Diaconal Ministries Canada

06/12/2026

What does it mean for the church to move beyond its walls in a rapidly changing world?

At the Canadian National Gathering, we joined church leaders, young adults, pastors, church planters, and community practitioners from across Canada in the Community Engagement Stream to listen, learn, and discern together.

Together we reflected on what our roots are, shared stories of churches moving beyond their walls, uncovered patterns of meaningful community engagement, and discovered how an asset-based approach can help us build relationships, nurture belonging, and join God in the work already happening around us.

Together we named wisdom, wrestled with barriers, and imagined what an incarnational, asset-based future for ministry in Canada might look like.

06/09/2026

Appreciation Post:
We want to thank our Western Canada Regional Director, Rachel Vroege, for her dedication, passion and heart over the past 13 years.

Through her work in Asset-Based Community Development, Rachel moved DMC to persistently challenge congregations to start noticing what God had already placed among them - the gifts, the relationships, the quiet capacities in their communities just waiting to be tapped into. For Rachel, justice and flourishing has never been a program or talking point. It is a conviction, rooted in Scripture, expressed in relationships, and lived out in faithful actions. She reminded churches, again and again, that diaconal ministry means more than responding to immediate needs. It means paying attention to the systems and circumstances that create those needs. It means seeing neighbors not as problems to be managed, but as image-bearers to be known, valued, and stood beside.

As Rachel moves on to new ministry opportunities with M2W2, we wish her all the best and pray God's blessing over her. Thank you Rachel, we will miss you!

(For further reflections check out our equip blog https://diaconalministries.com/leadership-development/tribute-to-rachel/ )

05/26/2026

Spring Classis Meeting season is in full effect! Deacons in Eastern Canada, see if you can spot Mark at your classis and snap a picture with him 📸🧐.
He'd love to chat and share about the resources and workshops DMC offers as a way to walk alongside you and your diaconate. Don't forget to send us your pictures!😃

04/30/2026

Are you interested in seeing real healing in your church or community? If you’re looking to deepen your capacity for justice and reconciliation work, we invite you to join our partners at Canadian Justice Ministries and Resonate as they host a four-day immersive workshop from Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations. Early Bird rates apply until May 1st, so register today!

DETAILS:
When: July 6-10, 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre | Paris, Ontario
Learn more about the cost, details, and registration here: tinyurl.com/yj972wxe

Are you interested in seeing real healing in your church or community?

Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations (HHTN) is a four-day immersive workshop designed for those engaged in justice, reconciliation, and intercultural community work. Rooted in a biblical vision of shalom, this experience equips participants with practical tools for personal healing, relationship-building, and leading reconciliation in different contexts.

Through interactive teaching, guided dialogue, and reflective exercises, you’ll gain skills in trauma-informed ministry, intercultural teamwork, and building relationships.

When: July 6-10, 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre | Paris, Ontario

If you’re looking to deepen your capacity for justice and reconciliation work, we invite you to join us.

Learn more about the cost, details, and registration here: tinyurl.com/yj972wxe

04/28/2026

If you are in the Edmonton area, we invite you to join our friends Dr. Rev. Parry Stelter and Jeremiah Bašurić at New Hope Christian Assembly on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm for a free community event titled "Riding the Waves of Grief and Trauma". Come find a safe, supportive space for healing and reflection.

If you’re in the Edmonton area, you’re invited to a free community event titled "Riding the Waves of Grief and Trauma" on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Grief and loss often feel like overwhelming waves, but there is a path toward navigating them through cultural, ritual, and spiritual health.

This gathering at New Hope Christian Assembly (7625 89 St.) features Jeremiah Bašurić and facilitator Dr. Rev. Parry Stelter, who will offer practical tips on how to rise through the waves of grief no matter the type of loss you are carrying. The day will also include an Indigenous flute performance by Mark Taylor, and food will be provided.

Come find a safe, supportive space for healing and reflection.

04/23/2026

Has your community been impacted by the affordable housing crisis? Maybe you have questions about how your church can come alongside your unhoused neighbours? You won't want to miss our upcoming webinar on Monday May 4, 2026 at 7:30 pm EST.

Our guest presenter, Teresa Howe from Indwell, will deepen our understanding of the housing crisis and offer options on how we might be part of restoring connection, dignity and community flourishing in our communities. Indwell's model for supportive housing now involves over 1200 units in 30 locations and is frequently sought after by communities across Ontario.

Register today for this online event! You won't want to miss this timely conversation.

https://diaconalministries.com/events/

Fun Fact: Indwell was a NewGround community ministry partner over 25 years ago back when we both had different names (Homestead and Operation Manna).

04/23/2026

Great night at First CRC Owen Sound connecting with Deacons and Elders and asking what God might have planned for Owen Sound?

04/17/2026

In the Edmonton area? You don't want to miss the Faith in Action Workshop being held at Trinity CRC on Monday, April 20th from 7-9pm. REGISTER TODAY!

Join Cindy Stover, Justice Mobilizer, and Parry Stelter, Diaconal Ministry Coach, for an interactive workshop on how our faith calls us to justice and community transformation.

Learn about what it means to move from “doing for” to “walking with” our neighbours in a way that honours God and develops our advocacy practice into a spiritual discipline. Come for the learning, and leave with the tools to practice advocacy in many areas that you and your church are passionate about!

To register: https://diaconalministries.com/events/

04/15/2026

Amy, our NewGround Coordinator, chatted with John, our National Director this week for a little insider scoop on NewGround.

Whether it’s some lighthearted fun, posing a different perspective or talking through the challenges, NewGround is more than just a grant program. We offer coaching alongside financial resources to support sustainable, community-driven ministry. We can’t do it alone, and are grateful for all the churches and individuals who invest in leaders and ministry across Canada.

Faith Builds. Love Moves. Hope Lasts.🌱

P.S. If you want to learn more about Brunchkins, one of our NewGround Community Ministry partners, visit: https://www.facebook.com/brunchkins/ .