The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy

Pay with

About The Deacon: Biblical Foundations For Today's

The office of deacon is God’s gift to His church to ensure that all can share in the liberating joy of redemption, but today it is often undervalued, misunderstood, and perceived to be of little importance. In The Deacon, the author considers the Old Testament background for this calling, the deacon in New Testament times and in church history, and the current function of the office. You will rediscover the high and privileged calling of deacons and come to a better understanding of what God requires of them.Table of Contents:PrefaceIntroductionPart 1—The Old Testament Background1. The Poor in Israel2. Providing for the PoorPart 2—New Testament Times3. Christ’s Teaching on the Poor and Needy4. Ministering to the Poor in Acts 65. The Office of Deacon6. Female Deacon?Part 3—The Office of Deacon in the History of the Church7. The Testimony of the Early Church and the Heritage of the Reformation8. Women and the Diaconate Part 4—The Current Functioning of the Office9. The Official Position of the Deacon Today10. Enabling and Prioritizing11. The Diaconal Ministry within the Congregation12. The Diaconal Ministry outside the Congregation13. The Blessing of the Poor Questions for Study and ReflectionResources for Further Study on DeaconsAuthor:Cornelis Van Dam is emeritus professor of Old Testament at Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the author of The Elder: Today’s Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture.Endorsements:“Dr. Van Dam’s book is an excellent treatment of the work of deacons. Writing from a Reformed perspective, he discusses the biblical foundations (both Old and New Testament), church-historical developments, and practical aspects of the work of deacons today. I plan to prescribe this book as a textbook for diaconal studies at seminary. While the content is roote