Our observations suggest that the pastoral role is being decentralized to a significant degree. In large mainline, predominantly white Protestant congregations, as well as in the larger African American congregations, we are seeing movement toward leadership roles for supporting clergy or other  professional staff who have significant responsibilities beyond what assistants have traditionally done. Indeed, in the largest congregations, associates are essentially vice-presidents with full responsibilities for their functions. We even see shared preaching responsibilities in some settings. We are seeing sabbaticals among senior clergy with authority transferred, at least temporarily, to top associates.