FEATURE

“Church officers have more ability than they maybe even appreciate to create the environment within the church that is loving and safe,” says Rev. Fikkert. John encourages the church to, “[Be] a little more intentional about thinking through how we do that.”

The latest episode of The Reformed Deacon is a conversation every deacon, church officer and member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church could benefit from. This episode features Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC’s Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a licensed psychologist. They speak with host Rev. Adrian Crum (Associate pastor at Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI and member of the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries) about how church leaders—and the church body—can walk alongside those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns.

Dr. Lindsay Fikkert reflects on the need for partnership between church and counselor: “I have limits as a professional too. So, whereas I have some training and skills to be able to offer someone who, say, suffering from depression, at the end of the day, when the hour is up, because of the professional boundaries, there are things I can't do… And so, this is where partnership is so important. I can't replace the things that deacons can do, or the body of Christ can do to come alongside somebody in need.”

This episode provides insight and deep theological grounding but cautions us to go slowly. “Most of the work as a helper or as a deacon is being a listener, not a firefighter,” says Rev. Fikkert. “Being slow to judgment and quick to listen is always a good approach.”

This conversation is rich with practical suggestions and biblical encouragement for caring well within the church and can help us all to come alongside those who often suffer in silence. Adrian even shares personally how John, through his role in the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, supported him during a difficult season.

Don’t miss this powerful episode! Listen now!

You can find all of our episodes on your favorite podcast player or by going to thereformeddeacon.org.