This unique book uses life cycle theory to focus on the person who ministers, providing a pastoral model consisting of three important dimensions. Instead of concentrating solely on the role of the pastor as personal comforter, Donald Capps also emphasizes the dimensions of the pastor's role as moral counselor and ritual coordinator. In addition to summarizing Erik Erikson's life cycle theory, Capps addresses topics rarely discussed in pastoral care literature. His discussion of the Book of Proverbs provides a biblical foundation for the model of pastoral care developed throughout the book.