The ministry is under fire. While much of the criticism is constructive, the time has come to move beyond the negative accusations being leveled at the ministry. 'I think,' declares Seward Hiltner, 'the ministry is in much better shape than most of its critics allege.' After delineating the negative charges against the ministry, Dr. Hiltner present his thesis of the profession as a complex unity. Within this unity the minister fulfills his purpose as preacher, administrator, teacher, shepherd, evangelist, celebrant, and theologian. This explicit recognition of the ministry's help toward successfully integrating the varied functions and activities of his profession.