Choosing to Preach Discussion
#14 - The Use of the Pulpit
Posted by Kent Anderson on August 26, 2006 19:14
Must a cognitive preacher use a pulpit? If the preacher knows the material well enough to preach extemporaneously, can the pulpit be left behind? Or is the pulpit a symbol we cannot afford to lose?
(from page 100)
Replies
re: #14 - The Use of the Pulpit
Posted by Sally Peng on Oct. 06, 2007 at 22:36
I don’t see pulpit as indispensable for a cognitive preacher if he/she is very familiar and confident with the text and material. If leaving the pulpit behind makes the preacher more effective in delivering the message, they should not feel confined to using a pulpit. However, I would disagree that we should see the pulpit as a symbol which is losable; it is more than a symbol. The pulpit is a helpful aid in preaching that should be well used by those who need it.
re: #14 - The Use of the Pulpit
Posted by Jon Mair on Feb. 02, 2007 at 18:57
The pulpit is not an essential part of preaching for any type of preacher. I think the pulpit often disassociates the preach from the listener and creates an unnecessary divide. If a preacher knows his/her material well then and is comfortable speaking without a pulpit then they should be free to do so. If they prefer to have something to hold notes but do not feel the need for a pulpit a simple music stand can suffice.
re: #14 - The Use of the Pulpit
Posted by Philip Yung on Feb. 01, 2007 at 18:31
I don’t believe that a cognitive preacher must use a pulpit. The pulpit does not make the preacher; the preparation and ability to explain the text make the preacher cognitive. Therefore, while we cannot afford to lose the cognitive aspect of preaching, the pulpit can be lost if it gets in the way of our ability to connect with our listeners. We want to preach cognitively, not appear cognitive because of a piece of "furniture."