pulpits, pants and pastoral authority

coming up on my one month "anniversary" at FVPC, i have lead four worship services... three sunday mornings and a memorial service.

so here is the set-up:  the sanctuary could hold at least 200-300 people, but usually 40ish come on Sunday morning.  it has a huge altar space, chancel and pews for a choir up front, but mostly that is empty.  the pulpit is off to the right, and the organ and piano are off to the left.  the pulpit is on the small side, but up on the "stage." our sound system is finicky.  haven't successfully used a lapel mic since i have been there.  we have one wireless hand held, that i have been sharing with song leaders.  it is awkward to have to hold a mic, and put it back in the mic stand for the songs.  i am not always well heard and have many congregants with hearing difficulties.  and of course, though the crowd is about forty people, they are scattered throughout the large sanctuary.

so here is the problem: 

1. it is easier for everyone to hear me from the pulpit.

2. i don't believe in preaching from the pulpit and it makes interaction impossible.

3. the sound system is not going to change any time soon.

i did  notice that the big advantage to using the pulpit was (as much as i hate it) was that i could see everyone the whole time and help provide atmosphere.  long term though, i don't want to be the only one up there doing that.

how to i establish authority while maintaining a deep belief in leading by serving and a "priesthood" of all believers?  how do i literally be heard and maintain who i am?

on top of it all, i have been wearing suits, and dressing way up (for me) for preaching.  not a fan.  makes me feel inaccessible to the few young folks who come in the door.

this week, i think my compromise may be that i will lead from the pulpit but wear jeans, heels and a dressy shirt, and see how it goes.

who preaches from pulpits?  who else is up front? how can i encourage more worship leadership and energy so that we are worshiping together and not just following what i do?

and do any of these details really have to do with pastoral authority?

Comments

[robert austell]

Abby, we've only spoken once (when trying to get BRC through Charlotte last Spring)... but through him I got connected to your blog and here I am reading. :)

I think I get what you are juggling here and had a thought. If the chancel area is as large as you say, I wonder if you might get the 40 people up there with you... maybe even under the guise of talking a bit about the priesthood of all believers... i.e. if you can't logistically go down with them, bring them up with you.

They might get used to you preaching among them and at whatever point you transition back to the 'floor' you can go with them. And, hopefully having sat close together in the chancel, you could also get them to sit together in the sanctuary and just speak from in front of them.

Just a thought - may the Lord bless you in your ministry!!

[abbykk]

Robert...
Thanks for the feedback! I do think that the Spirit comes into our communities that are seeking new ways of living, while still being true to their tradition through creative solutions like yours. On Sunday, I told someone that I was just going to keep trying new ways of setting up and situating worship until we find what works. Your thoughts will certainly enter among the experimenting.

Blessings to you in your ministry as well!