The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The office of deacon is God’s gift to His church, 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.
This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.
- Considers the Old Testament background for this calling.
- Rediscovers the high and privileged calling of deacons.
- Invites to come to a better understanding of what God requires of them.
- Preface
- Introduction
- Part 1 - The Old Testament Background
- 1. The Poor in Israel
- 2. Providing for the Poor
- Part 2 - New Testament Times
- 3. Christ’s Teaching on the Poor and Needy
- 4. Ministering to the Poor in Acts 6
- 5. The Office of Deacon
- 6. Female Deacon?
- Part 3 - The Office of Deacon in the History of the Church
- 7. The Testimony of the Early Church and the Heritage of the Reformation
- 8. Women and the Diaconate
- Part 4 - The Current Functioning of the Office
- 9. The Official Position of the Deacon Today
- 10. Enabling and Prioritizing
- 11. The Diaconal Ministry within the Congregation
- 12. The Diaconal Ministry outside the Congregation
- 13. The Blessing of the Poor
- Questions for Study and Reflection
- Resources for Further Study on Deacons
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 rooted in scholarly research, it is written in such a way that deacons, deacons-in-training, and interested church members will enjoy reading and studying the book.
—Arjan de Visser, professor of ecclesiology and diaconiology, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary
Deacons are Christ’s priestly heart and arms of mercy reaching to, embracing, and showing compassion to the poor and afflicted. Unfortunately, there are few helpful, compelling books on the deacon’s office today. This one is a notable exception. Drawing from his careful research in Holy Scripture and Christian history, Cornelis Van Dam lays out a clear and compelling case for what diaconal ministry should look like today. Highly recommended!
—Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dr. Van Dam has provided the modern church with a much-needed work on the office of the deacon. In a day and age when pastors and their congregations are confused about what a biblical deacon does—and does not do—Dr. Van Dam brings clarity by providing the Old Testament background for the New Testament deacon as well as a treatment of the office of the deacon in the history of the church. This is a book for professors, pastors, seminary students, diaconates, and congregations. I highly recommend this timely work!
—Ron Gleason, senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Yorba Linda, California
- Title: The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today
- Author: Cornelis Van Dam
- Publisher: Reformation Heritage
- Print Publication Date: 2016
- Pages: 256
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- ISBNs: 9781601785114, 1601785119
- Resource ID: LLS:DCNBBLCLMRCYTDY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-07T22:18:57Z