Michael Brown, in his commentary on 2 Timothy (The Lectio Continua Series), compares the Paul’s understanding of the pastor as a soldier, athlete, and farmer to the contemporary view. For the early reformers, “the ministry of the word was understood as preaching, teaching, catechizing, pastoral visitation, and performing weddings and funerals. These were the duties that pastors were expected to fulfill faithfully, along with continuing in prayer and pursuing godliness. Nowadays, however, it ...