Reading Scripture with Head, Heart, and Hands

Author: Kleinhans, A.
Date: 2025
Reference: Kleinhans, A. 2025. Reading Scripture with Head, Heart, and Hands. [Paper presented to the Diocese of Natal Theological Conference on 19 September 2025 in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal]

Description: An excellent introduction to a sound way of doing Bible Study and to Christian education/faith development in general

Keywords: Bible study, Christian Education, Sunday School

Diaconia - acts, understandings and stories of service in a pluralistic Southern Africa

Editors: Knoetze, J. and Beukes, J.W.
Date: 2025
Reference: Knoetze, J. and Beukes, J.W.(Eds). 2025. DIACONIA: Acts, understandings and stories of service in a pluralistic Southern Africa. Wellington: Barnabas Acadmic Publishers

Description: Papers from a groundbreaking conference held in 2024 at the University of Pretoria that delve into the church’s call to serve amidst deep-seated socioeconomic, political, and historical challenges and examined diaconal identities in a pluralistic African context. This book explores diaconia – Christian service – as a transformative force addressing poverty,inequality, social exclusion, corruption, and environmental crises. It does so through a rich tapestry of theological reflections, empirical studies, and real-life narratives that illuminate the power of faith-driven engagement. Bringing together voices from across Africa and Europe, the contributions span historical perspectives, contemporary challenges, and practical models of service, offering fresh insights into the role of the church in a post-apartheid, post-Christendom society.

Keywords: deacons, Reformed, Anglican

Diaconia - acts, understandings and stories of service in a pluralistic Southern Africa

Author: Lilly, B.
Date: 2023
Reference: Lilly, B. 2023. Cultivating a robust ministry of deacons. [Anglican Compass website]

Description: A positive guide to the diaconate as a full and equal office, with advice on practical ideas for equiping and supporting deacons in contexts of parish, community and the liturgical.

Keywords: deacons, formation, ordination, Anglican

The diaconal church. Servant leadership

Author: Clark, D.
Date: 2023
Reference: Clark, D. 2023. The diaconal church. Servant leadership. [Unpublished paper]

Description: Providesa theology of the diaconal church focusing on the kingdom centred community and the need for a new paradigm of the diaconal church. Distinguishes between presbyters as an order of continuity and deacons as an order of transformation.

Keywords: deacon, presbyter, theology

Deacon as model of ministry within urban locations

Author: Klaasen, J., Louw, J., and Muller, R.
Date: 2023
Reference: Klaasen, J., Louw, J., and Muller, R. 2021, Deacon as model of ministry within urban locations, African Theological Journal for Church and Society, Volume 2, Number 2, pp. 162-183

Description: Lools at how the ministry of the deacon contribute to efective ministry in times of urbansation crises.

Keywords: deacon, presbyter, social work, welfare, theology, history, Anglican

Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal Winter 2020 — Volume 4.4

Author(s): Various
Date: 2020
Reference: Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal. 2020. Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal, Volume 4, Number 4.

Description: An issue of this journal which includes seven articles relating to the distinctive diaconate, one by John N. Collins, and six by authors linked to the Scottish Episcopal Church: John Reuben Davies, Norma Higgott, Stephen Mark Holmes, Harriet Johnston, Richard Tiplady and Anne Tomlinson.

Keywords: deacon, presbyter, theology, history, Anglican

The essence and content of the work of the diakonos according to the New Testament

Author: Breed, G.
Date: 2019
Reference: Breed, G. 2019. The essence and content of the work of the diakonos according to the New Testament. Scriptura, Volume 118, Number 1, pp. 1-11

Description: This is a semantic study of the special word diakonos used to indicate leaders in the diakonia which is the task of all believers. Breed argues that though one can accept John Collin’s position that the denotative meaning of the διάκον- word group is not humble service or charity, but “go-between”, “envoy”, “representative”, or “spokesperson”, the context should determine the full semantic content of the words.

It is widely accepted that διάκονος is used as a technical term for a certain type of leader in the congregation, as is most clearly stated in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3. Breed accepts that the content of what the diakonos actually does is not explicitly described in the these and other New Testament passages he examines. The question then is, why was the word διάκονος used to designate these specific leaders? Breed argues that the very essence of what the leaders were doing (their διακονία), is expressed by the semantic content of the διάκον- word group. The context should determine the semantic content for the semantic content of the διάκον- word group is not entirely neutral and has to be determined by the context. Thus a careful exegesis of the words in their context enables us to get an understanding of the essence of the meaning of the words and what their practical content is in their context.

Breed asks: “what image could the words διακονία or διακονέω possibly have evoked in the author and reader of the specific section; or, what concept of the work of a διάκονος could possibly have lived in the minds of the authors and readers?”

After a detailed analysis of the diakon-word containing texts and their contexts Breed summarises thus:

In Ephesians
The essence of the διακονία, according to Ephesians, could be the execution of God’s eternal plan to unite all things under the one head, Christ. It comprises that the διάκονος, who has received Christ’s grace, must in turn minister it to others through the works of διακονία with a view to the edification and growth to maturity of the church.

The content of the διακονία could be the practical good works that are performed. It could comprise the fulfilment of unique functions in the congregation, for which everyone receives gifts, the equipment provided by the leaders, telling the truth to each other in love, and living in a way that is worthy of their calling

In John’s Gospel
The essence of the διακονία could be representing God and making visible who God is in word and deed (διακονία).

The content of the διακονία could be a life in which the διάκονος demonstrates by his deeds and words, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the obedience of Jesus to the Father and his love.

In John 12
The essence of διακονία could be following Jesus where He is waiting, in anticipation of the honour the Father bestows.

The content of the διακονία could be following Jesus by doing practical deeds with a view to leading people to Jesus, even if it requires them to sacrifice their life.

In Mark
The essence of διακονία, according to Mark 8–10, could be the open and compassionate attitude found in a διάκονος, who, as an envoy of God, does not want to rule over others, but wishes to serve them.

The content of the διακονία, according to Mark 8–10, could be the deeds that bear testimony to openness and compassion and do not seek to rule over others.

In 1 Peter 4 and 5
According to 1 Peter 4 and 5, the essence of the διακονία could be the attitude of openness found in people who humbly take care of others and do not seek their own interests or rule, but act in anticipation of the exaltation that God bestows.

The content of the διακονία could be that the διάκονος as manager has to serve the multi-coloured grace of God to the congregation to enable them to persevere in the midst of hardships.

1 Corinthians 12
The essence of διακονία, according to 1 Corinthians 12, could be that it flows forth from the fact that the Spirit gives gifts and that God works powerfully through these gifts to bring about everything in everyone. The διακονία is built on the confession that Jesus is Lord, as opposed to a life in the power of mute idols. Διακονία includes everyone who is part of the congregation.

The content of the διακονία could be active in intimate mutual involvement between members of the congregation, the utilisation of gifts to edify the congregation and the mutual reception of the ministry.

Keywords: diakonia, deacons, exegesis

Diakonia: In conversation with John N. Collins

Author: Breed, G.
Date: 2017
Reference: Breed, G. 2017. Diakonia: In conversation with John N.Collins, Ecclesiology, Volume 13, pp. 349-368

Description: Accepting that John N. Collins’ work on the meaning of diakonia has changed perspectives on the ministry of deacons, Breed argues that some correction needs to be made to Collins’ assumptions, and particularly that diakonia is not about love or compassion for other people. Breed does a detailed exegesis and contextualisation of the key passages in Mark chapters 8 to 10 and his findings related to the διάκον- word group in Mark are that Jesus’ diakonia is about:

• service to other people as envoy of God/Jesus
• service out of compassion and mercy for the needs of others
• service that is receptive even of people like children and beggars
• service with the authority that God gives to those who are prepared to lose their lives for Jesus and his words
• service that is void of self-interest and striving for honour among men
• service that is performed in expectation of the honour and glory that God gives.

Breed’s exegesis of Mark suggests that “Jesus’s way to glory and kingship went through serving his father and serving people. Serving people was an intrinsic part of serving his Father. As has been made clear, an intrinsic part of the disciples’ following of Jesus was being receptive to all (including children and beggars, e.g., Barthimaeus) and having compassion for those in need.”

Keywords: diakonia, exegesis, Collins

Discerning the Diaconate

Author(s): Church of England
Date: 2017
Reference: Church of England. 2017. Discerning the Diaconate. London: Church of England, Ministry Division

Description: A short paper designed to help advisors and bishops in their discernment of candidates with a vocation to the distinctive diaconate. It summaries some of the current thinking about the diaconate within the Church of England,

Keywords: call, discernment, formation, ordination, competencies, Anglican

What’s in a Word? Diakonia and Deacons in the Bible and Today

Author(s): Hartley, B.L.
Date: 2015
Reference: Hartley, B.L. 2015. What’s in a Word? Diakonia and Deacons in the Bible and Today.

Description: A detailed look at the interpretation of diakonia and the diaconate and the recent challenges to these interpretations. Drawing upon a revised interpretation of diakon-terms in the New Testament provided by John N. Collins, this paper examines how the stories of the choosing of the seven (Acts 6:1-7), Stephen’s speech (Acts 6:8 – 7:56), and the evangelistic ministry of Phillip (Acts 8:4-40) together provide a fresh impetus for understanding expressions of the United Methodist diaconate today. It is suggested that these stories offer fertile ground for crafting a “rule” for the United Methodist diaconate as a missionary Order.

This rule, an adaptation of the description of the Office of Deaconesses and Home Missioners in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2012 is as follows:

“As members of the United Methodist diaconate (deaconesses, ordained deacons, and home missioners) our purpose is to serve as Christ’s emissaries (diakonoi) in representing God’s mission in the world. As such, we are accountable to the church in enabling through education and involvement the full participation of all faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

We deaconesses and home missioners together with deacons function through diverse forms of accountable service directed toward the world to make Jesus Christ known in the fullness of his mission which summons his followers to ever deeper levels of commitment:

a) We are committed to alleviating the suffering of all people who are victimized through structures of oppression and neglect. We are inspired by the ministries of Stephen and Philip who did this even when confronting early believers with their scapegoating practices brought about their own death (Stephen) and when their missionary calling involved going to foreign lands people back home would prefer to forget (Philip).

b) We are committed to eradicating causes of injustice and all that robs life of dignity and worth. We are inspired by the ministry of “the seven” (Acts 6: 1-7) who sought to preach the whole Gospel to whole persons who were being neglected because they were linguistically and culturally different from others and whose social status as widows made them especially vulnerable to impoverishment.

c) We are committed to facilitate the development of full human potential. We are inspired by the ministry of Philip who saw the potential of an Ethiopian eunuch to receive the fullness of the Gospel even when others had excluded him from the worshiping community.

d) We are committed to share in building global community through the church universal. We are inspired by the go-between, emissarial understanding of diakonia to be an “ecumenical office” which seeks to cooperate with all Christians – especially our brothers and sisters in the diaconate – in witnessing to God’s reign throughout the world. We are inspired to tell the story of God’s people as Stephen and Philip did in order to proclaim that God is not confined to one particular language, culture, or place. With humility, we are even open to being led by those we thought we were ministering to as Philip was led to boldly baptize the Ethiopian eunuch.”

Keywords: diakonia, deacon, deaconess, mission, Collins, Methodist

Fitting Lay Ministries into a Theology of Ministry

Author: Collins, J.N.
Date: 2014
Reference: Collins, J.N. 2014. Fitting Lay Ministries into a Theology of Ministry. In: Collins:, J.N. 2014. Diakonia Studies: Critical Issues in Ministry. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 213-241

Description: A useful analysis of the diakon- words in the New Testament showing that they indicate an engagement in a process whereby a divine word is committed to the accredited minister and passes entire, under the minister’s proclamation, to the recipient who in turn is conscious of communing in that word with the divine. In relation to a restoration of the diaconate Collins argues that instead of introducing a new tier of hierarchical order to accommodate the new lay ministers, the church authorities could extend to the new lay ministers an invitation to receive sacramental ordination as deacons.

Keywords: diakonia, lay ministers, ordination

Criteria for selection for the ordained ministry in the Church of England

Author(s): Church of England
Date: 2014
Reference: Church of England. 2014. Criteria for selection for the ordained ministry in the Church of England. London: Church of England, Ministry Division

Description: A guide to the selection process with a detailed list of the competencies that the selection process should use as criteria for selection

Keywords: call, discernment, formation, ordination, competencies

Exodus from Privilege: Reflections on the Diaconate in Acts

Author: Briedenthal, T.E.
Date: 2013
Reference: Briedenthal, T.E. 2013. Exodus from Privilege: Reflections on the Diaconate in Acts. Anglican Theological Review, Volume 95, Number 2, pp. 275-292

Description: A challenging exegesis of Acts 6 arguing that the ordination of the seven is the young Church’s instrument of self-criticism and self-correction in the face of the dynamics of privilege, exclusion, and inertia within. The church responds by setting Stephen and six other diaspora Jews apart, not only to ensure future fairness, but (as Stephen’s sermon shows) to call the church and Israel to renewed exodus, setting the pattern for all ordained ministry, and suggesting that priesthood and episcopacy are best viewed as specific variations on diaconal ministry, grounded in diakonia .

Keywords: deacons, Acts 6, theology, exegesis, history, Collins

The diverse and contested diaconate : why understanding this ministry is crucial to the future of the Church

Author: Orton, A.
Date: 2013
Reference: Orton, A. 2013. The diverse and contested diaconate : why understanding this ministry is crucial to the future of the Church. International journal of practical theology, Volume 16, Number 2, pp. 260-284

Description: Debates on the role of the deacon in the Methodist Church that determined that the deacon's primary purpose is to provide a focus for the ‘servant ministry’ of the whole church, providing witness through service in ways that represent, model and enable this ministry in the Church and wider community

Keywords: deacons, discernment, formation, ordination, Methodist

So you thought you knew “deacon”?

Author: Gahl, R
Date: 2012
Reference: Gahl, R. 2012. So you thought you knew “deacon”? Crossings, June 2012, pp. 1-4.

Description: A simple look at the interpretation of diakonia and the diaconate and the recent challenges to these interpretations.

Keywords: diakonia, deacon, deaconess, Collins

A look at the diaconate in 2008

Author: Watson Epting, S.
Date: 2009
Reference: Watson Epting, S. 2009. A look at the diaconate in 2008. New York, New York:
Episcopal Church Center and the North American Association for the Diaconate

Description: A summary of a comprehensive survey by Adair Lummis titled, “Deacons and Their
Ministries in The Episcopal Church as Reported by Deacons in 2008 and 1978.”

Keywords: deacon, diakonia, Anglican, Episcopalian, ministry

The Paradigm Challenged. A New Analysis of the Origin of Diakonia

Author(s): Latvus, K.
Date: 2008
Reference: The Paradigm Challenged. A New Analysis of the Origin of Diakonia. Studia Theologica, Volume 62, pp. 142-157

Description: Critical study of the interpretation of diakonia in the Reformed tradition and the recent challenges to that interpretation.

Keywords: diakonia, deacon, deaconess, protestant, reformed, Collins

Towards a contemporary theology of the diaconate

Author: Gaillardetz, R.R
Date: 2005
Reference: Gaillardetz, R.R. 2005. Towards a contemporary theology of the diaconate. Worship, Volume 79 (September 2005), pp. 419-438.

Description: Argues for dispensing with the need for a transitional diaconate, describes the attempt to create a theology of the diaconate on the basis that it is about humble service or social work as a failure, and criticises the idea of the deacon as a ‘junior priest’ doing baptisms, weddings and funerals because of a shortage of priests. He proposes a ‘constructive theology of the diaconate’ in a church that is ‘ordered’ but not ‘hierarchical’ in which all the baptised are ordained as disciples of Christ. The key point is what is the new ecclesial relationship is constituted when a person is ordained deacon (or priest nor bishop). He argues that:

“the deacon was ordained to serve the ministry of episkopē. In other words, the ministry of the deacon must be understood not in terms of powers conferred, nor by the functions or particular ministries he performs, nor as icon of Christ the Servant, nor by his introduction into the clerical state, but by his public service to the apostolic ministry of episkopē exercised by the bishop or presbyter. . . . this office is not by way of exercising pastoral oversight (the ministerial province of the bishop and presbyter) properly speaking, but of assisting or serving the needs of pastoral oversight as determined by the one who exercises that oversight. ... It is the deacon’s explicit service to the pastoral oversight of the bishop and presbyter that justifies his share in that apostolic office.”

He poses four statement that he believes such a ‘constructive theology’ answers positively:

1. A theology of the diaconate must do justice to the tradition
2. A theology of the diaconate must explain why deacons should be ordained
3. A theology of the diaconate must distinguish diaconal ministry from that of the presbyter and bishop
4. A theology of the diaconate must distinguish the diaconate from lay ecclesial ministry without diminishing lay ecclesial ministry.
   

Keywords: deacon, theology, presbyter, bishop, ordination

The Order of Widows: What the Early Church Can Teach Us about Older Women and Health Care

Author: Kaveny, M.C
Date: 2005
Reference: Kaveny, M.C. 2005. The Order of Widows: What the Early Church can teach us about Older Women and Health Care, Christian Bioethics, Volume 11, Number 1, pp. 11-34

Description: A description of the emergence of the order of widows in the early Church and its relevamce to ministry to elderly women in contemporay society.

Keywords: deaconess, widows, ordination

Towards a contemporary theology of the diaconate

Author: Gaillardetz, R.R
Date: 2005
Reference: Gaillardetz, R.R. 2005. Towards a contemporary theology of the diaconate. Worship, Volume 79 (September 2005), pp. 419-438.

Description: Argues for dispensing with the need for a transitional diaconate, describes the attempt to create a theology of the diaconate on the basis that it is about humble service or social work as a failure, and criticises the idea of the deacon as a ‘junior priest’ doing baptisms, weddings and funerals because of a shortage of priests. He proposes a ‘constructive theology of the diaconate’ in a church that is ‘ordered’ but not ‘hierarchical’ in which all the baptised are ordained as disciples of Christ. The key point is what is the new ecclesial relationship is constituted when a person is ordained deacon (or priest nor bishop). He argues that:

“the deacon was ordained to serve the ministry of episkopē. In other words, the ministry of the deacon must be understood not in terms of powers conferred, nor by the functions or particular ministries he performs, nor as icon of Christ the Servant, nor by his introduction into the clerical state, but by his public service to the apostolic ministry of episkopē exercised by the bishop or presbyter. . . . this office is not by way of exercising pastoral oversight (the ministerial province of the bishop and presbyter) properly speaking, but of assisting or serving the needs of pastoral oversight as determined by the one who exercises that oversight. ... It is the deacon’s explicit service to the pastoral oversight of the bishop and presbyter that justifies his share in that apostolic office.”

He poses four statement that he believes such a ‘constructive theology’ answers positively:

1. A theology of the diaconate must do justice to the tradition
2. A theology of the diaconate must explain why deacons should be ordained
3. A theology of the diaconate must distinguish diaconal ministry from that of the presbyter and bishop
4. A theology of the diaconate must distinguish the diaconate from lay ecclesial ministry without diminishing lay ecclesial ministry.
   

Keywords: deacon, theology, presbyter, bishop, ordination

Presbyters of the community

Author: Aitchison, J.J.W.
Date: 2004
Reference: Aitchison, J.J.W. 2004. Presbyters of the community. Pietermaritzburg: Diocese of Natal

Description: A reflection on the ordained ministers of the Church originally prepared for a committee looking at the non-stipendiary ministers of the Diocese of Natal and the teminology used to describe them.

Keywords: presbyters, priests, deacons, ministry, non-stipendiary, ordination

What is a deacon?

Author(s): Methodist Diaconal Order
Date: 2004
Reference: Methodist Diaconal Order. 2004. What is a deacon? London: Methodist Diaconal Order

Description: A substantialpaper clarifying the Methodist Church's current understanding of diaconal ministry

Keywords: deacons, diakonia, ministry, ordination, Methodist

Non-Stipendiary Ministry

Author: Wilson, B.
Date: No date
Reference: Non-Stipendiary Ministry.

Description: A useful historical description of the diaconate and non-stipendiary ministry in England.

Keywords: deacon, presbyter, history, Anglican, non-stipendiary

How might there be a Biblical Diaconate in the Church of England

Author: Paice, B.
Date: 2001
Reference: Paice, J. 2001. How might there be a Biblical Diaconate in the Church of England. The Churchman, Volume 115. No 3. pp. 239-249

Description: Combines history of the diaconate, developments in England and theology of the diaconate. Thorough and detailed.

Keywords: deacon, presbyter, history, Anglican, theology

Christian Elders in the New Testament

Author: Piper, J.
Date: 1976
Reference: Christian Elders in the New Testament. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Desiring God Org [Website: www.desiringgod.org]

Description: A very detailed examination of the use of the term "elder" in the New Testament.

Keywords: presbyter, bishop, elder, exegesis, ministry