This article helps us to consider how to go about nominating office-bearers in the church. It discusses what office-bearers—elders and deacons—are called to do, and what qualifications for leadership they are required to have. In relation to this, consideration is given to 1 Timothy 3.
The office of deacon should not be viewed as a stepping stone to the office of elder. Understanding the diaconal office is conditioned upon understanding the offices of Christ. The deacons function as a reflection of the priesthood of Christ. This article explains how.
This article is a continuation of the previous articles entitled Diaconal Conferences. Considering the difficult nature of their work, this article is designed to encourage deacons to do their work faithfully and diligently. It is a call to both elders and the congregation to encourage deacons. The author also highlights that Christ promises a reward for faithful deacons - this also is a great encouragement to deacons to perform their work to the best of their abilities.
Anyone who is called to be a deacon must also possess the desire to fulfill this office. In this article the author shows that with the desire to be a deacon comes the responsibility to examine oneself to see if one is qualified according to the biblical standard. These standards encompass how the man treats his wife and children and how he is involved in the church prior to entering into the office of deacon.
Anyone who is called to be a deacon must also possess the desire to fulfill this task. At the same time, one must be able to distinguish between right and wrong motivations behind this desire, and the way in which the desire is expressed. Having a desire for the office of deacon does not guarantee the call, but is necessary for it.
Diaconal work is a great blessing for the church. How can deacons be more effective? Deacons’ meetings can be a great benefit to the congregation, the poor and the deacons themselves.
This article discusses the role of the congregation in the election of the deacons. It discusses the process of suggesting names, approving them, and the act of electing deacons.
This article discusses three biblical principles that must govern the election and installation of deacons.
Deacons who serve well are promised a reward, according to 1 Timothy 3:13. This article discusses the nature of this reward, the encouragement needed by deacons, and those deacons who will get the reward.
To hold a special office in the church means that one is given authority by God and Christ to represent Christ. This article argues that since the deacons have an office they have authority. It discusses how this authority is made public and the implications it must have on the deacons and their work.
Not only are the church and its elders responsible for the election and installation of deacons, but the nominee has a responsibility too. This article discusses the nominee’s responsibility, and the reason for removing someone from the nomination list.
The truth that Christ is our merciful High Priest is the basis for the diaconate. This article shows that Christ continues his high-priestly work through the office of deacons.
The office of deacon has a special place within Reformed churches. This article traces the development of such a place throughout the history of the Reformed churches.
This article gives a historical overview of the development of the office of deacon since the Reformation.
The development of the hierarchical structure in the church, the unbiblical understanding of the responsibility of the deacons, and the modification of the biblical qualifications of office of deacons are what led to the deformation of the office. This is what the article explains.
There are sometimes situations that may force a deacon to resign or be removed from office. This article discusses issues related to the resignation of a deacon as well as the removal of a deacon from office.
This article considers how long should deacons serve in office, and after how long are they eligible for nomination again.
This article explains the significance of the installation ceremony for the deacons and the congregation.
Office-bearers are given by Christ to his church to equip the saints. This article looks at the biblical foundation for the role of elders and deacons, their qualifications and duties, with texts such as 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
The coming together of deacons nationally can be of great benefit to the ministry of mercy. The author of these articles encourages the practice of diaconal conferences, discussing the biblical grounds for it, it's purpose, and the way in which it should be organized.
The coming together of deacons nationally can be of great benefit to the ministry of mercy. The author of these articles encourages the practice of diaconal conferences, discussing the biblical grounds for it, it's purpose, and the way in which it should be organized.
What should the relationship between elders and deacons look like? Should deacons be part of the consistory meeting? This article provides a historical perspective on the practice of deacons and elders working together.
What should the relationship between elders and deacons look like? This distinguishes between work which must be done by the consistory and work which is to be done by deacons. The author also discusses shared tasks.
Looking at the Belgic Confession Article 30, Scripture (Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13) and church history, the author of this article maintains that elders and deacons are called to work together.
Diaconal work is a great blessing for the church. How can deacons be more effective? Deacons’ meetings can be a great benefit to the congregation, the poor and the deacons themselves. This article gives an example of a typical deacons' meeting.
Diaconal work is a great blessing for the church. How can deacons be more effective? Deacons’ meetings can be a great benefit to the congregation, the poor and the deacons themselves. This article gives an example of a typical deacons' meeting.
This series of articles continues the discussion of the office of deacons. Looking at 1 Timothy 5:9-10 and 1 Timothy 3:11, this series focuses on how women in the church can support the work of the diaconate. This article gives a historical survey of how these texts were implemented in Reformed churches from the time of the Reformation up to the present.
This series of articles continues the discussion of the office of deacons. Looking at 1 Timothy 5:9-10 and 1 Timothy 3:11, this series focuses on how women in the church can support the work of the diaconate. This article gives a historical survey of how these texts were implemented in the early church and the middle ages in regard to the role of women in the church.
This series of articles continues the discussion of the office of deacons. Looking at 1 Timothy 5:9-10 and 1 Timothy 3:11, this series focuses on how women in the church can support the work of the diaconate. The church today should realize that although the office of deacon is held by men, women can play a significant role in fulfilling this ministry of mercy.
This article is about the question if women can be in the office of deacon (deaconess). Scripture passages like Romans 16:1 and 1 Timothy 3:11 are discussed.
Why are deacons ordained? This articles argues that deacons are ordained to represent Christ's offices as priest, prophet, and king.
This article looks at John Calvin's idea of women in the office of deacon (deaconess).
