The theme of my proposal is Pastoral Leadership in a Changing Community and a Changing Society. I will have a somewhat limited approach of this theme in that I will look at it from the African American community. My intention is to look at how the church, community, and society are changing and the role of pastoral leadership in interpreting those changes. I will be utilizing events such as the Murrah Building Bombing (Oklahoma City), September 11 (New York), May 3rd Tornadoes (As the event is known in Oklahoma) and Hurricane Katrina as events of focus for pastoral leadership. I plan to spend the twelve-week period speaking with individuals who will have both insight and success in helping the community understand its plight and its future. I will also be in dialogue with individuals who benefit or do not benefit from the pastoral leadership that is being exercised. The focus of this proposal is significant to me because it represents my work in ministry. This Sabbatical will give me that which is a luxury to the active pastor---time to think, reflect, meditate and pray.