missionaries and lay people talking about these missions to bring them closer to home. We also need to be challenged to move beyond our own church doors. (by Marti Van Hoeve)

4. Disaster Response Volunteer Service Opportunities

Many congregations and individuals are quite eager to aid victims in these areas. Coordinated efforts will be more effective than helter skelter attempts. Also disasters may be of such proportions that many individuals believe their efforts would be so insignificant as to discourage them from doing anything at all. When we organize a way of combining all available manpower and resources, we can make a realistic impact.

5. Hunger Advocate/Reformed Church World Service

I attended the Hunger Workshop led by our resource person, Betty Voskuil. How do we respond to this problem? Key s and phrases come to my mind: Education re: causes of hunger - giving our gifts of money, time and citizenship making use of resources - helping towards independence. Are the problems of hunger complicated and overwhelming? Yes, but we only have to plant seeds of hope. We are a people of hope. Scripture, Old and New Testament, compel us to get involved. We have no choice. (by Henny Kroon)

6. Caring for Creation/Simple Living

Did you know that 85% of the world's greenhouse gasses are produced by the North American people? That North America represents 5% of the world population, but consumes 25% of the world's resources? Or even better, that every second a section of land the size of a football field is clear cut? What do we as churches or even individual Christians do to help control our waste? If this question has ever crossed your mind, then maybe it's time to find out. The RCA just had a conference to deal with some of these issues. Your Pastor or Deacons should be receiving some information, so look for it. If you still need more information on the church and environment then give me a call. I have more material that can be very useful on how your church can show the people in your neighbourhood how environmentally sensitive your congregation is. Just think, being environmentally friendly can be your tool for outreach.

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