Instead of first learning some theology and then applying it to the questions of pastoral care, it is better to start from practical experience, and by reflection arrive at a theology. Ministers and trainee ministers are guided in this book towards a way of integrating theology, pastoral activity and personal faith. Since it was first published, the new ‘discipline’ of practical theology has grown into importance, and we are now much more aware of how groups function. These changes are reflected in this new, largely rewritten edition.