Month 1: Inspire faithful stewardship Deacons Devotional

by Jan Visser, Classis Chicago South

I charge you, deacons, to inspire faithful stewardship in this congregation. Remind us
that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (Luke 12:48b).
(part of the charge given to deacons at the installation into office in the Christian
Reformed Church.)
Read 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 Davids prayer after the section about gifts for building the
temple. Chr. 29:12, 14b Wealth & honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.
Everything comes from you, & we have given you only what comes from your hand.
What is stewardship? Its a responsibility to take care of something owned by someone
else. We as Christians believe God owns everything. (Psalm 24:1) It is our job to take
care of the world wisely with our time, talents, and treasures. Pastors, elders, deacons
and a stewardship committee should promote stewardship.
How should stewardship be promoted?
In his book, Servant Leaders, Ben Vande Zande offers 6 ideas: (pg 56)
--preach & teach about stewardship & giving --invite a firstfruits response
--dedicate the offering
--have an annual stewardship month
--increase ministry opportunities
--encourage an estimate of giving card
Optional: Read Mt. 25:14-30 The Parable of the Talentsare we being good stewards
with the 1, 2, or 5 talents God has given us? (Luke tells this parable in Luke 19:12-27).
Verse quoted in the charge:
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one
who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:48b) Read the
parable from where the verse was taken: Luke 12:35-48. Its a bit strange, but its
basically the story of men being watchful and then Jesus is talking about the wise
manager who knows his masters will and doesnt get ready or doesnt do what his master
wants will be beaten with many blows. The servant who doesnt know and does things
deserving punishment will receive a lesser punishment. People in our church who have
been given much will have more demanded of them. How can we as deacons help them
answer the demands of God? How can we help our members be more like Christ?
Barnabas Foundation offers many great resources to churches, such as the following:
stewardship development expertise, a resource center-including devotions, a foundation
program. For more information, see www.barnabasfoundation.com/churches/resources.
1-888-448-3040.
As a deaconate, ask yourselves:
1. How is our church doing inspiring faithful stewardship?
2. Does anyone of us have a strong passion for stewardship? What can we do to
allow that person to spur on the congregation?
3. What are ways to teach the church better stewardship in terms of time, talents,
treasures?

Month 2-Monthly Deacon Training--From the charge to the deacons. .Teach us to be merciful.
Opening: Heres a true story: One time 2 church vans were going to an outing. The second van
ran a stop light to keep up with the speeding first van. The second van driver received a ticket
and went to court. When the judge asked how he pleaded, the driver said, mercy! That
surprised the judge so much he let him go!
1. What do you think of when you hear the word mercy?
2. What are some synonyms for mercy?
3. What types of people especially need mercy? *
4. What are some actions that show mercy?
5. How can we deacons teach the congregation to be merciful?
Definitions of mercy:
-Giving of grace to people who dont deserve it.
-Compassionate treatment, especially of those under ones power (clemency)
-Spared from judgment or harm
-Disposition to be kind and forgiving.
Some Bible verses on the idea of mercy:
Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice
Zechariah 7:9 Administer true justice, show mercy & compassion to one another.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. What does the Lord require of you? To act
justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God.
Matthew 9:13 & Matthew 12:7 Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6
James 2:13 Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.
Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Grace is getting what we dont deserve, mercy is NOT getting what we deserve. In the Old
Testament, we see the threats that God makes against the people. But, because of his mercy. He
directed His anger and judgment on Jesus! As we do our diaconal work, are we mindful of Gods
mercy? Lets not focus on whether or not people will take advantage of us. Lets focus on Jesus
on showing more mercy and compassion. Jesus is our teacher. We are to know Jesus, look like
Jesus and act like Jesus. Then, naturally, we should demonstrate mercy just as Jesus showed
great mercy. (ideas shared from Pastor Garry Brouwers, Peace CRC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa )
*Think about people within your congregation and in your community:
--immigrants
--unemployed/underemployed
--the elderly
--the widows
--those with disabilities
Resources:
www.friendship.org
http://network.crcna.org/content/disability.concerns
Cook, John G. A Compassionate Journey. Grand Rapids: Disability Concerns, 2008.
Kok, James. The Miracle of Kindness. Garden Grove, CA: Crystal Cathedral, 2005.
Mulder, Karen and Jurries, Ginger. The Compassionate Congregation, Grand Rapids:
Faith Alive, 2006.

From Christian Service Ministries

Month 3-Monthly Deacon Training--From the charge to the deacons Prompt us to seize new opportunities to worship
God with offerings of wealth, time, and ability. (Christian Reformed Church)
Read: Malachi 3:10, Colossians 4:5-6, Philippians 2:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Questions to discuss as a diaconate:
1. Do we as deacons realize that the congregation wants us to find new ways to
serve and worship God?
2. Do we realize that it is truly an act of worship when we offer Him our treasure,
our time, or our talents? How do we educate young and old believers that we
should be giving of our tithe, our time & abilities? Should we remind the
congregation of this concept of worship being more than sitting in a worship
service on Sundays? How can we remind them? Whats the best way to
communicate that to the congregation?
3. How do we find these new opportunities? Is there mail that the secretary is
getting that is helpful? Is there anything Christian Service Ministries is offering
to help us present to the congregation (such as ways to give of own time and
talents)? What causes are especially worthy of our time, talent, and treasure?
How do we discern those causes? What causes are local which make it easier to
give of our time and talent? How do we best explain these opportunities to the
congregationbulletins, newsletters, verbal explanation, etc? How do we model
worshiping God with our own time and talents?
4. How can we organize a spring and fall workday to assist people in congregation
& community? Contact Christian Service Ministries for more ideas.
Read pages 57-94 of The Deacons Handbook for practical ideas on these topics:
*meeting needs in your congregation
* leading your congregation in stewardship,
*organizing service projects
*partnering with other ministries
*leading the congregation to be mission focused
*discovering community needs and assets
*helping people beyond your congregation
Resources:
Christian Service Ministries of Classis Chicago South. Contact Jan Visser, 708-3072370. jvisser.csm@gmail.com.
Wiersma, Lori and Connie Kuiper VanDyke. The Deacons Handbook. Grand Rapids:
Faith Alive, 2009.

Month 4:
From the Charge to the Deacons given at the Installation of Elders and Deacons
(Christian Reformed Church)
Realize that benevolence is a quality of our life in Christ and not merely a matter of
financial assistance.
Questions to discuss: Does your diaconate have one person designated as a benevolence
deacon? Why or why not? Should every deacon be considered a benevolent deacon?
When you hear the word benevolence, what words come to mind?
What would be an example of some action your church has taken in the last 30 days that
would be considered benevolence ministry?
----------Some synonyms for benevolence: compassion, generosity, goodness, kindness, sympathy
Often when we think of benevolence, we think of giving people money or food. When
we think of benevolence being a quality of our life in Christ, that seems to change the
focus of our mindset. Then, it really is a matter how we live out a life of care and
kindness*, generosity & compassion in our day-to-day living. As we read Scripture, we
learn every Christian, let alone every deacon, is called to live a benevolent life.
To discuss:
Do people know that we treat others because we live a close life with Christ?
How do we treat others?
What acts of kindness can we show the orphans or widows in our church or
community? (James 1:27)
How can we think more intentionally about reflecting Christs kindness by our
daily actions? (see pg. 60 of The Deacons Handbook for a helpful list of ways
to help.)
Scripture to read: 2 Peter 1:5-8; Col 3:12-17; Phil 2: 1-4; Eph. 4:32-5:2
Recommended reading:
Cook, John G. A Compassionate Journey: Coming Alongside People with Disabilities or
Chronic Illnesses. Grand Rapids: Faith Alive, 2008.
Kok, James R. The Miracle of Kindness: Changing the world one act at a time. Garden
Grove: James R. Kok. 2005.
Mulder, Karen and Ginger Jurries. The Compassionate Congregation: a handbook for
people who care. Grand Rapids: Faith Alive, 2006.
Wiersma, Lori and Connie Kuiper VanDyke. The Deacons Handbook. Grand Rapids:
Faith Alive, 2009.
You are encouraged to attend the Care & Kindness Conference April, 2013 at Trinity
Christian College. See www.careandkindness.org for more information on speakers,
schedule, and prices.

Month 5: deacons devotional training

From the charge given to deacons at their installation (Christian Reformed Church)
last month: Realize that benevolence is a quality of our life in Christ and not merely a
matter of financial assistance.
This month: Therefore, minister to rich and poor alike, both within and outside the
church.
Intro Questions: (pick the ones that you feel you want to discuss in your diaconate)
1. Does it seem to you that typically when we talk about diaconal ministry, we think it
means ministry to the poor? Have you ever thought about your work involving ministry
to the wealthy? What does that mean to you?
2. What is the attitude of your congregation towards the ministry you have towards the
wealthy and towards the poor?
3. Discuss how ministry happens with those within &outside the walls of the church.
4. What group do you find it easier to work with in your congregation: the wealthy or
the poor? Explain.
Scripture Reflection:
May you be encouraged to treat all people the same; it doesnt matter how much or how
little money anyone has. No one gets preferential treatment.
Read: James 2: 1-13; James 5:1-6; Amos 5:11-15; Proverbs 22: 1-2; Proverbs 28:6.
(There are more verses in Proverbs that are applicable.)
This month gives us a chance to reflect more on stewardship. This idea is not just a
financial concept, but it is most importantly a spiritual matter. God owns all things. We
are just stewards of the time, talents, and treasures He has given us. No matter what our
economic status in life may be, we owe God a generous and cheerful heart.
Perhaps the wealthy in your congregation need to be challenged to give more generously
of their time, talents, and treasures. How can you foster cheerful and not condescending
attitudes?
Perhaps the poor in your congregation need to be challenged to give more generously of
their time, talents, and treasures.
How can the poor be encouraged to give with an excited attitude and not to carry an
entitlement attitude? How are we engaging the poor alongside us in ministry, using their
time and talents to bless others?
Further questions to discuss:
1. What can your diaconate do differently to make sure you address the needs of the
wealthy in your church and your community?
2. What can your diaconate do to address the needs of the poor in your church and
community?
3. Do you have a balance of serving both types of people?
4. Do you need to think more specifically towards either group?

Month 6: Weigh the needs of causes and use the churchs resources discerningly. (from the Christian
Reformed Church Charge to the deacons)
The deacons receive many requests for assistance and offering support. The deacons are to carefully
consider the cause and also to search out new ministries to support. If we take the word cause to mean an
organization/ agency or ministry, consider this acrostic:
W-ise use of funds: does the ministry have a history of spending money wisely?
E-xposure: Is the ministry exposing people to Gods love by its words and deeds?
I-nput: Do any church members have input on that ministrys board of directors or is employed there and
can give a report to the congregation about it?
G-oals: Do the goals of the ministry seem God-honoring and wise?
H-elp: Is this ministry genuinely helping people in the community? What is its impact?
Use the following acrostic as a way to explore the idea of how to use the churchs resources discerningly:
Decide to make your church more committed to serving others and sharing your resources with people who
have specific needs (orphans, widows, the elderly, those with disabilities, single parents, military families,
unemployed people).
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in
their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)
Invest money in people. What will help people to learn and grow as leaders? (prayer time with others,
seminars, Bible studies, small group materials, etc.)
Seek out ministries to support and seek out resources in the community to connect with people who can use
those resources. See if a Resource Guide (like the one put out by Christian Service Ministries in the
Chicago South Suburbs area) is available. www.christianserviceministries.org
Commit to prayer the requests from individuals and ministries so that God directs how you spend your
money.
Jesus says, You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:14
Electricity, water, paper, and other supplies needed in a building should not be wasted.
Resources: the church body has the resources of time, talent, and treasures. How do we encourage the
body to use all 3 to serve others most effectively?
Acts 4:32 says, All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions
was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among
them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the
sales.
Needs: what kind of benevolent needs exist in the church and community? (i.e. food, shelter, jobs,
transportation). What can the church do to address those needs?
Psalm 112: 5 says, Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with
justice.
Discuss these ideas as a deaconate. Are you on the right track? Are there changes that need to be made?
How can you implement those changes?

Month 7: Be compassionate to the needy. (from the Charge to the Deacons, Christian
Reformed Church)
Over and over, we read about compassion in Scripture. In the Old Testament we read that God is
a compassionate God. In the Gospels, it says that Jesus saw the crowds and He had compassion
on them. Paul and Peter admonish us to be compassionate to one another. (Ex. 34:8, Ps. 145:8,
Mt. 9:36, Col.. 3:12, 1 Peter 3:8).
People who are needy are all around us. Here are a few to consider:
the elderly
single parents
people or families affected by disability or chronic illness
people who are unemployed or underemployed
people who are mourning the loss of someone or something
Is there a way that deacons can make a special effort to encourage these people, individually or as
collective whole? Perhaps you can do it by focusing in on those people in your assigned district?
How can others in your district or in a persons small group rally around them? Perhaps you can
start a ministry to a particular group of people in your church or your community if there isnt a
group already. Maybe another local church already is providing a ministry to that particular
group. Then, send people there and help promote/ support it. If there is a ministry already in
place for a specific group, how are you supporting itfinancially, materially, prayerfully?
Who are the needy? Consider what Donn Hansum, Director of Volunteers in Action, suggests:
Discern where the unmet needs are in your community, be they of those who are elderly,
disabled, unemployed or underemployed, people in material poverty, etc. Then encourage,
develop, or lead a service ministry to that group. This idea is what God intended deacons to do:
lead the church in ministering to people who are struggling or hurting rather than be focused on
the financial component the church. (Sept. 2011). Deacons are called to lead the rest of the
congregation in serving others who are struggling or hurting. What can you do to model or guide
the rest of the congregation? As a deaconate discuss which individuals should be served in a more
specific way.
Resources:
Cook, John. A Compassionate Journey. Coming Alongside People with Disabilities or Chronic
Illnesses. Grand Rapids, Faith Alive, 2008.
DeYoung, Terry and Stephenson, Mark. Ed. Inclusion Handbook. Grand Rapids, Faith Alive,
2011.
Hoekman, Laurel A. ASD to ZBasic Information, Support, and Hope for Individuals
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Grand Rapids: The Gray Center, 2005.
Kok, James. R. The Miracle of Kindness. Garden Grove, CA: 2005.
Mulder, Karen and Ginger Jurries. The Compassionate Congregation a Handbook for People
who Care. Grand Rapids, MI: Faith Alive, 2006.
Wiersma, Lori and Connie Kuiper Van Dyke. The Deacons Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI:
Faith Alive, 2009.

Month 8:
Deacons Monthly Devotions
Based on the Charge to Deacons given at the installation of deacons in the Christian
Reformed Church
Last month: Be compassionate to the needy.
This month: Respect their need for dignity, hold in trust all sensitive matters confided to
you.
Dignity means: the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. What is your
attitude towards someone who is needy? Does the person know that you are considerate
of their feelings? Have you tried to be in their shoes? Thinking along the lines of ABCD
training (Asset Based Community Development), do you get to know what the persons
assets are? Do you see them as someone with gifts and talents (assets) to be shared or
just as someone with needs?
Peter writes, Show proper respect to everyone. (1 Peter 3:17)
Paul writes, Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in
love. (Ephesians 4:2)
Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate
and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
It is crucial to keep someone elses business private or secret. Often deacons need to help
someone with financial matters. The person needs to believe that you will not share their
personal information by name to others. That is part of respecting someone else. The
Bible has much to say about our words.
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret (Prov. 11:13).
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Prov. 21:23)
In the same way, their wives (or deaconesses) are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious
talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 1 Timothy 3:11
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he
deceives himself and his religion is worthless (James 1:26).
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much (Prov. 20:19).
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends (Prov. 16:28).

Is your deaconate sensitive to a persons dignity and need for confidentiality? Perhaps
not everyone in your deaconate needs to be aware of a familys name who is asking for
benevolent help or tuition assistance. You could just refer to them as Family A, for
example. Make a point to discuss someones need and pray for them with sincere hearts
and not hearts that end up gossiping about someones needs.

Month 9

Deacons Monthly Devotions

Based on the Charge to Deacons given at the installation of deacons in the Christian
Reformed Church
Encourage them (the needy) with words that create hope in their hearts
and with deeds that bring joy into their lives.
This charge reminds us of Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful
in prayer.
A deacons work follow Jesus ministry: word and deed ministry. Jesus taught the
crowds and individuals. He forgave people. He touched children, healed people, and fed
the multitudes. What are you doing to touch people in a word and deed ministry?
How do you bring hope to people? Are you listening to their stories? Are you praying
with people? Are you speaking words of affirmation? Are you encouraging them to use
the time and talents they have to serve others? Do they have more hope in their situation
because of what you told them? Should you offer to attend a Bible study or small group
with them?
What kinds of deeds are you doing that would bring joy to peoples lives? Do they need
food? Do they need home repairs? Do they need transportation? Do they need help with
childcare so they can interview for a job or go to a doctors appointment? Do they need
help with laundry? What are they most overwhelmed with that would really bring them
joy to their day?
Brainstorm:
Stretch yourselves to think more creatively for helpful deeds. Make a point to speak wise
and caring words. Make yourselves open to what God would have you do to serve others
in word and deed.

Month 10
Monthly Deacons Devotions
Be prophetic critics of the waste, injustice, and selfishness in our society.
(Based on the Charge given to deacons at their installation in the Christian Reformed
Church.)
What kinds of waste do we see around us? What can we do about it? Is our church being
stewardly or wasteful? Think about money, time, water, electricity, paper, food, etc?
Are you encouraging your church to be generous? The more generous we become, the
less selfish we are. How can we focus less on our own needs and those of our neighbors
in our communities and around the world?
The Christian Reformed Church website has a section devoted to the Office of Social
Justice where they cover topics such as:
Abortion
domestic poverty
economic justice
global poverty
HIV/AIDS
human trafficking
immigration
refugees
Religious persecution
restorative justice
Visit http://www2.crcna.org/pages/justice.cfm or Visit: www.crcna.org
Click ministries; scroll down and click denominational ministry programs;
scroll down and find office of social justice
The Old Testament prophets speak about injustice and selfishness. The sin and
disobedience that occurred 2700 years ago still occur.
Is. 5:7 He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of
distress.
Is. 10:1-2 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to
deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.
Is. 59:11 We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away.
Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they
oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice.
Amos 5:12, 15, 24, You deprive the poor of justice in the courts.Hate evil, love good;
maintain justice in the courts.Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a neverfailing stream!
What is your deaconate doing to address any of these issues? Maybe you could recruit a
few people from the congregation to be part of a social justice committee to raise the
awareness in the congregation. Maybe your church already has people in your
congregation who are wrestling with poverty issues, immigration issues, abortion issues.
What can you do? Maybe you want to pick 1 area to focus on for 1 year and see what
kind of response you receive from the congregation. Is there a particular issue that you
feel passionate about? Seek God, a God of justice, for His wisdom on ways to bring
justice in this world.
Recommended book:
Hybels, Bill. The Power of a Whisper. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012.

Month 11

Deacons monthly devotion

Be sensitive counselors to the victims of such evils. (the evils mentioned last month:
waste, injustice, and selfishness. Review your discussion from last month)
--as found in the Charge given to deacons at their installation in the Christian Reformed
Church
Brainstorm groups of people or names of people who are victims of waste, injustice, and
selfishness.
The areas of social justice mentioned last month:
Abortion
domestic poverty
economic justice
global poverty
HIV/AIDS
human trafficking
immigration
refugees
Religious persecution
restorative justice
See Isaiah 5:7, Isaiah 10:2, Is. 59:11; Ezekiel 22:29; Amos 5:24
Ps. 106:3: Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.
Ps. 140:12 I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the
needy.
Proverbs 18:5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of
justice.
Pr. 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Is. 10:1-2 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to
deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.
Is. 30:18-19 The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for himHow gracious he will
be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.
Is. 42:1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put
my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.
Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they
oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice.
Amos 5:12, 15, 24, You deprive the poor of justice in the courts.Hate evil, love good;
maintain justice in the courts.Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a neverfailing stream!
What does it mean to be a sensitive counselor? Discuss ways to be non-judgmental,
helpful, caring. How can you be a good listener? What solid, Biblical advice will you
offer? Do you have to be aware of various cultural issues? Will you take the time to pray
with people? Can you follow up with people?

Month 12

Deacons monthly devotion

Let your lives be above reproach; live as examples of Christ Jesus; look to the interests
of others.
--as found in the Charge given to deacons at their installation in the Christian Reformed
Church
Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own
interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of
love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice
to God.
Basically, in our sinful nature, we are all selfish people.
Discuss:
How do you focus your thoughts to the needs of others?
How do you focus your life and attitude to be like Christ Jesus?
How are you doing in your quiet timespending time in Scripture and prayer? What can
we as deacons do to encourage one another in our lives as we seek to imitate Christ?
How can you be accountable to one another?