LeAnn guessed correctly, the guest speaker for the Des Moines deacon community was….Deacon Greg Kandra of the diocese of Brooklyn New York and the popular “The Deacons Bench”. Deacon Greg is an extremely nice and personable man. I really enjoyed talking with him—especially about blogging.

I was delighted when the diaconate education committee approved my husband’s recommendation (yes it was my idea) to invite Deacon Greg to speak; and I was thrilled when Deacon Greg accepted. But I must admit that I was just a wee bit nervous. Not everyone who writes with a golden pen speaks with a golden tongue.

It turns out that deacon Greg is a gifted and articulate speaker. He was speaking on the importance of using the new media in spreading the Good News. Some of the deacons were a bit resistant to the idea. But deacon Greg was as patient with his audience as he is passionate about his subject.. What really impressed me, however, was that he was always respectful. He was never patronizing or condescending.

That is a pitfall that is often hard to avoid, because speakers often are not aware that are talking down to their audience. It took me several years to be patient and respectful. Deacon Greg is a natural.

My only complaint is that his visit with us was far too short. Deacon hubby and I hope that he comes again for a longer stay. Oh and deacon Greg thinks that “You really ought  to give Iowa a try.”

Bravo Deacon Greg. Thank you!