Question 29 – What is the duty of the church towards their elders, pastors, or teachers?

Answer – [1] To have them in reverence and honour for their office and work’s sake; [2] to obey them conscientiously in all things wherein they speak unto them in the name of the Lord;  [3] to pray earnestly for them, that they may, and to exhort them, if need require, to fulfil the work of the ministry; [4] to communicate unto them of their temporals, for their comfortable subsistence in the world and usefulness unto others; [5] wisely to order things by their direction, so as that they may be amongst them without fear;  [6] to abide with and stand by them in their sufferings for the gospel, and service of Christ among them.

[1] 1 Thess. 5:12,13; 1 Tim. 5:17. [2] Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 16:16. [3] Eph. 6:18,19; Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1; Col. 4:17. [4] Gal. 6:6; 1 Cor. 9:14.  [5] 1 Cor. 16:10. [6] 2 Tim. 1:16-18,4:16.

Go back to Contents

Go to – A BRIEF INSTRUCTION IN THE WORSHIP OF GOD, John Owen 30.