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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 John 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.

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In this episode, David Nakhla welcomes Pastor Mark Winder of Wolf River OPC in Collierville, TN, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of deacons in the life of the church.

It's not uncommon for church plants to go several years without deacons, often due to the challenges of identifying, training, and overseeing qualified men during the early stages of organization. Pastor Mark shares how installing deacons brought transformative change to his congregation—and why this often-overlooked office is essential to a healthy church.

Reflecting on the biblical call to service, Pastor Mark reminds us: “The church is not a theology club. We are a church that serves.”

We hope you find this to be an encouraging and insightful discussion on the ministry of mercy, and discover why the work of deacons is central to the mission and fellowship of the church.

Referenced in this episode:

OPC Book of Church Order

OPCCDM.org

Training Videos (from the NDS IV 2022 National Diaconal Summit)

"Diaconal Leadership Today" Bill Shishko

“The Deacon and his Congregation” Craig Troxel

"Mercy Ministry in a Social Justice World" Eric Watkins

"Ministry to the Spiritually Immature" Seth Long

"Doing Business as Deacons” by Chris Sudlow

Sample Deacon Meeting Agenda (Wolf River OPC)

Diaconal Training Syllabus (Wolf River OPC)

Scripture

· Ephesians 4:7, 11-13, 16

· Hebrews 6:10

· Acts 2:42

· Acts 6:1-6

· Acts 8:5-8

· I Peter 4:10

· Hebrews 10:24

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.

OPC Foreign Missions is looking for a short-term missionary to attend to diaconal needs in Uganda! The OPC Uganda Mission in Karamoja is in need of a facilities manager to fill a short-term need while current missionary Travis Emmett and his family are in the States for medical leave early next year. Please consider how you may be able to help!

In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host David Nakhla speaks with Douglas Clawson, General Secretary of the OPC’s Committee on Foreign Missions, and Travis Emmett, who serves as the current mission’s facilities manager. Together, they explain what it means to serve as a short-term missionary focused on diaconal work, the importance of the role in supporting gospel ministry, and what life and service look like in Karamoja.

Travis shares both the joys and challenges of maintaining mission facilities in a remote part of Africa. Those with general handyman skills—and a heart to serve Christ’s church—are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether they might step in to help during this season of need. You don’t need to be an expert tradesman—just willing to work hard and serve faithfully.

Please pray that this need is filled quickly and for all who labor for the Lord in Uganda.

If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please reach out to OPC CFM General Secretary, Douglas Clawson: Douglas.clawson@opc.org.

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.