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Lessons from a Letter of Call to John Owen

Posted on 20. Oct, 2009 by Danny Hyde in John Owen

Today was a day dedicated to reading. I did so sitting outside at my favorite fish market in Carlsbad and reading through The Correspondence of John (1616–1683): With an Account of his Life and Work, ed. Peter Toon (Cambridge and London: James Clarke & Co. Ltd., 1970). I was fascinated to read letter 71, “From the General Court of Massachusetts,” dated October 20, 1663 (pp. 135–136). This letter is what we call a letter of call from one congregation to a minister, seeking to impress upon him their desire for him to come.

There are several lessons that the church doing the calling can learn. Normally, we pastors speak to others about what they should say or what they should look for. Here I want to exhort elders, sessions, consistories, and congregations as to what to say, based on this letter to Owen.

First, the congregational church of Boston asked Owen “to come over and help us.” Alluding to the Macedonian man’s call to the apostle Paul, you need to remember that this is no mere perfunctory or business acquisition, but this is a spiritual task. You are seeking the spiritual help of a man of God.

Second, especially if you are a congregation in an average place without great attractions, sites, or a big city scene, listen to what the leaders of Boston said to Owen: “We confess the condition of this wilderness doth present little that is attractive, as to outward things.” Again, you are not trying to wine and dine a new CEO. You are calling a pastor so be honest.

Third, continuing this theme of honesty, listen to how the writers described themselves to Owen: “the persons that call you, are unworthy sinful men, of much infirmity, and may possibly fall short of your expectation.” Wow. You don’t hear that these days. Speaking from experience, I know I would have been more impressed by this sheer honesty concerning the sinfulness of man than with all the lengths to which men went to impress and put their best foot forward.

In short, as Reformed Christians, if we are involved in the calling of a minister, be honest, be realistic, and be sincere.

Tags: calling, ministry, Owen