The Deaconship: A Treatise on the Biblical Office

by John G Lorimer, Tim Hopper (Editor), C N Willborn (Foreword)

Classic work on the office of deacon in the Presbyterian church by John G. Lorimer, minister in the Free Church of Scotland in the mid-19th century. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of diaconal ministry from the nature and importance of the office, its divine authority, its history in the church, the biblical qualifications and duties of the deacon, and the practice of the diaconate in the Free Church of Scotland."In this wonderful treatise he traced out the history of the office in the early church, providing OT background, before examining the decline of the office, which plagued his beloved church in his days. One of the most fruitful aspects of the book has to do with his explanation of the reasons for the near extinction of the office in it biblical form. The rationale he offers for the demise of the office seem to revisit the church from time to time and so deserve our study so as to avoid such a travesty." — Rev. Dr. C. N. “Animated by the spirit of his office, and acting out the character which the counsels of the Word imply, [a deacon] will not be haughty, or harsh, or suspicions, he will not be cold, and formal, and repulsive, discharging his work as if it were a burden; he will be frank and easy in his intercourse with the poor and take an interest in their avocations, their health, and welfare; kind, and tender, and sympathising, especially when in sickness; but withal firm, and not easily persuaded to what his judgment does not approve. He will also have a deep conviction of the insufficiency of all his efforts to benefit the poor of his charge without the blessing of God, and hence he will not fail to seek the blessing in the exercise of diligent and persevering prayer for the Holy Spirit.”

171 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2019

Reviews

[Alex McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging read. It's unusual to attribute it to the Puritan tradition, considering it was written well after the generally accepted Puritan period. However, the work undeniably bears clear literary influences of Puritanism. It's short and punchy, with evident pastoral undertones, almost resembling stream-of-thought verse much like you’d find in sermon delivery. Here's a brief quote to illustrate this style:

"Though the original institution arose from a specific emergency, murmurs emerged regarding the provision for the Hellenist widow, distinct from the Hebrew widow in Jerusalem. Yet, it's evident that even without this case, other situations would have soon necessitated such an appointment, driven by the progress of Christianity. The existence of the office of deacon in the Christian Church is sufficient proof of its necessity."

In this excerpt, characteristic features include lengthy run-on sentences, dry language, and pastoral sentiment. The author also presents the well-known Presbyterian axiom, "we know it was God's will because it happened." Furthering the Puritan vision, later in the text, Lorimer introduces concepts like "Ecclesiastico-secular thinking" and presents clear arguments on the civil magistrate.

Interestingly, the author asserts that the Presbyterian church government historically holds a three-office view of ecclesiology: pastor, elder, and deacon. I found this argument valuable in the context of discussing the modern church's perspective on the diaconate. Especially coming out of a denomination that holds a two office view.

Notably, the author draws from various historical sources such as Cyprian, Origen, the Sixth Council of Constantinople, and the Synod of Dort to support the Presbyterian view of the diaconate. This breadth of historical engagement is refreshing, especially considering the tendency of modern Presbyterianism to be so insular.

Lorimer's thoughts on the mode of appointment and the duties of deacons are intriguing. He holds a high view of who can and should be called to the diaconate, viewing it as a necessary but weighty office. He advocates for regular visitation of congregants by deacons, suggesting that every neighborhood and borough should be served by at least one deacon. However, I disagreed with his assertion that "the office of deacon is not a spiritual office" and his use of the office to test future elders, as this undermines the unique spiritual dimension of the office.

Lorimer's discussion of the diaconate operating banks is compelling, especially in light of modern discussions on religious institutions offering financial services. Books like “When Helping Hurts” openly advocate for religious institutions offering low interest micro-loans to help alleviate the burden of usury and run away interest. And as a Kuyperian it was nice to see other voices come to similar conclusions.

Shout out to the fact that I didn’t know Knox ran a mega church. This fact certainly challenged some of my thoughts on congregational size.

The most significant chapter of the book explores the revival of the office of deacon. The Reformers played a pivotal role in reclaiming the dignity of this office, which had often been misinterpreted as junior clergy and/or elder replacements. Today it seems like many evangelical denominations use their diaconate to do the role of elders and as a stepping stone to the office of elder. This was an important retrieval for the reformation and today alike.

While I may not reread the book, I can see myself referring to it in the future.

[Christopher Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Many, then, and peculiar are the advantages of reviving the office of deacon.

Our present social disorders may have been intended, in the providence of God, in part, to call the attention of the Christian Church to this part of its duty. It is true that most Christian Churches do something for their poor, but they do not, in this respect, discharge their whole duty to all the poor, in the way or to the extent in which Christ requires it. Let the Christian Church listen to the voice of Providence, and be faithful to her trust and to the rule of Scripture. A high honour and distinguished reward await her if true to herself and to the poor.

Discredit and reproach will attend her footsteps if, in such a crisis, the irreligious and the infidel can say, with truth, that the Christian Church did no more than the world, and that, in extraordinary circumstances, she felt and acted as if there were nothing peculiar"

Succinct and worthwhile. Lots of edifying things to meditate upon from this; from the reliance upon the Spirit and exemplifying how the spirit led nature of the office effectively applied in service to the church and its immediate society. A fantastic balance of the church as an spiritual institution with applicable effects to general society; the physical outworking of the gospel that isn't a dichotomy of spiritual and secular.

[Michael Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an excellent - though not exhaustive - overview of the biblical office. What sets it apart is its concern for the practical implementation of the office and its function. Circumstances have clearly changed in a century and a half, and the church has to adjust its approach accordingly. Lorimer goes further than many 21st century Christians by examining the reasons for the particular qualifications laid out in I Timothy 3 and by not shying away from the importance of the office to the Church’s mission. He is not afraid of a deaconal power grab or usurpation of authority, but he is concerned that the office will not be attended to and the church’s moral authority and witness suffer as a result.

The question of how exactly the 21st century church should use the office of deacon is not one Lorimer can be expected to answer; however, his description of the Free Church of Scotland’s approach challenges our assumptions, forcing us to examine them in the light of scripture, and gives us some guidance as we seek to relieve the poor and serve Christ’s bride in a biblical fashion.

[Brian Franklin]

Mid-19th century book on the history and biblical office of the deacon. Got it on Google Books while searching (as one does!) for more historical info on deacon’s.

Pros:
- lots of detailed history on the Protestant recovery of the district office of Deacon, especially in Scotland, including Knox and Chalmers
- very strong and expansive view of the practical and service-based work of deacons. Lots of helpful things on that regard
- Practical ideas include: having at least one Deacon in every parish/neighborhood who works side-by-side with pastors and elders;
-regular visitation by deacons to make them more aware of the day-to-day needs of the people
- a great interview with a Deacon who served a particular city for several decades, on what he learned
- creating or at least utilizing banks to help the poor invest and save their money;

Con:
- Core argument is that Deacon is not a spiritual office. That it exists to enable the spiritual office of elder to be free of practical concerns. Really goes out of his way exegetically to prove this, and I think falls short. These are both spiritual offices with different focus, responsibilities, and gifts.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview in an often neglected area of Christian ministry, care for the poor.