• engaging Community
  • Operation Manna
  • Community Opportunity Scan
  • Stories of Transformation
    
• equipping Deacons
  • Now You're A Deacon
  • FAQ
  • Caring with Compassion
  • Community Ministry
  • Involving Your Congregation
  • Justice
  • Stewardship
  • Refugee Ministry
  • Diaconal Conference
  • Day of Encouragement
  • Resources
• doing
  Justice
  • Why Do Justice?
  • Aboriginal People
  • People with Disabilities
  • People who are Homeless
  • Immigrants
  • People experiencing Mental Illness
  • Refugees
  • One Parent Families
  • Working Poor
  • Resources
• 
  Resources

FAQ: The Deacon and Community Ministry

How does a church identify opportunities for ministry in the community?

If a church wants to be involved in the community, and is looking for opportunities to partner with other organizations, start new ministries, or make changes to existing programs, a church ought to consider conducting a Community Opportunity Scan (COS).

A Community Opportunity Scan:

• guides a church to see and hear what God is already doing in the community.
• helps a church understand its community.
• reveals ministry opportunities.
• challenges a church to become involved in the community.
• nurtures a heart for the harvest.

 

What are some of the steps involved with a Community Opportunity Scan (COS)?

• Determine the commitment of the church to the community and review the purpose of a COS.
• Assign a special task group made up of various ministry leaders and interested individuals.
• Identify the scope of the scan i.e. the size and location of the community, estimated costs, and a timeframe.
• Listen to community leaders, agencies, churches, service providers, and the local neighborhood.
• Identify the gifts, passions and resources of the church for community ministry.
• Pray and discern God’s call for the church in response to needs and opportunities in the community.

 

What are some ways in which deacons may lead the church to connect to its community?

There are many doorways into the community that God opens for us. Deacons can participate in creating some of the following entry points for ministry in the community by:

• Creating awareness helps church members become aware of the life experience of particular people in your community (to help them connect).
• Identifying service opportunities provides opportunities for church members to become personally involved in service work and/or a one-to-one relationship (to help build relationships with people).
• Developing partnerships through which the church can work with other agencies/churches on a joint project (to help accomplish a task better).
• Evaluating existing activities to consider how existing programs could be reshaped to provide better access, relevance and connection to the community.
• Developing new ministry activities that respond to specific needs or opportunities (to develop an intentional Christian response).
• Inviting a Community Ministry Developer to lead an Open Doorways workshop in your church.

 

What is Operation Manna?

Operation Manna is a program of Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC) which provides funding and development services for community ministry based in local churches and non-profit Christian agencies across Canada. Funding is available for pilot projects, community opportunity scans, and new program initiatives. The staff of DMC provides partner organizations with the tools needed to develop effective community ministries.  Recent partner projects include youth centres, adult literacy programs, job-readiness training, children's programs, community ministry coordinators, and support services for people with mental illness.

Is Operation Manna available throughout Canada?

Yes, Operation Manna provides funding and development services for community ministry based in local churches and non-profit Christian agencies throughout the entire country of Canada.  New partnerships continue to be developed with church plants, established churches and Christian community organizations.  DMC staff are available to meet with churches and organizations interested in learning more about Operation Manna.

How is the Operation Manna program funded?

Operation Manna is supported by the generous gifts of Christian Reformed Churches offered each spring on Operation Manna Sunday (frequently the first Sunday in May). This annual offering provides the funds required to provide grants to partner projects, and supports administration of the program.

How does a church/ministry apply for Operation Manna funding?

New applications are accepted in August each year.  It is advisable to contact one of the three Community Ministry Developers to get an application form:

• Western Canada: Henry Bosch (780) 423-0456
• Eastern Canada: Tammy Heidbuurt (905) 543-0988

 

How is a diaconate able to respond to the many requests for assistance from its community?

A tool is available to help deacons decide whom they are best equipped to help. It is titled Guidelines for Benevolence. These guidelines will help the church family to know when to spend a significant amount of time with a need or when to refer a person to other community agencies.

It is important to be aware of attitudes and behaviours that guide your response to those in need.

• Listen to understand
• Know your biases and prejudices
• Respect personal information

 

The church is able to offer supportive relationships and programs that offer hope. Churches by nature have great potential to develop relationships with people in need. Emergency help may be appropriate, but unless it addresses the reason for the crisis, the crisis will likely be repeated.  Church members can show Christ’s love to others most authentically through relationships.