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Deacon - General

Looking for Leaders

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  • William H. Smith

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.

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A Deacon Catechism

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  • William Shishko

This article gives answers to questions pertaining to the deacons – their authority, calling, qualification and work. 

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The Office of Mercy – Its Basis

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  • Gord Schipper

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.

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Challenges That Deacons Face Today

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  • James Visscher

This article looks at different challenges that deacons face in the congregation, which include personal challenges, church challenges, and support challenges. The author gives guidelines for how the diaconate can deal with these challenges.

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The Diaconate – An Overview

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  • M. Assink

This article discusses the place of deacons in the diaconal congregation, as well as the purpose and qualifications of deacons. The place of deaconesses is also discussed.

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Diaconal Office in Scriptural Perspective

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  • M. Assink

This article looks at the root of the office of deacon in both the Old and New Testament. The author also explores the relationship of deacons to the diaconal nature of the church. What is the diaconal task of the congregation?

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Office of Deacon in the Churches

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  • Unknown

This article is on the office of deacon. What are the biblical grounds, necessary qualifications, and duty of the diaconate?

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My Last Word: Let the Deacons Use Their Office Well

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Preparing for the Office of Deacon (3): Being Qualified and Being Involved

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Preparing for the Office of Deacon (2): Educating Oneself and Supporting One’s Officebearers

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

Anyone who is called to be a deacon must be willing to educate himself to prepare for this office. This education is rooted in the desire to exalt Christ and serve others. The attitude towards those currently in the office is essential to determining if the desire to be a deacon is healthy.

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Preparing for the Office of Deacon (1): Desiring the Office

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Deacons’ Meetings (1): Their Benefits

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Prophetic Aspect of the Deacons’ Work (2): Implementing This Aspect

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article discusses the implementation of the prophetic aspect of the work of deacons. How should the deacons teach and bring the Word of God to the people?

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The Prophetic Aspect of the Deacons’ Work (1): The Argument that There is Such an Aspect

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

Is it proper to speak of diaconal work as having a prophetic aspect? This article answers this question, discussing how deacons must be bold to bring God's word to God's people in their needs.

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Finances in the church

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  • Douwe G. J. Agema

This is an overview of biblical management of church finances, collections and accountability of church finances.

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The Deacons' Meeting

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  • John R. Sittema

This article offers some reflections on the character of deacons' meetings. It suggests a division of labour among the deacons, and indicates that they should function as the committee of ministries, since the the primary work of the deacon is pastoral administration of gifts in their diversity. It also suggests what kind of schedule the meetings should have.

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Where Have All the Deacons Gone?

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  • James Visscher

This article is about the importance of the office of deacon for the church today. The office of deacon is not just about handling finances, but about equipping church members for service to the Lord.

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The Deacon and Home Visits

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  • K. T. De Jonge

Should the deacon do home visits, and if so, what should such a visit look like? This article also looks at the unity of the pastoral home visit by elders and the visits by deacons.

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Ten Things You Should Know about Deacons in the New Testament

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  • Sam Storms

What does the word "deacon" mean? What are the responsibilities of deacons? This article engages with these questions by looking at ten things you need to know about deacons in the New Testament.

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Service

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  • C. A. VanDoodewaard

This article explains the role of the diaconate in the church. It shows different areas deacons are called to serve in the church.

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Perspectives from the Past: Brakel on the Diaconate

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  • Wilhelmus à Brakel

The office of deacon is one instituted by Christ. This article gives the biblical grounds to show that the office of deacons is a divine institution. It explains the qualifications and duties of deacons.

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The Election and Installation of Deacons: The Congregation’s Role

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Election and Installation of Deacons: Biblical Principles

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article discusses three biblical principles that must govern the election and installation of deacons.

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The Reward of Using the Office of Deacon Well

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Nature of the Diaconate: An Office of Authority

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Fundamental Work of the Deacons: Distributing the Alms

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

Deacons are called to care for the poor and the needy. This means deacons must be able to determine and relieve need. This article explains that deacons must distribute alms according to the need, sincerely desiring to help the poor and show genuine love of Christ. The manner and condition of alms distributions are discussed.

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The Election and Installation of Deacons: The Nominee’s Calling

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Basis for the Diaconate: Christ Our Merciful High Priest

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Basis for the Diaconate: God’s Care for His Poor

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

God cared for the poor through his commands to care for them, as well as through his promises to bless his church if she cares for the poor and to judge her if she fails to care for the poor. This article argues that this care is the basis for the diaconate work.

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The History of the Diaconate: Its Place in the Reformed Churches

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The History of the Diaconate: Its Place in Christendom Since the Reformation

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article gives a historical overview of the development of the office of deacon since the Reformation.

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The Nature of the Diaconate: The Office of Mercy

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

The diaconate is different in its nature from the office of elder. This article explains that the difference lies in that the deacons have authority to administer God’s mercy to his people.

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The History of the Diaconate: Its Deformation

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Election and Installation of Deacons: Resignation and Removal From Office

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Election and Installation of Deacons: Tenure of Office

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article considers how long should deacons serve in office, and after how long are they eligible for nomination again.

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The Election and Installation of Deacons: The Installation Ceremony

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article explains the significance of the installation ceremony for the deacons and the congregation.   

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The Role of Office-Bearers

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  • Karlo Janssen

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.

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The Office of Deacon

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  • Mark J. Larson

The diaconal office exists to express Christ’s mercy and compassion. This article looks at the origin, model, and limits of deacons.

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The Meetings of the Diaconate

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  • M. Assink

This article discusses the principles for conducting diaconal meetings, as well as the objective and agenda of such meetings.

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Diaconal Conferences (2)

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Diaconal Conferences (1)

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Deacons’ Relationship to the Consistory (4): The Consistory Meetings to Which Deacons are Added

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Deacons’ Relationship to the Consistory (3): The Council Meetings

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Deacons’ Relationship to the Consistory (2): The Necessity of Such a Relationship

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article gives three reasons for the elders and deacons to have a working relationship. In the end their work is a manifestation of Christ's saving work.

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The Deacons’ Relationship to the Consistory (1): The Confessional and Scriptural Indication of Such a Relationship

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Deacons’ Meetings (3): A View from the Observers’ Gallery (continued)

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Deacons’ Meetings (2): A View from the Observers’ Gallery

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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The Deacon

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  • Douwe G. J. Agema

This is an overview of the role of the deacon in the church.

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The Church and Public Assistance: A Catechism

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  • John R. Sittema

Should the church and deacons make use of government assistance and welfare for poorer members? In the form of a catechism, this article explores the matter of ministering mercy in our age of food stams and community food pantries.

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Finding the Deacons we Need

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  • Clarence Bouwman

This article is about the qualifications and the task of the deacons.

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Rulers and Servants: The Offices of Elder and Deacon

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  • Meindert H. Sliggers

This article discusses the offices of elder and deacon, especially as they are outlined in the Continental Reformed "Form for the Ordination of Elders and Deacons." The article ends with some discussion questions.

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Financial Management of the Diaconate

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  • M. Assink

This article looks at the why and how of financial support in the church, as well as principles for how the diaconate should use its finances.

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Women Assisting Deacons (3): Historical Survey - Reformed Churches

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Women Assisting Deacons (2): Historical Survey - The Early Christian Church and the Middle Ages

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Women Assisting Deacons (1): The Biblical Rationale

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

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.

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Phoebe was a Deaconess, but She was not Ordained

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  • Gregory E. Reynolds

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.

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The Gospel in the Office of Deacons

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  • Christopher A. Hutchinson

Why are deacons ordained? This articles argues that deacons are ordained to represent Christ's offices as priest, prophet, and king.

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Acts 6 – The History of the Diaconate: Its Institution

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article looks at the origin of the office of deacons, from Acts 6.

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John Calvin and Women Deacons

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article looks at John Calvin's idea of women in the office of deacon (deaconess).

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Diaconal Ministry and Parachurch Involvement

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  • Leonard J. Coppes

This article is about how we should view parachurch organizations.

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Women Deacons Church Polity a Hermeneutics

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  • Frederika Pronk

Can women be deacons? This article looks at the history of deaconesses in the church and the scriptural perspective on the office of deacon.

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Properly knowing anything in the creation ultimately involves knowing the Creator. A. E. Greene
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