Resources for Deacons: Love Expressed through Mercy Ministries

by Timothy J. Keller

Ideal for training new deacons in essentials of diaconal ministry. This book is one of the best resources to help a board of deacons understand the calling of their office, the biblical concept of mercy ministry, and ways to organize and evaluate the needs of their church and community. The book is divided into 4 sections: Biblical basis for diaconal ministry, Organizing for diaconal ministry, Needs and programs for diaconal ministry, Casework in diaconal ministry. 127 pages in paperback."

Genres: Christian, Theology, Church, Nonfiction, Ecclesiology

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.

He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.

Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”

Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, but extremely practical and helpful for the nuts and bolts of diaconal mercy work. This collection of essays/articles is focused on works of mercy especially to the broader community, rather than admin/facilities/budget issues in the local church, which means that in light of the responsibilities of many deacons, you'll need to find other resources in those areas. But what it does, it does very well.

[Joel Zartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging. Even in things it gets wrong it is challenging. Compact, practical, insightful, highly useful. This book is from 1985, so dated in some of its more practical suggestions and reading recommendations, obviously. But intelligently practical.

One of the misgivings I'd have is that it is a bit impatient of prioritizing spiritual over material needs. It recognizes this priority but still underplays the priority of the spiritual. This lends urgency to its appeal for social transformation. Time, I think, allows us to have a more detached perspective on some of it suggestions, while still allowing most of this book to be useful.

This book was recommended by the guy running the OPC's diaconal stuff. I'm grateful.

[Jonathan Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, devotional, biblical, and comprehensive. A great training manual for deacons and the work of the diaconate, as well as problems to avoid. Keller's heart for the diaconate and the work that they do is clearly shown here in a way that all deacons can learn from. Some might feel overwhelmed by the scope of Keller's mercy ministry ideas and offerings, but I think if a church were to go slowly, they could see many of these applications play out in a way that is edifying for the church, its members, and ultimately, for the "least of these" in their congregations and communities. Must read.

[Montgomery Loehlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag. There’s some really good articles in the first half of this book. This is definitely geared towards deacons that are focused on mercy ministry. Some of it is outdated. Still a worth while recourse for some deacons I think.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of this book was highly applicable. However, if you are not ministering in the same setting as Tim Keller was, it only gives a broad approach.

[Eric Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource. This book would be a wonderful resource to provide to current deacons and deacons-in-training. This is not a book with a central thesis, but a resource workbook for deacons offering biblical foundations, gospel-rooted instruction, and practical suggestions for mercy ministry. The book would also be a great resource for pastors and teachers seeking to instruct Christians in the necessity and importance of compassion and mercy in the church and community. I envision using this book to help continue to train deacons on ways to minister to all, especially those in the household of faith. Biblical, balanced, and thoughtful--quintessential Keller.

[Tim Woody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical book, which would serve to give ideas to a healthy diaconal ministry. Some of his ideas on charity and the role of civil government I thought was a bit overreaching. This book is not a book expositing the biblical function of a deacon instead it offers small deacon groups advice.

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful little book for deacons to use as a manual or workbook of sorts. Good companion piece to the more theological and exegetical "Ministries of Mercy."

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is so helpful in outline form with its practical helps and ideas and does not miss the fact that deeds open doors to gospel words.