This is from a chapter reflecting on Calvin's work in A Pastoral Rule for Today:
The Company of Pastors embodied three practices designed to enhance fidelity to the Lord and Christian community that are just as foundational today.
First, regular, ongoing, in-depth study of Scripture remains fundamental to pastors' capacity to proclaim the gospel...Confining biblical study to private sermon preparation may lead to secondhand reliance on the work of others or to idiosyncratic interpretations...restricting study of Scripture to solitary consideration deprives a pastor of the insights and the corrections of others.
Second, serious and sustained theological study is an essential component of veracity in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and mission. Continual theological engagement is necessary in building the pastoral capacity to understand contemporary culture and respond faithfully to its challenges, to deal knowledgably with church members' doubts and questions, to encourage faithful mission initiatives, and to wrestle with difficult moral issues...None of us possesses the rich theological wisdom necessary for the task. We need colleagues - both books and fellow pastors - as companions in the ongoing engagement with "the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God."
Third, biblical and theological wisdom is a necessary element in pastoral care. Church members deserve the truth of the gospel at all times, but certainly in moments of deep personal and communal significance...In moments such as these, pastors cannot fall back on pop therapy or religious cliches. Only constant probing of the deep mystery of God with us and for us in the dying and rising Christ can prepare pastors to serve the personal needs of congregations and members.
(A Pastoral Rule for Today p.100f )
