The new 9Marks eJournal is out. The topic is deacons. Here’s the introduction to the issue from Jonathan Leeman:
Jesus came to deacon (Mark 10:45; Rom. 15:8).
So did Paul, Apollos, and Tychicus (1 Cor. 3:5, 6; Eph. 3:7; 6:21; Col. 4:7). And the greatest among us will be deacons (Mark 10:43). It’s not a bad label to wear, apparently.
The New Testament only mentions this unassuming office two, maybe three times (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13; cf. Rom. 16:1). But pay attention. It seems to direct the deacon’s attention to the church’s physical good, which in turn will serve the church’s spiritual good. The deacon is a unity builder—and shock absorber! There should be nothing unspiritual about a deacon.
What about your church? Do you officially recognize anyone as a deacon? Doing so publicly holds forth models of Christian love and service. We hope these articles will stimulate you to consider why and how to employ such individuals in your congregation.
Articles from the May/June 9Marks eJournal include the following under two categories:
Deacons: Understanding the Office
- Deacons: Shock-Abosobers and Servants by Jamie Dunlop
- The Biblical Qualifications and Responsibilities of Deacons by Benjamin Merkle
- What Makes Good Diaconal Ministry? by Jeremy Smith
- Do We Need to Use the Titles “Elder” and “Deacon”? by Benjamin Merkle
Deacons: Putting It Into Practice
- The Committee-Free, Task-Specific Deacon by Matt Schmucker
- Moving From a Deacon-Led to an Elder-Led Church by Phil Newton
- How to Separate Deacon Work From Elder Work by Matt Schmucker
- A Deacon on a Deacon’s Reward by John Ingold
And don’t miss out on the book reviews as well. To see the books reviewed in this edition of the eJournal, go here.
