The Deacon

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