An ecumenical mix of educational and theological specialists reflect on a social agenda for theological study. Eight contributors-teachers of ethics, theology, church and society, religious education, and pas-toral ministry-share views and impressions on what is called for in preparing men and women for faithful, effective public ministry in the late 1980s. Their basic concern is addressing the issue: How shall the seminaries prepare ministers to make a public difference? In discuss-ing the meaning of Christian life in the context of social trends, the contributors achieve an informal but valuable consensus about public ministry and theological education. They affirm the importance of and specify the basic dynamics of socially responsible ministry. The text includes a self-assessment questionnaire for seminaries. The book makes a strong case for involving the whole church in ongoing strug gle and dialogue around the consideration of social ministry.