As the definition of ministry is reconsidered, the qualifications and expectations of clergy change as well. Once the best-educated members of society, clergy shared professional status with doctors, lawyers, and teachers. As religious institutions have lost their standing in civic society, so too the stature of clergy has diminished. Today’s religious leaders are often expected to be a Jack or Jane of all trades— serving as CFO, CEO, administrative head, and volunteer director in addition to teacher, preacher and pastor. (The good news is that this unbalance is beginning to be addressed in creative new ways.)

Many pastors are called (and trained) to serve as chaplains—a role which is based on more traditional models of religious practice (as in churches where membership is cynically described as a willingness to "pray, pay, and obey"). For some aspects of lay ministry, just the opposite skill set is required—the ability to coach, inspire and empower others to minister.

Leaders may be good program managers and administrators, but they also have to know how to delegate responsibilities, convene groups, facilitate discussion, and resolve disagreement. Recognizing that a single person can’t do it all, they must know how to establish and facilitate core support systems that send others out to do ministry.

Clergy are given an ambiguous directive. Encourage lay ministry, delegate authority, but when someone dies or is in the hospital—be there as an old-fashioned pastor.