Question 27 — What are the principal duties of the pastors or teachers of the church?

Answer — [1] To be examples unto the flock in faith, love, knowledge, meekness, patience, readiness to suffer for the name and gospel of Christ, with constancy therein;

[2] to watch for the souls and take care of all the spiritual concernments of the whole flock committed to them;

[3] to preach the word diligently, dividing it aright;

[4] to preserve and contend for the truth;

[5] to administer all the ordinances of the gospel duly and orderly;

[6] to stir up and exercise the gifts they have received in the discharge of their whole work and administration of all ordinances;

[7] to instruct, admonish, cherish, and comfort all the members of the church, as their conditions, occasions, and necessities do require;

[8] to attend with diligence, skill, and wisdom unto the discharge of that authority which in the rule of the church is committed unto them.

[1] 1 Tim. 3:1-7,4:12; 2 Tim. 2:3; Col. 1:24; Phil. 2:17,3:17. [2] Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28. [3] 2 Tim. 2:15,4:2; Rom. 12:6-8. [4] 1 Tim. 6:20; Acts 20:28; Jude 3. [5 ]1 Cor. 4:1,2; 1 Tim. 3:15. [6] 1 Tim. 4:14-16. [7] Acts 20:18-20,25,27; 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Tim. 2:24,25. [8] Rom. 12:7,8; 1 Tim. 5:17.

Owen, John. The Life and Works of John Owen (55-in-1) . Classic Christian eBooks. Kindle Edition.