The third office which God has instituted in His church is the deaconry. The deaconry pertains to an office in the church, distinct from the offices of elders and ministers, which has as its purpose to support the poor in the congregation in their physical needs. Since God gathers His church primarily from among the poor, there will always be poor persons in the church. “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” (Deut. 15:11). This gives opportunity to those with means to demonstrate their generosity, and for the poor to acknowledge the Lord’s providence regarding them and to be thankful. It could readily occur that several poor members, unknown to those members with means, would thus be neglected, perish due to want, or be forced to beg — which would be a matter of shame to the church. It can therefore easily be seen that it is needful that there be some whose work it is to have oversight over the poor. It has therefore also pleased the Lord to institute such an office in the church. Concerning this office we must note the calling, the required qualifications, and the task itself.

The Deaconry: A Divine Institution⤒🔗

First, it is evident that the Lord has instituted such an office, for we read in Acts 6:3, “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

Secondly, the deaconry was not only intended for that era, when due to urgent circumstances all goods were brought together and the church lived from one common purse. Rather, since the poor will never be absent in the church, the deaconry must continue at all times. In the congregation at Rome there were also deacons, to whom the apostle said, “He that giveth, let him do it with simplic­ity” (Rom. 12:8). He also wrote to the deacons in Philippi: “...with the bishops and deacons” (Phil. 1:1). In 1 Timothy 3, he instructs Timothy concerning what manner of men deacons must be, thereby confirming that the deaconry is a divine institution.

Since the deaconry is a divine institution in the church and for the church, deacons must be chosen by the church. This must either be done by all the brethren or by the rep­resentatives of the church — her elders — and not by the civil government. It was done in this manner in Acts 6. The apostle insists that deacons must first be proved, and after this are to serve (1 Tim. 3:10). Such probation and subsequent service implies an election. This is emphatically stated in the form for the installation of deacons. “And in the first place I ask you, both elders and deacons, whether you do not feel in your hearts, that ye are lawfully called of God’s church, and consequently of God Himself, to these your respective offices?” Since deacons are intended for the church, it is not fitting that they distribute alms to those outside the church, and thus mix the gifts of the church with the common provision for the poor, for:

1. This is contrary to the purpose and objective of the office.
2. Such a practice subtly promotes the mixing of the church with those who are without, as it treats all the poor as being equal; the church, however, must obviously be separate in all things.
3. This will impede the generosity of many, for their gifts would then not be distributed in harmony with their objective.
4. It would be to the disadvantage of the poor in the church, who otherwise could be supported in a much more abun­dant measure.
5. It confirms papists and others in their errors and ungodly life, since they receive support regardless.
6. It robs the church of its holy radiance. Such radiance would be all the more evident if the deacons, due to an abundance of funds, would manifest voluntary generosity to some individuals outside of the church.

The Qualifications of a Deacon←⤒🔗

The apostle describes the required qualifications for deacons. “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well” (1 Tim. 3:8-9, 12). Add to this all the virtues they must have as Christians in order to be examples to others. They must especially manifest those virtues which flow out of the virtue of generosity.

1. They must manifest compassion: “Having compassion” (1 Pet. 3:8). The burden of the poor must so weigh upon them, as if they themselves were afflicted with it. They may neither be rude nor proud, nor may they snarl at them as if they had dogs or enemies before them.
2. They must be merciful, which is a kindness causing one to be inclined to help another. “Blessed are the merciful” (Matt. 5:7); “Be ye therefore merciful” (Luke 6:36); “Be pitiful” (1 Pet. 3:8). The opposite behavior would be to shut one’s heart, to harden oneself toward the poor, not giving them anything, or if, out of a sense of shame or for any other reason one must give, he then gives it in such a manner as if he were casting a piece of bread to a dog.
3. As a father cares for his children, they must be careful and concerned as to how the poor can manage their affairs, have enough to live, and thus be able to thank the Lord. “I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor” (Job 29:15–16).
4. They must be cheerful and friendly. “He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom. 12:8); “Be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Pet. 3:8). They must be of a friendly disposition. A kind word and a friendly countenance are most refreshing for the poor, who due to their poverty are dejected. A grim countenance and a harsh word, however, cut through their soul.

The work of the deacons pertains to the collection and distribution of monies, as well as to caring for the souls of the poor.

First, they must collect. They must do so in cooperation with the ministers and the elders, who together must superintend both the poor as well as those who have means.

For the office of the ministry includes the offices of elder and deacon, and the office of elder includes the office of deacon. I repeat, deacons must consult with them to determine where sufficient means will be obtained, but also to be diligent in providing in situations of which they are aware.

Secondly, they must distribute. In distributing funds they must use wisdom and caution, seeing to it that they do not give thoughtlessly. They must give to those who have the greatest need, and less to those who are lazy and waste that which has been given to them, in order to teach them to work and to be frugal. Orphans, the aged, the sick, or mothers who have given birth each require a different approach. Those who are to blame for their poverty and who are capa­ble of working must again be treated differently. This is also true for those who, due to a handicap, cannot work, even though they are healthy. It is again different with those who would rather perish from hunger with their families (which is a sin), than to allow it to be known that they are receiving something from the deaconry. A different approach is also needed for those who would be reduced to poverty unless some monetary help be given to them enabling them to remain solvent. Much wisdom is needed to clearly discern time, manner, and circumstances in making these decisions.

Thirdly, the deacons must also care for the souls of their poor, for they are as fathers to them; and whatever one member is obligated to do to another, they must excel in doing to those over whom the Lord has placed them.

1. They must instruct the ignorant, and bring them to the church services and to catechism instruction.
2. They must exhort, rebuke, and comfort according to individual circumstances.
3. They must visit the sick, either preparing their souls for the hour of death, or exhorting them to increase in godliness if they may again become healthy.

In doing so, they will “purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 3:13). They will be an ornament to the church, being enabled to be of more benefit to the church than before. Their gifts and graces will be increased as well. Among all the offices there is not one office which is more burdensome and detrimental to the body than the dea­conship. It therefore frequently amazes me and gives me cause for rejoicing that the Lord gives the deacons such willingness and zeal, a fact which is generally true in the Netherlands. Upon receiving rich gifts they are as happy as if they had received them themselves. It does not trouble them to be engaged in their task until late in the evening. In no meeting is there generally more order, more unity, and more faithfulness than among the deacons. The Lord also rewards them, giving them honor and respect, and frequently grants that their own circumstances improve rather than deteriorate.