"The Reformation...was a pastoral care movement growing directly out of care for the salvation of the soul." - Ronald Wallace

Though Calvin is best known for his Institutes and Commentaries, his desire to be a faithful pastor of God's people was perhaps the driving motivation of his ministry. Calvin's high estimation of the pastorate was evident when he wrote, "For neither the light and heat of the sun, nor food and drink, are so necessary to nourish and sustain the present life as the apostolic and pastoral office is necessary to preserve the church on earth." (IV:3:2)