The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy

by Cornelis Van Dam

The office of deacon is God’s gift to His church to ensure that all can share in the liberating joy of redemption, 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. Table of 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 Cornelis Van Dam is emeritus professor of Old Testament at Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the author of The Today’s Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture. “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

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology, Church, Leadership, Nonfiction, Christian

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2017

Reviews

[Alex McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornelis Van Dam’s "The Deacon" was wonderful! It served as the perfect introduction to a reformed view of the diaconate. The work was brief in the best way possible. It provided a lot of information without delving too deeply into any specific topic. Just as helpful as the work itself, it included a wonderfully comprehensive list of works for further study on every topic discussed.

The work begins with an examination of mercy and service ministries in the Old Testament, then shifts to the clear New Testament carryovers. It looks at the office of the deacon in the New Testament and into the early church. Then the work examines the office of the deacon in church history. There is a brief interlude to address the author’s view of females in the diaconate. Van Dam then discusses practical ways the diaconate fulfills its role in the modern church, both within and outside the congregation. The work concludes with questions for reflection and a comprehensive guide for further study.

I believe this work was well researched and well written, but more importantly, I think it is a very practical tool for modern deacons.

While I disagreed with Van Dam’s view of the female deacon, I could appreciate the study he has put into his argument. Van Dam approached the topic in good faith. I would have also liked to see a little more about social justice ministry emerging from the minor prophets and into Basil the Great, but these are otherwise minor issues in an otherwise well done work.

Reformation Heritage Books has provided us with a rather thin paper weight, causing pen marks to noticeably bleed, which makes the work not the easiest to take notes in. Additionally, the thin pages may not withstand the abuse of rereading well. I would have loved to see more space given in the study questions section. Perhaps this work could have benefited from a few blank pages for notes. For a work intended to be visited and revisited over the years, I would have liked to see the editorial team consider its primary intended function when putting the book together.

Overall, I really liked the work and will refer to it again.

[James Windale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from my pastor as I was nominated by several members of my church (PCA) for the position. As I am still new to the faith there is a great deal of learning that I need to address, but this was a fantastic outline of the duties and responsibilities of the Deacon.

It details the histories of the position but in the Old and New Testaments and emphasizes the importance and magnitude of the position. Drawing heavily from the text it addresses the question of women in the diaconate and what the duties of a deacon's wife are, drawing heavily from both Timothy's and Romans. I will admit that my own opinion is still being formed on the matter, but like my interpretation of most historical documents, I tend to lean heavily toward the originalist.

It's emphasized that this position is not merely custodial but requires a mind that can think outside the box on matters that are sensitive and complex, both within the congregation and the outside world. I particularly appreciated its take on the various levels of stewardship toward the poor and needy starting with the family and moving on to the church and eventually the state.

[Vincent Lemieux · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is great and well done. I especially enjoyed the historic part of the book, where the author traced the diaconal views through Church history (with a bit of an emphasis on Calvin, for my joy).

Personally, the style of writing was not the more enjoyable and there was a bit of repetitions.

I think the author’s way of describing the relationship between the office of elders and of deacons is a bit confusing. I agree that both are officially ordains offices with their specific fields of work and leadership , but when he says that the one cannot intervene in the other, I don’t see how it works : ins’t elders have God-given authority also on deacons ? The authors seems to think that both offices most work together, but ultimately the deacons, like the elders, have to give account only to Christ. But practically I thing it’s not really viable... if deacons have « full » authority over a part of the budget for poor aid in the congregation, but ultimately elders cannot have any decision-making authority over it, isn’t the budget can go in directions not desired by the overseers of the church ?

The greatest contribution of the book, in my opinion, is the demonstration of the beauty and importance of the ministry of deacons. Blessed are the church and the town where such a ministry is well done ! May God give us more deacons according to His Word ! Amen.


A great work. I recommend it.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much appreciated Van Dam's approach of examining Scripture, history, and current needs to discuss what diaconal ministry could look like. A lot of it was very Presbyterian, but much translated to my vision of what an Anglican diaconate could accomplish. I plan to go back and study this again in the future.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview of the diaconate.

[Charles Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new go-to book to use in diaconal training.

[Aardvark · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very helpful read on the diaconate! the author begins in the old testament and examines how God's word informed the ministries of mercy back then. then, he moves into the new testament and deals with the most relevant texts, particularly acts 6 and 1 tim 3. with a brief pivot to speak on the issue of female deacons, the author then considers the diaconate from a historically theological perspective before concluding with a final section on how deacons practically operate today in various spheres.
this was a great read for two main reasons:
1) it was super informative despite not being very long. the author gets straight to the point and deals with relevant content. rarely did i feel like the author was simply wasting words or getting into peripheral issues.
2) the author was fair in his arguments, even to the point of steelmanning opposing arguments, all while maintaining a charitable tone.
on top of learning much from this book, i was left seeing more clearly the grace that God gives in the diaconate.
"even though there has not yet been a complete eradication of poverty, sickness, and other needs, the diaconal ministry does give a small, joyous foretaste of the perfect happiness to come. deacons relieve the needs of those afflicted by a variety of hardships in anticipation of that great day."

[Aaron Roeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated this book. I would come to some different conclusions on exactly what the office of deacons looks like and who might (or might not) qualify to serve as a deacon. In this area I do feel like Van Dam over states his conclusions, being more dogmatic than I think the biblical evidence supports. Quibbles aside, it’s a good and helpful book, particularly of those who would be in Van Dam’s “camp.”

[Joseph Ficklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I thought the office of elder was the most neglected office in the church, but now I am inclined to say it is the office of deacon. This book explored the biblical foundations of the diaconate, its Old Testament antecedents and its New Testament applications, as well as how the office has functioned historically in the church. Deacons are not glorified handymen, the first deacons were chosen as “men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,” Acts 6:3. They were ordained with the laying on of hands to perform a spiritual office of mercy. Two of the first deacons, Philip and Stephen, we also see evangelizing. If the office of deacon was merely concerned with physical well-being, then any government welfare program would serve just as well. But the Lord Jesus gave this office and these gifts to the church not merely to ensure the physical peace and security of his church, but to comfort and build up the hearts of believers. Deacons should pray, should exhort, should evangelize according to the Biblical model, in addition to answering physical needs.

Also, answering physical needs is more than just providing food, shelter, and clothing, and very seldom is it simply giving money. The author identifies other needs we might not think about: sickness, mental distress, even just loneliness. Another very important thing to remember: deacons don’t do everything, and often they should act as facilitators, helping congregants to recognize and utilize their own gifts that God has given them. Diaconal assistance may be as simple as “You need help with a project? well there’s another member of the congregation that has experience with that, let me get you in contact with him.” Also, having deacons in the church does not absolve congregants of their responsibility to provide mercy and assistance themselves first, before involving the deacons. Much less does it absolve family members of their responsibility to take care of their own kin.

I found this a very helpful book, accessible and of only moderate length. I would recommend this to any church member, whether your church has deacons or not.

[Jeremy]

Read Ch. 6 ("Are Female Deacons Biblical?") on June 4–6, 2018. (His answer is "no.") Church officer discussion on June 6, 2018.

See more about deacons here, here, and here.

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily one of the most helpful books on deacons that I've ever come across. Gives a clear and biblical definition of the diaconal ministry.

[Jordan Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. I don’t necessarily agree with some of the assertions as they relate to the civil magistrates role in welfare but overall this is a solid look at the diaconate and its duty unto Christ in alleviating physical and spiritual needs. Of particular interest were chapters 5 and 6 tracing the history of the diaconate in Reformed churches and the notion of female deacons/deaconesses. These chapters alone are worth the price of the book (which I got free from my local church).

[Eric Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biblical-theological exploration of the diaconate. Very helpful.

[Scott Coulter]

For my #vtReadingChallenge 2023 goal of 26 books, this is #5, for the category “A Book Your Pastor Recommends”. That’s a slight stretch, as technically this book is required reading for a church officer training class which my pastor is leading. However, I’ve got another book he recommended queued up for a future category, so I think I’ve got it covered.

As to the book itself, my main review is “it could have been shorter”. Our author had a few things to say, and he said them each many times (including lengthy summaries at the end of every chapter). I have no real disagreements with his main points, and I think he covered the topic adequately, but not very engagingly.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy.

Cornelis Van Dam

Grand Rapids, MI, Reformation Heritage Books, 2016. 256 pages.

Reviewed by Andrew R.A. Green

“A tremendous gift of God.” A gift should it be neglected; it would be to a church’s and therefore, our detriment.

Is this how we speak and think of the office of deacon in the church today?

The office of deacon is often misunderstood, undervalued, and deemed of little value or importance. Van Dam attributes this to the financially prosperous position of many congregations who do not perceive they have many materially poor within the congregation. Van Dam’s assessment is accurate. The diaconate is often viewed narrowly; little more than a property management team, or financial dispensary service (which would make it little different from most committees), which is far from the biblical ideal of the office bestowed on the church. Going beyond merely providing for material needs of the congregation and property, the deacons are “men [who] work for the true joy and unity of the congregation” [pg. 50]. Furthermore, deacons are “to safeguard the communal joy of the fellowship of believers so that everyone in the church can function according to the God-given responsibilities each has been given [pg. 71].”

Therefore, the diaconate exists to ensure the communion of saints can exist and function properly, and that all – including the needy, the widow, and the sojourner – can experience the communal joy of salvation in the covenant community by providing for the variety of needs that exist. Beyond simply providing for material needs, the diaconate ensures that the ‘needy’ are provided with fellowship and a sense of belonging in the covenant community [pg. 24].

To support his thesis, Van Dam interacts with ‘Old Testament Background’, ‘New Testament Times’, ‘The Office of Deacon in the History of the Church’, and ‘The Current Functioning of the Office.’ These form the four-part division of the book.

The first two parts of the book lay down the teaching of Scripture. The first section looking at the OT, specifically around defining the identity of the ‘Poor in Israel,’ the specific laws affecting them, the structures [family unit, wider community, king] God provided, and the wider purpose with an Ancient Near Eastern context historically.

Some readers may wonder why begin with an OT discussion on the ‘Poor in Israel’, especially since the office of deacon does not appear there. However, Van Dam states, “Understanding the Lord’s concern for the poor and His expectation that His people Israel take care of them is of great help in grasping the basic biblical principles that should apply today.”

The second section deals with a short excursus in Second Temple Judaism and to what extent the Synagogue and private charity and alms giving in general supported the poor and needy. This sets the scene for Van Dam’s discussion on Christ’s teaching on the matter, and also for some historical and cultural context for the early days of the church, especially for those who found themselves ejected from the synagogue and therefore any means of support.

The remainder of the Section moves from dealing with the institution of the diaconate in Acts 6 and what ministering to the poor looked like within the context of Acts 6, through to discussing the office itself, the requirements, qualifications, and characteristics of those called to office.

Within this Section, Van Dam also addresses the unavoidable question: ‘Are Female Deacons Biblical?’ The author is tactful and sensitive in addressing this question, whilst remaining faithful to his [and this writer’s] convictions that females are not in view for ordination to the office. Van Dam sets out the case and arguments for the various interpretations carefully and clearly, and maturely seeks to demonstrate from sound exegesis his argument and conclusion.

Part Three discusses and evaluates how the diaconate was understood and implemented in the history of the church in light of the Scriptural basis set out in the preceding chapters.

Van Dam shows how the office ‘ceased to function in any biblical way’ [pg. 99] by the time of the Middle Ages as institutions and establishments were founded to care for the poor, removing the biblical office of deacon and the official participation of the congregation in meeting their needs. Indeed, Deacons lost their diaconal function with the growth of hierarchy. Instead, seen as servant of the bishop, liturgical and other tasks preoccupied the deacon.

The book is realistic in its treatment of the historical account, and shows that there was some movement and adjustment on the road to recovering the biblical office of deacon at the time of the Reformation and that there was no sudden appearance of a ‘golden age.’ Indeed whilst there was consensus in the need to recover the diaconate to the biblical standard, the exact outworking in relation to function sometimes appeared different in different countries.

Again, in this third part of the book, Van Dam takes up the topic of female deacons, viewed through the prism of church history. His previous treatment in the early chapter forms the background for his understanding and discussion. Acknowledging that the literature on the topic is vast, Van Dam seeks to answer the question of how to approach the issue of female deacon today, doing so by looking at the views and practices of the early church, Reformed and Presbyterian churches from the Reformation to 20th Century, and finally the 21st Century.

Key discussions in this Chapter are: the enrolment of widows according to the criteria set forth in 1 Timothy 5; Calvin’s interpretation of the widow-deacon, a second grade/order to that of the male deacon; and the work of Reformed and Presbyterian churches – especially in the late 1800’s to mid-1900’s – in discussing, and in cases ordaining female deacons.

However, Van Dam highlights that one of the driving influences – although perhaps pragmatic – in the early church in the East, was that of cultural sensitivities, especially surrounding the baptism and ministering to female converts. There are indeed circumstances and situations today were prudence would best enlist the help of females, however, as Van Dam shows that help can indeed be enlisted by the diaconate without the need for female ordination.

The subject matter of the final part of the book is ‘The Current Functioning of the Office.’ Whilst, the book was not intended to be a ‘manual’, throughout the book readers will be able to see the practical implications and areas of practical help and guidance by the clear exegesis of the biblical texts and the best examples of church practice. However, in these final chapters, Van Dam gets to grips with what this will – or should – look like. The reaffirmation that the diaconate is an ecclesiastical office, underpins the whole section. Therefore, the discussion that follows flows from this conviction and thus deals with topics such as ordination to office, the function of the office and how it is more than providing for the poor, and the relationship between deacon and elder. Throughout, Van Dam’s conviction that the deacon is equal in status with Elder, though with different fields or spheres, permeates.

The writer also seeks to bring the book to a close by discussing the specifically diaconal ministry within and without the congregation. Specifically in relation to diagonal ministry within the congregation, Van Dam offers some challenging and proactive responses that should be on the table for discussion. Examples include diaconal visitation, education programmes on topics such as tithing, debt, and other financial aspects, and working closely with relatives. In concluding the book Van Dam integrates and demonstrates with some practical observations and scenarios his understanding of safeguarding the communal joy of salvation, and unnecessary obstacles do not prevent all in the covenant community from enjoying the blessings of salvation and the communion of saints.

So then, who should read this? Does it add a valuable contribution to literature on the office of deacon? Naturally, those called and serving in the office of deacon should read this; so too, Deacons-elect. Van Dam has provided an extremely helpful study on the diaconate, which will not only benefit, but also enrich those who pick up, read, and study. In reading this book, Van Dam certainly sets before the reader the high calling of the office of deacon; it is no mere second-class office. The office of deacon is a gift to the church, indeed ‘a tremendous gift.’ Perhaps you are not convinced: Tolle Legge!

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biblical, historical, and practical look at reformed deaconship. Highly recommended for anyone in the office or who wants to understand the office better.

Finished my second reading with my pastor and the other deacon at my church in 2025.

[Dewey W VanDerNoord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very biblical perspective on the office of deacon. Well worth reading.

[Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most formative insight that I took from this book was Van Dam’s view of the diaconal charge as being removing obstacles to professing Christians enjoying the joy of their redemption in Christ. As he says on p. 173, “...anyone within the communion of the saints who is not able to experience the joy and freedom of God’s children should be assisted... All must enjoy the delight of deliverance. Anything taking away from that joy, such as burden of poverty, loneliness, sickness, or mental or physical disabilities, warrants diaconal attention and care.” This expands the office of deacon beyond the distribution of funds and establishes it as a joy-preserving, joy-promoting ministry within the church (he makes clear in a dedicated chapter that the deacon does have secondary responsibilities outside the fellowship). The book also is helpful in providing an exegetical discussion of the formation and qualifications of the office of deacon, as well as challenging deacons to engaging in a ministry of visitation.

The book felt repetitive at times; however, for someone looking for a basic Reformed view of the diaconate this would be a good resource. For someone who is looking for a resource that will spend extended time on the practical considerations of the office may need to consult other sources.

For an interview with the author, look up his interview on the Reformed Forum podcast (see YouTube).

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in officer training to be a deacon. Our deacon and minister recommended a handful of books, and this was one of them. I wish we had done a class on this book. It provides a good, concise overview of the office, responsibility, history (OT & NT, church history), controversies, and practical advice.

I look forward to the discussions I will have with my session and deacon on the topics covered in this book. Ones that we have already had have been edifying.

I think the author is very even handed when he discusses different views on the responsibilities and qualifications. He goes through modern understandings and historical understandings (there are a lot of varying views throughout history on this office). It wouldn't be until he would express his actual view that I would know what he believed. He expressed everyone's view in a way they would describe it.

My only criticism of the book was that there were a couple of issues that he took a somewhat strong stance on that I think are within circumstances of Christian liberty. He would also take 2 pages at the end of each chapter to summarize everything he just wrote about. It felt unnecessary (maybe others like that).

Besides those two things, I loved this book and highly recommend to those that are interested in learning about the office and its history.

[Aaron Battey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I know of on the topic of deacons. Van Dam makes a convincing case that the seven chosen men in Acts 6 were deacons and establish the precedent for diaconal ministry. He also has a very conservative views of women and the diaconate. He does not believe the Bible teaches that women can be ordained deacons of the church, though he does hold an odd view about widows and diaconal ministry base on 1 Tim. 5. He also provides helpful practical applications for the deacons ministry, and he has some helpful studies of the Old Testament frameworks in place for caring for the poor. It is a comprehensive read, very helpful, tries to stay loyal to the text of scripture, and the most helpful book I have read this far on the topic.

[Greg Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve have been an Evangelical Christian for the past 24 years, have come from a Roman Catholic background. I was away from the Catholic Church for roughly 30 years and when I came back in 1995 the Deacon was now involved with the mass.

When I joined a non-denominational Christian church they did not have deacons but had a number of elders. It wasn’t until I joined a Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) in 2010 that I was introduced to the non-Catholic deacon.

After reading this book I realize that the version I saw was not what Van Dam is calling Biblical Deaconate. I read the book not to become a deacon for our church but to understand the deacon role as the Mission Community chair. Now I wonder if our elders have also read this book. It’s gonna be interesting. 🙃🙏🏻❤️

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Is a must for anyone in the diaconate or discerning the calling to ordination to such. Van Dam writes clearly and covers a wide view here from OT Israel’s duties you take care of the poor and needy, to the NT Church’s duty, to the office of deacon in Church history, and what roles- if any- do women play in the diaconate. I will be recommending this work to any and all people seeking to discern their calling to or study of the diaconate.

[Jonathan Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and very readable book explaining the biblical office of deacon. The book works thoroughly through the biblical data, both Old and New Testament, and shows the importance of this office and its task in God's redemptive purposes. The book also deals even-handedly and convincingly with contemporary questions such as whether the bible teaches a concept of female deacons. I highly recommend this book as the best introduction available to the office of deacon.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thoughtful examination of the nature of the office of deacon. The author looks at the term deacon, the term office, the history of the office of deacon, the role of women in the office of deacon, and current practical uses for the office of deacon. I recommend this to any Church that seeks to conform the diaconate to a biblical standard.

[Montgomery Loehlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book heavily emphasizes “mercy ministries” and largely ignores other areas of service for Deacons. It is very Presbyterian in bent. In some ways it narrows what deacons should be doing but in other ways it broadens it too far by suggesting that they have authority and should be teaching. However, the middle chapters on the history of deacons are definitely worth the a read.

[Michael Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necessary reading for any active or aspiring deacons. Worthwhile but not necessary for any church laity who seek to grow in their understanding of the church and how to serve her (and so, serve Christ).

[Tim Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the office of Deacon. Useful for training or refreshing Deacons on the roles and responsibilities of the office. I particularly appreciated the section on the importance of visitation, something that is lacking among Elders and Deacons in our current culture.

[Riker Koempel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a 4.5. I greatly appreciated the robust Biblical framework presented for an often misunderstood, and neglected office. My only critique is that the author takes latitude in his reasoning from scripture that he does not offer competing arguments he refutes.

[David Myhren · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was particularly helpful in explaining the diversity of opinions on deaconesses.

His ideas for how to utilize deacons in our day are worth considering, see the last third of the book if you’re interested in the more practical ideas.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really excellent, the first book I'd recommend on this topic to anyone.