Does height matter?

In the preaching at church, have you ever thought about the effect, on the listener and upon the preacher, of the height of the preacher’s platform above the congregation? Read more

The height of the pastor's platform does matter. It affects the congregation's perceptions of the preacher and their receptivity to the sermon. When the preacher is elevated high above the congregation, the congregation feels that the preacher is speaking down to them in more ways than one. Congregations tend to be more receptive to the message of the sermon when the preacher is on the same level as they are or close to that level. The proximity of the preacher also affects receptivity to the sermon. The closer the preacher is to the congregation, the greater the receptivity. As a result a number of preachers have abandoned preaching from a platform and preach from the midst of the congregation. Whether or not the preacher stands behind a pulpit affects receptivity too.