The History of the Diaconate (2): Its Deformation

In previous articles we set forth two main principles governing our view of the diaconate. First, we argued that a scriptural view of the office of deacon places it on a par with the offices of pastor and elder. Second, by examining the institution of the diaconate, we saw that the fundamental work of the deacon is to care for the poor of the church. Although the church abided by these principles for a time, she gradually abandoned both. By the Middle Ages, the church's government had become...