The New Testament Deacon: The Church’s Minister of Mercy (Introduction)

I started reading this book earlier in the year but never finished it.  I picked it up again and I’m enjoying it enough to go back to the beginning and give it deeper attention.  This is the start of (hopefully) an ongoing book reflection on The New Testament Deacon: The Church’s Minister of Mercy.  I’ll let you know where I agree and disagree with Strauch, and more importantly, where I need to grow in my service as a deacon to our church.  The New Testament Deacon is a four-part book with each section taking up a New Testament passage of interest to the diaconate (Acts 6, Philippians 1, 1 Timothy 3 part 1, and 1 Timothy 3 part 2 respectively).

Here’s the outline:

• Part 1: Dividing Up the Work: Word and Deed
• Chapter 1: The Shepherd’s Priorities: Word and Deed
• Chapter 2: Appointing Ministers of Mercy
• Chapter 3: Official Public Recognition
• Chapter 4: Acts 6: The Prototype for Deacons

• Part 2: A Two-Office Church: Overseers and Deacons
• Chapter 5: Overseer: Episkopoi
• Chapter 6: Deacons: Diakonoi

• Part 3: The Qualifications for Deacons
• Chapter 7: The Absolute Necessity for Character Qualifications for Deacons
• Chapter 8: Five Character Qualifications for Deacons
• Chapter 9: Qualifications Demand Examination
• Chapter 10: Qualifications for Wives Who Assist Their Deacon Husbands
• Chapter 11: Family Requirements for Deacons

• Part Four: The Importance of Deacons in the Church
• Chapter 12: The Significance and Rewards of Deacons
• Chapter 13: Agents of Christ’s Mercy

…some interesting chapter titles.  Like I said, this will be another ongoing project (as much as time permits) here at ADL.  This is what the cover looks like, and if you’re interested, you can read some reviews on it at amazon…