What Is It?

Deacon Essentials is a leadership development course designed in partnership with Diaconal Ministries Canada and World Renew to equip those who are preparing to serve as a deacon or those who are deacons in the Christian Reformed Church. This 5-lesson course will orient your team to the teachings about deacons in the Bible, in our confessions, and the ordination form for deacons. By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of your role as a deacon and how you can participate in God's mission as it is uniquely embodied by your church. Thrive is able to make Deacon Essentials and other resources freely available to our churches, thanks to their ongoing financial support of our ministry.

Who’s It For?

Deacon Essentials is for ALL deacons in your church. Perhaps you are new to the role and a little unsure of what is expected of you. Or perhaps you have been a deacon a number of times but are looking for inspiration and fresh insight into your role. Or perhaps you just want a refresher course on what it means to be a deacon. Whatever the reasons that brought you here, we are confident you and your deacon team will benefit from this journey of learning, discernment, and reflection.

Flexible Learning for Deacons

There is no "one size fits all" way to use these materials. Choose the format that best fits your church’s rhythm:

• Retreats: Cover all six lessons during a focused retreat.
• Regular Meetings: Set aside one hour every two weeks or once a month.
• Pre-Meeting Study: Read lessons individually and spend 20–30 minutes discussing them at your meeting.
• Individual Orientation: New deacons can work through the material independently to prepare for their role.

Feel equipped and empowered to serve your church faithfully.