Dieter Hessel assesses major new developments that have occured in both church and society since the first publication of Social Ministry in 1982. He gives special attention to the uncertainty that chuches face today in regard to their public role. Since the implications of that role are vital to each congregation's social ministry, particular consideration is given to the basic social ethic that social ministry should serve in the future. This book includes interviews with clergy and lay leaders, from whom Hessel derives fresh insight into what congregations are doing in society and the problems they are encountering when developing social ministry. 232 pages.