Abstract:
The aim of this article is to look at the
development of the deacon’s position in the Dutch Reformed Church of Africa by investigating
the founding, development, and management of the deacon’s position in the church. It is not
the purpose to investigate the deacon’s position from a Biblical exegetical point of view but
rather to look at the historical development of structures such as the Algemene
Diakensvergadering, Ondersteuningsraad whose name was later changed to RATA, the children’s
homes which were later converted into the DPS homes and the old age homes which were
restructured in the Ons Tuis Monument-tehuise. We shall attempt to look at the development
of the deacon’s position, and also consider the developments that lead to the founding and
phasing out of the deacons’ meetings, and Circuit deacons’ meeting, as well as the effect that
had on the service delivery of deacons. A journey, therefore, examining the past along with
the future. We shall take the lessons we have learned in the past and apply them to improve
our endeavours in the future which have already commenced.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article is intradisciplinary, since
it combines different fields within Practical Theology, like, diaconate, ecclesiological studies,
and family and youth ministry. It also attends to church history. It is intradisciplinary in its
attention to social sciences, more specifically social work.
