i have always been told that the handshake is part of the "one speaks, and the others check" principle of 1 Corinthians 14.
The elders give their prior approval, knowing the intent of the sermon, and (if appropriate) their posterior approval after having heard the delivery.
Likewise, each adult member of the congregation indicates at the end of the service whether he agrees with the message by shaking or not shaking the preacher's hand. Often those handshakes would be deferred till after some additional questioning or discussion ("Pastor, you said this and this, but what about that verse?" "When you said X, you surely didn't mean to imply that..") has clarified the intention of the preacher.
It is an important part of preventing the preacher to grow into a "mini-pope", and the congregation into passive consumers - each member has to declare, and if necessary defend, his stance on the subjects preached.
Posted in: What Is the Significance of the Handshake Between the Elder and Minister Before and After the Sermon?
i have always been told that the handshake is part of the "one speaks, and the others check" principle of 1 Corinthians 14.
The elders give their prior approval, knowing the intent of the sermon, and (if appropriate) their posterior approval after having heard the delivery.
Likewise, each adult member of the congregation indicates at the end of the service whether he agrees with the message by shaking or not shaking the preacher's hand. Often those handshakes would be deferred till after some additional questioning or discussion ("Pastor, you said this and this, but what about that verse?" "When you said X, you surely didn't mean to imply that..") has clarified the intention of the preacher.
It is an important part of preventing the preacher to grow into a "mini-pope", and the congregation into passive consumers - each member has to declare, and if necessary defend, his stance on the subjects preached.