The Work of Shepherds (5)

And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. Galatians 2.2

Draft Ecclesiastical Ordinances
John Calvin (1506-1564)
“Now as it is necessary to examine ministers well when they are to be elected, so also it is necessary to have good supervision to maintain them in their duty. First, it will be expedient that all the ministers, for conserving purity and concord of doctrine among themselves, meet together one certain day each week, for discussion of the Scriptures; and none are to be exempt from this without legitimate excuse.”

The Record of the Company of Pastors in Geneva during the time of Calvin provides fascinating reading and offers penetrating insights into the work of a body of ministers as they cared for the flocks of God in their city. Ministers need other ministers for friendship, counsel, spiritual and moral accountability, and for improving their use of the various tools and gifts of ministry. In the local church, pastors and elders, or those who are called as shepherds in the flock, should pray, study, and worship together regularly. They should set goals for growth and ministry, and help and encourage one another in pursuing them. And they should show the way to the whole congregation by encouraging one another in love and good works. Beyond the local church, shepherds within the larger community should find ways of being similarly accountable to one another. Where such accountability is lacking, the wellbeing of the Body of Christ suffers.

Do you meet with other ministers for ongoing mutual accountability? Would other ministers benefit from your meeting with them?

T. M. Moore

Pastoral Hope Initiative
Pastor, where are you in your walk with and work for the Lord? Are you growing? Covering all the bases? Working fruitfully toward the Kingdom of God? Our Pastoral Hope Initiative can help you establish a framework and baseline for steady, fruitful growth into the Lord Jesus. We have permanently waived the fee for men who want to work through this 14-week protocol. Watch this brief video, then, if you’re interested, let me hear from you at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations from John Calvin, “Draft Ecclesiastical Ordinances,” in J. K. S. Reid, ed., Calvin: Theological Treatises in The Library of Christian Classics (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1954), pp. 58ff.