Diaconal work is always associated with caring for the poor. This article argues that this should not be so. The author give suggestions and practical ways in which care by deacons can be extend to the non-poor. This ministry is crucial to them as a manifestation of Christ’s compassion and mercy for his church.

Diaconal work is always associated with caring for the poor. This article argues that this should not be the case. After giving some examples of diaconal work in Calvin's Geneva in the form of hospitals and a funding organization, the author gives an evaluation of this work, with lessons for today’s deacons and the ministry of mercy.

Diaconal work is always associated with caring for the poor. This article argues that this should not be the case. Deacons are called to care for the non-poor also. If diaconal work is seen as Christ’s way of administering mercy, then the work should go beyond the poor. In this article the author looks at the example of John Calvin in Geneva, where there was the fund to care for other needs or people.

What is a good way of caring for the poor and the disadvantaged without causing dependency? The article explains five ways.

God cared for the poor through his commands to care for them, as well as through his promises to bless his church if she cares for the poor and to judge her if she fails to care for the poor. This article argues that this care is the basis for the diaconate work.

Sontag critically interacts with Leonardo Boff's account of Francis of Assisi in the context of liberation theology. Boff wants to use Francis as a model for human liberation. Who are the poor and how does Nikos Kazantzakis, Francis of Assisi, and Leonardo Boff interpret it? Sontag reflect on these issues in the light of the Lord who saves the humble of spirit.

The Bible makes it clear that the poor will always be among us. This means that the fight against poverty will be a constant one. This article shows that globalization contributes to economic growth and development.

The church of Jesus Christ must supply her deacons with that which they need to do their work. This call has implications for the daily life of the believer. First of all, the believer must work as a means to generate a living so that support from deacons is not needed. The beliver is also called to share from this income with the poor. Secondly, this call affects one’s stewardship.

The church of Jesus Christ must supply her deacons with that which they need to do their work. Therefore, giving for the care of the poor must be a priority for the church, and must be an act of the church as an institution. But even more, giving is an act of worship to the Lord. The church’s giving is obedience to, love for, and gratitude to God for all He has done for us in Jesus Christ.

This article gives a sobering reminder of the congregation's responsibility to support the diaconate. Caring for the poor and needy is the work of the congregation as well as the deacons. This article establishes the biblical ground for this calling, showing that the call is to the congregation as a whole, but also to each and every member of the congregation.

Focusing on 2 Corinthians 9:12-15, this article shows that God expects His church to reach out to the poor and needy. The church should show justice, mercy and corporate humility. This is in line with the Old Testament commands for helping the poor. 

Applying Habakkuk 2:6-7, Job 22:6, and Job 24:3 to the issue of debt, this article shows that in the Old Testament secured debt was permitted when necessary, and that the rights of the poor and needy were protected. This has implication for the church today, as she is called to meet the needs of those among her members.

Applying Amos 2:8, Ezekiel 18:14-16, Proverbs 20:16, and Proverbs 22:26-27 to the issue of loans, this article shows that in the Old Testament secured debt was permitted when necessary, and that the rights of the poor and needy were protected.

This article looks at the task of deacons: their work with the poor, with unbelievers, distribution of the alms and offerings, and deacon visitations.

Demonstrating kindness to the poor is like lending to the Lord. And God promises to repay! (Proverbs 19:17)

In this article, the author shows how John Calvin was a man of compassion. John Calvin's self-denial, charity, and enjoyment is also discussed. Calvin's view of the poor and the rich, and his view on economics is also mentioned by the author.