Our Ministries
Serving God's people and our community through a wide range of Spirit-led ministries.
Serving Together for God's Glory
At Diakonia Christian Church, we believe every believer is gifted and called to serve. Our ministries provide opportunities for people of all ages to use their gifts, grow in faith, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Worship & Music Ministry
The Worship and Music Ministry at Diakonia is dedicated to leading the congregation into the presence of God through heartfelt, Scripture-saturated worship. Our worship services feature a thoughtful blend of timeless hymns and contemporary praise, reflecting the rich heritage of the Christian faith while speaking to the hearts of a new generation.
Our ministry includes a vocal choir of over forty members, a worship band with skilled instrumentalists, a sound and media team, and a dedicated group of worship leaders who prayerfully prepare each week to create an atmosphere of reverence and joy. We also host occasional Nights of Worship — extended evenings of praise and prayer open to the entire community.
Rehearsals: Thursdays at 7:00 PM · Director: Daniel Park
Children's Ministry (Birth – 5th Grade)
Diakonia Kids is a vibrant, age-appropriate ministry that introduces children to the love of Jesus through Bible stories, worship, crafts, games, and life application lessons. We are passionate about partnering with parents to lay a strong spiritual foundation in the hearts of our youngest members.
Our programs include a fully staffed nursery for infants and toddlers, a preschool program (ages 3–5) focused on foundational Bible truths, and an elementary program (grades K–5) that uses engaging curriculum to explore the grand narrative of Scripture. All of our volunteers are background-checked, trained in child safety, and deeply committed to the spiritual formation of every child.
We also host an annual Vacation Bible School each summer, attracting over 200 children from the church and surrounding community, as well as special family events throughout the year.
Sundays: During both 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM services · Director: Lisa Chen
Youth Ministry (6th – 12th Grade)
Diakonia Youth exists to connect students with God, with each other, and with their God-given purpose. In a world that constantly competes for the attention and allegiance of young people, we provide a Christ-centered environment where teens can ask hard questions, wrestle with real issues, and discover the relevance of the Gospel for their lives.
Our weekly youth group meets on Wednesday evenings and includes worship, teaching, small group discussions, and games. We also offer retreats, mission trips, service projects, and social events throughout the year. Our goal is to raise up a generation of young men and women who love God deeply, think critically, and live courageously for Christ.
Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:30 PM · Pastor: James Whitfield
Small Groups & Discipleship
We believe that spiritual growth happens best in the context of authentic community. Our small group ministry connects people in groups of 8–12 for weekly Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. Groups meet in homes throughout Springfield and are organized by life stage, geographical area, and area of study.
In addition to small groups, we offer one-on-one mentoring relationships, new believer classes, and seasonal topical studies that address issues such as marriage, parenting, finances, grief, and spiritual disciplines. Whether you are new to the faith or have walked with Christ for decades, there is a group for you.
Various days and locations · Contact: Pastor Rebecca Osei
Community Outreach & Benevolence
The outreach ministry of Diakonia Christian Church is the practical expression of our name — service. We are committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community, meeting tangible needs and sharing the hope of the Gospel with those who are hurting, hungry, and in need.
Our outreach programs include:
- Grace Pantry: A weekly food distribution program serving over 120 families each month with nutritious groceries and household essentials.
- Clothing Closet: A free clothing ministry providing gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to individuals and families in need.
- Home Repair Ministry: Volunteer teams who assist elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners with basic home maintenance and repairs.
- Job Skills Training: Workshops and one-on-one coaching to help community members develop employable skills, build resumes, and prepare for interviews.
- ESL Classes: Free English language instruction for immigrants and refugees, offered in partnership with local literacy organizations.
- Back-to-School Drive: An annual event providing backpacks, school supplies, and haircuts to hundreds of students each August.
Director: Maria Gonzalez
Global Missions
Diakonia Christian Church is deeply committed to the Great Commission — the command of our Lord to "go and make disciples of all nations." We believe that the Gospel is for every tribe, tongue, and nation, and we actively support the work of missions both financially and through direct engagement.
We currently partner with eight missionary families and organizations serving in Honduras, Kenya, Uganda, India, Cambodia, the Philippines, Guatemala, and Romania. Our church allocates 15% of its annual budget to global missions and sends multiple short-term mission teams each year.
In addition to international missions, we support church planting efforts across North America and partner with local organizations to reach the unreached in our own city.
Missions Coordinator: Elder Samuel Torres
Women's Ministry
The Women's Ministry of Diakonia provides a nurturing community where women of all ages and stages of life can grow in their relationship with God and with one another. Our ministry offers Bible studies, prayer groups, mentoring relationships, retreats, and fellowship events designed to encourage, equip, and empower women to live out their calling in Christ.
Highlights include our annual Women's Retreat, monthly fellowship brunches, a semester-long Bible study each fall and spring, and a mentoring program that pairs seasoned women of faith with younger believers for one-on-one discipleship.
Leader: Sarah Harmon · Bible Study: Tuesdays at 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry exists to challenge and equip men to be godly leaders in their homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. Through Bible study, accountability groups, service projects, and fellowship activities, we encourage men to pursue spiritual maturity and live with integrity and purpose.
Our programs include a Saturday morning Bible study and breakfast, quarterly men's events (fishing trips, workdays, BBQs), an annual men's retreat, and service-oriented projects such as our Home Repair Ministry and community clean-up days.
Leader: Elder Robert Nash · Men's Breakfast: 2nd Saturday, 7:30 AM
Senior Adults Ministry
Our Senior Adults Ministry honors and serves the most seasoned members of our church family. We provide opportunities for fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and continued service, recognizing that older adults have a wealth of wisdom, experience, and faith to share with the broader congregation.
Programs include a weekly fellowship luncheon, ongoing Bible studies tailored to the interests of senior adults, day trips and excursions, visitation of homebound members, and intergenerational mentoring opportunities.
Leader: Deacon Martha Reynolds · Fellowship Lunch: Thursdays at 11:30 AM
Additional Ministries & Teams
Prayer Ministry
Our intercessory prayer team meets every Wednesday at 6:00 AM and Sunday morning at 8:00 AM to lift up the needs of the church, the community, and the world. We also maintain a confidential prayer chain that can be activated by contacting the church office. Every prayer request submitted through our website or prayer box is prayed over individually by a dedicated team member. We believe prayer is the engine that drives every ministry of this church.
Hospitality Ministry
The Hospitality Ministry ensures that every person who walks through our doors — whether a first-time visitor or a long-time member — feels genuinely welcomed and cared for. This ministry includes our Sunday greeting team, the Welcome Center, the coffee and refreshment station, and the meal coordination team that provides meals for families during illness, bereavement, or the birth of a child. Our team of over 30 volunteers rotates weekly to serve with warmth and excellence.
Tech & Media Ministry
Behind every worship service, live stream, and multimedia presentation is our Tech & Media Ministry. This team manages sound engineering, projection, lighting, live streaming to YouTube and Facebook, video recording and editing, and our church website and social media channels. Training is provided for all volunteers. Whether you're a tech-savvy veteran or just want to learn, there's a role for you on this growing team.
Benevolence Ministry
When members of our church or community face financial hardship due to job loss, medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other crises, the Benevolence Ministry provides emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food, and other essential needs. All requests are reviewed confidentially by our benevolence committee. Last year, this ministry distributed over $45,000 in direct assistance to 78 families. We believe bearing one another's burdens is a sacred calling of the church.
International Fellowship
Springfield is home to a growing international community, and our International Fellowship ministry welcomes immigrants, refugees, international students, and their families. We host monthly international potluck dinners where cultures are shared and celebrated, conversation partner programs for English learners, immigration resource workshops, and holiday hospitality events that invite international friends into American homes. This ministry embodies our belief that the body of Christ is made up of every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Home Repair Ministry
Skilled and unskilled volunteers come together to provide free home repair and maintenance services to elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners in Springfield. Projects range from minor plumbing and electrical fixes to painting, roofing, wheelchair ramp construction, and weatherization. Since 2012, this ministry has completed over 200 home repair projects and invested more than 5,000 volunteer hours in our community. No experience is necessary — just a willing heart and a pair of work gloves.
Grief & Loss Support
Walking through the valley of grief is one of the most challenging experiences in life, and no one should have to walk it alone. Our Grief & Loss Support ministry offers a 12-week facilitated support group for those who have lost a loved one, as well as one-on-one pastoral care visits. We also host an annual "Service of Remembrance" in November where families gather to honor the memory of departed loved ones through Scripture reading, candlelight, music, and prayer.
Podcast & Broadcast Ministry
Our weekly podcast, "The Diakonia Pulpit," makes sermon audio available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Additionally, we produce a short-form daily devotional podcast, "Five Minutes in the Word," which reaches over 2,000 listeners per week. The broadcast team also manages our YouTube channel, producing sermon videos, worship highlights, ministry profiles, and special event recordings that extend our reach far beyond the walls of the church building.
Marriage & Family Ministry
Strong families build strong churches, and our Marriage & Family Ministry is committed to helping couples and families thrive. We offer pre-marital counseling (required for all couples married at Diakonia), marriage enrichment retreats, date night events, parenting workshops, and family devotional resources. We also host an annual Marriage Conference featuring nationally recognized speakers and practical breakout sessions on communication, conflict resolution, finances, and spiritual leadership in the home.
Ministry Impact at a Glance
How to Get Involved
We believe every member of the body of Christ has unique gifts and talents that are meant to be used for the glory of God and the building up of the church. Whether you're a seasoned servant or exploring ministry for the first time, we have a place for you.
Take our free Spiritual Gifts Assessment, available online or in print at the Welcome Center. This tool helps you identify your God-given strengths and match them to ministry opportunities.
We host Ministry Fairs twice a year (September and January) where you can meet ministry leaders, ask questions, and sign up to serve. In the meantime, you can contact any ministry leader directly through the church office.
All new volunteers attend a brief orientation that covers our volunteer policies, background check process (required for children's and youth workers), and expectations for service. This ensures a safe and enriching experience for everyone.
Once your orientation is complete, you'll be paired with an experienced team member who will help you get settled into your new role. We want you to feel supported and equipped from day one.
Ready to Serve?
Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and a ministry leader will reach out to you within one week to discuss opportunities that match your gifts and interests.
Volunteer Interest FormOr call the church office:
(217) 555-0142
Ready to Get Involved?
We would love to help you find the right place to serve and grow. Contact us to learn more about any of our ministries or to volunteer.
Contact Us