In "Duties of Christian Fellowship," eminent Puritan theologian John Owen comprehensively examines the foundations of healthy church membership through timeless biblical principles embraced across denominations.
Owen argues that God designed local church congregations to gather under duly appointed leaders, actively participating in Christ's ordinances. He compellingly asserts every believer's duty to unite with a faithful church exhibiting core marks of biblical fidelity. Emphasizing consent and submission to Christ's authority, Owen portrays church commitment as the avenue for real spiritual fellowship.
The book delineates twenty-two "rules" governing congregational responsibilities, grounded in relevant Scriptures. The first section's seven rules define ethical member conduct toward church leadership, spanning from exemplifying Hebrews 13:17's call to "obey your leaders and submit to them," to Ephesians 6's mandate to intercede for pastors through prayer.
The second section's fifteen rules outline intra-congregational relations conducive to unity and harmony. Here Owen methodically moves through every principle, reinforcing each rule's scriptural basis and underlying motivations.
While emphasizing official member duties, Owen essentially constructs a vision for healthy participation vital for church prosperity. "The Duties of Fellowship" brilliantly spotlights the path toward robust, thriving church community.