The Pastor’s Bookshelf Seen from Another Angle

I thought this was an interesting post, from a marketing perspective, from another publisher’s blog.

Pastors do it.
Scholars do it.
Even insecure editors do it.
Let’s not do it.
Let’s not do it at all!

What are they talking about? That Old Bookcase Backdrop.  The one that appears in so many publicity shots of clergy authors. It made me think of the other images that may surround a pastor with unintended consequences.

An elevated pulpit
A collar
A parking space with a “for the pastor only” sign
Control of the microphone

Of course, many of the images around the pastor are necessary or out of his or her control.  Politicians have become savvy–mission accomplished banners aside–about creating public images.

Thinking appreciatively about  things I have seen at various churches:

The communion table placed front and center instead of an altar
A baptismal font given prominence and referenced at every worship service
A choir that sits scattered among the congregation
A pastor that sits in the front pew between functions during worship
Folding chairs instead of fixed pews
Praying during board meetings
Children coloring on throw rugs in front of the pulpit throughout the service

What sorts of “bookshelves” might be providing your background?