As lifestyle segments change and diversify, expectations for effective communication are changing. More profoundly, expectations for effective communicators are changing. Each of the eight identities of spiritual leadership approach preaching in different ways ... or not at all. The reason preaching is increasingly stressful is that it is not a task, but an identity that drives self-esteem. Preaching is no long what you do, but who you are ... and as the world changes your challenge is not to learn to do preaching better, but transform into a different kind of spiritual leader.

Despite the charisma of political leaders, Biblical people were right in separating political and spiritual leadership. The insights of Paul Tillich from the 1930's and 40's are relevant today. It explains the gap between unrealistic expectation and angry disappointment that experienced in just a single year or two for a new incumbent for political office. Political leaders are not ... and cannot ... be spiritual leaders. And it is a mistake often made when society lacks spiritual depth.