Written by a professor of pastoral theology, the book deals with today's crisis in the ministry, the personal dimension as well as the systemic breakdown of role definition and laity-clergy relationships, and recognizes the need for various support systems throughout a career in the ministry. The author states, "You are first a full human being, second a Christian, and finally a minister." Using Erik Erikson's developmental model, the author has included various case studies of ministers to examine the developmental crises of identity, intimacy, generativity, and integrity from both an individual and an institutional perspective. Separate chapters are devoted to the topics of career conflicts, marriage conflicts, and continuing education within the ministry. Career development centers, marriage counselors, and marriage growth groups are presented as available support services. The minister's continuing education should be related to his changing career needs; the parish is viewed as central in the continuing education of the minister. Having dealt with traditional, contemporary, and experimental roles of the ministry, the author concludes with a chapter on the emerging shape of the ministry. The future picture is one of ministers serving as communicators (dialogical preaching and teaching), counselors, change agents, consultants, and celebrators. (EA)