John Owen The True Nature of a Gospel Church and its Government, ch. 6. Of the Office of Teachers in the Church, or an Inquiry into the State, Condition, and Work of those called Teachers in the Scripture. The Lord Christ hath given unto his Church pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:11). He “hath set some in… Read More Pastor and Teacher: Distinct Church Offices
“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia” (Revelation 1:11). James Durham Commentary on Revelation pp. 52-59. This command of writing, was particularly set down [Rev. 1:11]. Here again, it’s renewed; and afterward, Chap. 2. and Chap. 3. is seven times repeated, with respect to every Church he writes unto: which certainly is… Read More Internal Call to the Ministry
Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici The Divine Right of Church Government Conclusion, pp. 136-141. What is meant by church government? That particular form and order, which Christ has fixed in his Church, for the proper management thereof. How does it appear that there is a particular form of government appointed in the New Testament Church? As… Read More Proof that Presbyterianism is Biblical
Daniel Featley, Dippers Dipt, Article 4. Concerning the calling of Pastors. ANABAPTIST. That there ought to be no distinction by the Word of God, between the Clergy and the Laity; but that all who are gifted may preach the Word, and administer the Sacraments. THE REFUTATION. This prodigious error, which may be easily convinced not… Read More Difference Between Ministers and Laymen
Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, vol. 2, pp. 118-121. The Necessity of a Divine Commission for the Ministry of the Word Question: Is a divine commission necessary for the office of minister? Answer: Socinians and others answer negatively; however, we answer affirmatively. The need for a divine commission is first of all evident from… Read More The Need for a Divine Commission
John Brown of Haddington, Systematic Theology, pp. 568-569. It is plain from Scripture declarations that Christ has appointed rulers in his church that are not appointed to preach the gospel (Rom 12:7-8; Heb 13:7,17). Different gifts qualify men for teaching and for ruling (Eph 4:7). Such rulers are necessary for the assistance of pastors (Gal… Read More The Difference Between Elders and Pastors
Purely Presbyterian 