Duties of Christian Fellowship deals with a matter of perennial concern for every truly Christian church. In just a few pages it sets out in very concise terms the responsibilities all Christians have, first, to their pastors, and then second, to one another within the fellowship of the local church.
John Owen was a pastor as well as a theologian and therefore this is a most practical manual of church fellowship. It was likely intended to be read by individuals with self-examination, meditation and prayer, but it would also be very suitable for group Bible study or adult Sunday School classes. This edition is enhanced by a modernized text and the addition of questions which have been added to facilitate group discussion.
John Owen was an English theologian and "was without doubt not only the greatest theologian of the English Puritan movement but also one of the greatest European Reformed theologians of his day, and quite possibly possessed the finest theological mind that England ever produced" ("Owen, John", in Biographical Dictionary of Evangelicals, p. 494)
An excellent read, and one I heartily recommend. This was a bit of an impulsive purchase, done after a rather pointed sermon about whole-hearted zeal for God. This is a very small volume, but every page packs a significant punch. It is impossible to disagree with Owen, for everything he says has about ten scripture proofs to support his claims. He spits some very convicting fire, of which I shall insert a mere taste.
1) He [the minister] ought to be helped in prayer as he carries the burdens of the saints, and ought to be esteemed very highly in love for his work's sake
2) A common way to scatter the sheep is by smiting the shepherd, it is for the church's sake he is reviled and persecuted, and the church's duty is to stand by him
3) Love exerciseth itself in continual prayer for the church, striving and contending for purity and against opposers, and endeavouring for preservation of unity
Etc. etc.
Like a certain pastor I know, John Owen decided not to take any prisoners in his exhortations. I think this little book would prove a necessary read for every Christian, for what man perfects the art of Christian fellowship? He deceives himself who says that he does.
The second half of the book on the duties of Christians to one another is exceptional, especially the final two rules about church discipline and holiness.
I felt the first half could be strengthened with more clarity on the work of a plurality of elders in the life of the congregation.
Excellent. And very convicting, especially in regards to my lack of prayer for my elders and fellow church members. Discussion questions in this abridged version would be great to do with a small group (or with one's family).
I chose to read this book as a palette cleanser as I traverse my way through my white whale books and holy smokes it feels like I got waterboarded only it was voluntary and good!
I stopped writing down notes halfway through my reading because I realized I was essentially just writing out the entire book at that point. It’s difficult to make notes when Owen is the master of condensing and articulating such profound propositions (despite his run on sentences ha). I am resolved to re-read this book so that I can savor it and treat it with more sincerity than I had this first round.
On another note, I wish I could photograph memory this book but then again that would be a lazyman’s method of acquiring knowledge without the intentionality of putting that knowledge to practice. What better way to remember than to actually do? So do, I shall try.
An updated review will follow but a few quotes I will include here for future Jess to recall and mayhaps it will serve as a hortatory section to pick up this book yourselves:
"Holiness becometh the house of the Lord for ever; without it none shall see God. Christ died to wash his church, to present it before his Father without spot or blemish; to purchase unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. It is the kingdom of God within us, and by which it appeareth unto all that we are the children of the kingdom. Let this, then, be the great discriminating character of the church from the world, that they are a holy, humble, self-denying people. Our Master is holy; his doctrine and worship are holy: let us strive that our hearts may also be holy."
“He is not worthy of the privileges of the church who continues not in prayer for a defence upon that glory. Prayer, then, for the good, prosperity, flourishing, peace, increase, edification, and protection of the church is a duty every day required of all the members thereof.”
“Prayer and supplications are continually to be made on his behalf for assistance and success in the work committed to him [pastors]… That these are to be for assistance, encouragement, abilities, success, deliverance, and protection, is proved in the rule. As their temptations are multiplied, so ought prayers in their behalf. They have many curses of men against them, it is hope that God hears some prayers for them. When many are not ashamed to revile them in public, some ought to be ashamed not to remember them in private.” (‼️‼️)
brb, gonna go wrestle w the aforementioned white whales again
W.H. Goold said it nicely, “John Owen is here, for once, a master in the art of concise writing.” In this short book, Owen walks through 7 rules for walking in fellowship with the pastor and then 8 rules for walking in fellowship with other believers.
Here is a quick breakdown of the rules in section 1. 1) Believers attend regularly and submit to the preaching of the word and administering of the ordinances and do this with a willing obedience in the Lord. 2) The pastor’s way of life is to be observed and carefully followed, to the extent that he walks in the ways of Jesus Christ. 3) Prayer and supplication are to be made continually on the pastor’s behalf that he might receive help and success in the work that has been given to him. 4) Believers are to hold the pastor in the greatest respect and to submit to him, for the word’s sake. 5) The church is required to support the pastor and his family by supplying all their earthly needs, to the degree that is appropriate to the state and condition of the church. 6) The church is to remain loyal to the pastor and to stay at his side in all the trials and persecutions that may arise because of the word. 7) Believers, along with their families, must gather together as a congregation before the pastor, at the times appointed by him.
Each of these rules is further expanded and backed up with Scriptures. Owen gives motivations for keeping them as well.
In section 2, Owen details how believers are to walk in fellowship with one another.
This book is not an extended discussion of how Christians are to relate to their pastor or to each other. But what it aims to do it does well. Owen gives 15 rules for Christian fellowship. The first seven are about how the layperson can support their pastor. The next eight are about how Christians can stay in fellowship with each other.
Why five stars? This book is perfectly suited for the current Christian landscape. It reads like a series of well-written blog posts, short, clear, and practical. The organization is excellent with the rules in bold, followed by Scripture (not just the reference, but the actual verses), a short explanation by Owen, and then study questions added by the editor. It is quick read, yet packs a punch both in the rules and in Owen's explanation. Also I find that many Christians want to support their pastor, but are not sure how. Owen begins with that and it is good section. All in all, an excellent book to work through in a small group study, Sunday school, or to hand out to church members.
Read slowly as part of family worship. Very helpful and practical little book on what we're called to as members of Christ's body. Plus, it's straightforward/simple enough for anyone to read.
The puritan paperback series makes even the most difficult theologians easier to read. Yet John Owen , even his abridged works, is thought to be intimidating. Such as not the case of this volume. It is less technical than anything by Watson who is considered by many to be the easiest to read. It reads like Edwards resolution or Vincent’s explaining of the shorter catechism. It is broken into two parts : how to lead a church and then how to be a member of a church.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Every believer should read it, probably on a regular basis. In this easy to read book, Owen goes through several short points about how to be a good church member. This version also has study questions. Just a very profitable little book. My only point of disagreement is the point that talks about the state supporting the church, but I try not to be anachronistic with something like that.
An excellent little guide establishing the basic principles of Christian fellowship within the church. Owen explains how church members should relate to the pastor/elders and to fellow church members through a series of Rules or principles backed up by Scripture citations and then a simple explanation. Banner of Truth added discussion guides allowing churches to easily teach it in a Sunday School or small group setting.
Notes: Duties toward pastors 1: Believers are to attend regularly, and to submit to, the preaching of the word and administering of the ordinances committed to the pastor by virtue of his ministerial office. They are to do this with a willing obedience in the Lord. 2:The pastor’s way of life is to be observed and carefully followed, to the extent that he walks in the ways of Jesus Christ. 3:Prayer and supplications are to be made continually on the pastor’s behalf that he might receive help and success in the work that has been given to him. 4: Believers are to hold the pastor in the greatest respect and to submit to him, for the work’s sake. 5: The Church is required to support the pastor and his family by supplying all their earthly needs, to the degree that is appropriate to the state and condition of the church. 6: The Church is to remain loyal to the pastor and to stay at his side in all trials and persecutions that may arise because of the word. 7: Believers, along with their families, must gather together as a congregation before the pastor, at the times appointed by him.
Duties toward fellow church members 1: Believers have a duty of affectionate, sincere, genuine love in all things towards one another; a love compared to that of Christ for the church. 2: Believers must maintain continual prayer for the prospering of the church under God’s protection. 3: Believers must strive and fight with determination, in every legitimate way, by their actions and sufferings, for the purity of the ordinances, for the honor, liberty and privileges of the congregation, and in order to help others in the face of all opponents and adversaries. 4: Believers must maintain an unremitting care and effort to preserve unity, both in general and in particular. 5: Believers are to separate and keep apart from the world, and from the men of the world in all their ways of false worship, so that we are seen to be a different people. 6: Believers should engage in frequent spiritual conversation for edification, according to the measure of their gifts. 7: Believers must bear with one another’s infirmities, weaknesses, sensitivities, and failings, in meekness, patience and pity, and providing help and assistance. 8: Believers must support one another, tenderly and affectionately, in their various circumstances and conditions-bearing one another’s burdens. 9: Believers are voluntarily to contribute and share in temporal things with those who are truly poor, in a way that is suitable to their necessities, wants and afflictions. 10: Believers ought to note watchfully and avoid carefully all causes and causers of division; they are particularly to shun seducers, false teachers and those who spread heresies and errors that are contrary to the Word of God. 11: Believers should cheerfully accept the lot and portion of the whole church, in prosperity and affliction, and not draw back for any reason whatever. 12: In Church affairs, Believers must not discriminate between persons but condescend to the weakest brother and perform the least service, for the good of fellow-Believers. -Let the greatest consider it their greatest honor to perform the lowest necessary service on behalf of the lowest of the saints. 13: If any member is in distress, persecution, or affliction, the whole church is to be humbled, and to be earnest in prayer on his behalf. 14: Believers must watch one another’s behavior carefully and warn one another to avoid all disorderly conduct. If any offending member will not accept such warning their case must be brought to the church. 15: Believers should live and walk in an exemplary way in all holiness and godliness, to the glory of the gospel, the edification of the church, and the conviction of those outside the church.
This outstanding primer on the duties of Christian fellowship should be mandatory study for anyone pursuing church membership. In Owen’s typical clear and concise manner, he describes the essential duties incumbent upon all members of the church and solidly grounds each of these 15 undeniable duties in scripture.
Here is one example:
Rule 15 ‘Believers should live and walk in an exemplary way in all holiness and godliness, to the glory of the gospel, the edification of the church, and the conviction of those outside the church’. He then provides 11 scripture references to undergird his supposition, and then states:
‘Holiness befits the house of the Lord forever, without it no one will see the Lord. Christ died to wash his church, to present it before the Father without spot or blemish; to purchase for Himself a people for His own good possession who are zealous for good works. It is by the kingdom of God which is within us that we appear to all be the children of God. This then, must be the great differentiating character of the church in the world, that they are a holy, humble, self-denying people. Our Master is holy; His doctrine and worship are holy; let us make every effort to ensure that our hearts also are holy.’
Such a convicting and edifying book. Full of clear biblical principles to apply to live a life of sanctification being formed more and more into the image of Christ. By this effort by every believer, the church grows and is strengthened and made more fit for her Bridegroom.
Owen thinks and writes with gospel clarity, and in this volume at least, great concision (95 pages only!) I'm sure larger books could go into greater detail concerning the many rules a Christian fellowship should follow, but Owen's knowledge of and reference to appropriate Scriptures per each duty is excellent, and his brief explanations are challenging. This book could be given as a gift or homework to those seeking church membership! Some quotes: "…men grow tired of hearing the Word only after they have grown tired of putting it into practice," "Free pardon is the substance of the gospel…presented to us for our imitation."
Good topic by an excellent author but I am not sure the style of presenting a lot of rules works well for me and the book can start to feel slightly legalistic and critical. Some very helpful scripture but the link between scripture and conclusion is not as tight as I would like. Also it would be better to see Christ more at the beginning and then to flow to the character and actions of the believer. More emphasis on the outward facing serving role of the Church would help. Glory of Christ by John Owen is very good. Also 'True friendship' by Vaughan Roberts.
I think this is a great primer on Church membership. I don't really like how its set up, but that is not John Owen's fault. It would make a decent family bible study, and might work in some Sunday school contexts. The fact that it begins with the Church's duty and responsibility to submit to the pastor, means I would feel kind of awkward giving it out. I'm afraid it would look like I'm implying that they needed to improve in that particular area. That probably won't keep me from giving it out though. It is short and easy to understand.
This book is essential to understanding the role of Christians in relation to the local body of believers to which they (must) belong. Owen is clear and concise in laying out each rule that Christians should follow in order to effectively obey the command of Christ to love the brethren. If all true churches of the Lord Jesus Christ would study this work together, they would see an increase in love and fellowship with one another and would become brighter beacons for the glorious gospel to which we are called to model and proclaim.
An excellent short work on how we ought act within the church. I pray to pastor a congregation like this one day.
"When many are not ashamed to revile [our pastors] in public, some ought to be ashamed for not remembering them in private." (13)
"It is not the richest person, nor the poorest person, but the humblest person, who is accepted before the Lord." (76)
"The believer who is being admonished should accept the warning, with all Christian patience, with no more anger or bitterness than he would feel should someone have broken a weapon by which he was about to be killed." (85)
Solid and helpful summary statements of the guiding principles of Christian community, with biblical support and brief explanations. Primarily addressing inward fellowship, not outreach.
Could have been immeasurably helped by a case studies or examples of what it looks like not to have followed these wise rules. Every Christian would agree with these rules as written and supported from Scripture; few Christians recognize when a rule has been broken in the church.
Great Explanation of Rules for Christian Fellowship
I liked the simple outline that Owens crethis short lesson on Christian fellowship and his detailed reliance on scriptures (though I would expect no less from him). The rules cover support for leadership in the church as well as member to member support responsibilities. In that since it was well balanced. My only complaint is that it kept the language of John Owens, like reading a King James Bible again.
It took a lot longer than it should have, but I finally finished this great little book. It was highly recommended to me. And I highly recommend it to any Christian wanting to learn more about what it means to count the cost and walk faithfully in the Christian life as a member of a church. Every point John Owen makes is backed up with scripture. So while the book is short, there’s a lot of information to digest. What are you waiting for?
The 1850 preface summarized well that “Owen is here, for once, a master in the art of concise writing.” There are twenty one ‘duties’ briefly spelled out for pastors and church members all with lots of Scriptural support. The printer also added some sweet questions for personal reflection or group discussion. Would be a great book to work through with others in your church. Very edifying resource.
If you are looking up a new pastor and try to gauge what he is like by the churches What-we-believe tab on their website. That is similar to trying to gauge Owen by this pamphlet. It is more a formal almost legal document than a treatise or argument
It is fine.
The forward is correct. It would make a good Sunday school class or Small group study guide.
Excellent in the application of biblical truths for church member. It is practical as well as solid theologically (no surprise considering it is Owen). He also does not neglect Christian love and affection for Christ, the church, and it’s members (also no surprise for him).
I also love the way he breaks down each “rule”, making it easy to teach or study with someone else.
It never ceases to amaze me what Puritan pastors could get away with. This book was a delightful read concerning our duties as members of Christ's church both to our pastors and to others. It's insightful. To the point. And biblical. Great volume.