by John Owen
Original & Unabridged
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Modernized
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Duties of Christian Fellowship: Modernized and Adapted for the Heart and Life of Today’s Believer is a timeless guide to what it truly means to belong to a local church—not merely as a name on a roll, but as a living, loving member of Christ’s body. In this warm and wise work, the great Puritan pastor-theologian John Owen lays out a vision of Christian community grounded in Scripture and overflowing with practical grace. Rich in biblical insight yet wonderfully concise, this short book distills the responsibilities of church membership into clear and compelling principles that are as relevant today as when they were first penned.
This modernized edition has been gently updated to make Owen’s teaching more accessible to today’s readers. Archaic language has been refreshed, while the theological substance and scriptural fidelity have been carefully preserved. Following each section, brief pastoral reflections encourage heartfelt application and spiritual growth, making the book as devotional as it is doctrinal. Whether used in personal reading, group study, or church membership training, Duties of Christian Fellowship is a gift to the whole church.
The book is divided into two parts. Part I addresses the believer’s responsibilities toward their pastors, outlining how members can honor, support, and walk alongside those called to shepherd them. Part II focuses on how members are to live with one another in the fellowship of the church, offering wise counsel on everything from love, forgiveness, and unity, to generosity, holiness, and mutual accountability. Owen’s aim is not just to instruct the mind but to stir the heart—to help believers walk worthy of their calling together, for the glory of Christ and the good of the church.
This edition is ideal for new believers, high school and college students, small groups, or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of biblical community. It provides a beautiful balance of theology and practice, truth and love, doctrine and devotion.
The original unabridged version of Duties of Christian Fellowship is also available for those who wish to read Owen’s work in his own words.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary of John Owen's Duties of Christian Fellowship
Prefatory Note
To the Reader
Part 1: Duties of Members Toward Their Pastor
• Rule I: The preaching of the Word and the administration of all ordinances committed to a minister by virtue of his pastoral authority should be faithfully attended to and submitted to with willing obedience, in the Lord.
• Rule II: The pastor's personal example and conduct should be carefully observed and imitated, so far as he follows Christ.
• Rule III: Prayer should be continually offered for the pastor's help and fruitfulness in the work entrusted to him.
• Rule IV: The pastor should be respected and submitted to out of reverence for the office and the work he does for Christ.
• Rule V: The church should provide material support for the pastor and his family, according to the church's means.
• Rule VI: Members should stand by their pastor in trials and persecution for the sake of the Word.
• Rule VII: Members should gather with the church at the times appointed by the pastor and the congregation.
Part 2: Duties of Members Toward One Another
• Rule I: Love one another sincerely and fervently, with the kind of love Christ has for His church.
• Rule II: Pray constantly for the church's peace, protection, and prosperity.
• Rule III: Earnestly contend for the purity, liberty, and privileges of the church, resisting all threats and opposition.
• Rule IV: Diligently preserve unity, both within the congregation and with other believers.
• Rule V: Separate from the world and all false worship, so that the church may be a holy people set apart.
• Rule VI: Engage in frequent spiritual conversation for the purpose of mutual encouragement and growth.
• Rule VII: Bear with one another's weaknesses with patience, gentleness, and support.
• Rule VIII: Sympathize deeply with one another in times of distress, sharing in each other's burdens.
• Rule IX: Give generously to meet the material needs of fellow believers.
• Rule X: Watch out for and avoid all causes and instigators of division, especially false teachers.
• Rule XI: Stand firm with the church through both prosperity and persecution, without drawing back.
• Rule XII: Show no favoritism, but humbly serve all, including the least and lowliest among the saints.
• Rule XIII: When any member suffers, the whole church should pray earnestly and be humbled together.
• Rule XIV: Watch over one another's lives, lovingly admonishing those who stray from gospel obedience.
• Rule XV: Live in a holy and godly manner, displaying the power of the gospel in every part of life.
Closing Prayer