This article discusses three questions raised around the work of the diaconate: Should the church make use of welfare?; Should deacons wait for members in need to approach them, or should they be pro-active?; Should deacons demand budgets from members who ask for assistance?

This article is about welfare, poverty, and idleness.

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.