The sermon resembles a dialogue between preacher and congregation. Like an effective counselor, the preacher understands people's failures and doubts. He is less an authority figure and more a friend. Television's influence parallels the influence of counseling. If some Rip Van Winkle were to return, after a twenty-year nap, to the evangelical church of his childhood, he would probably be astounded at how television has reshaped worship.
Many soloists bend and sway with their mikes, just like the TV stars.
Almost everything is sight and sound. Applause regularly punctuates Sunday morning services, as if congregations were studio audiences. Many Christians today appreciate this contemporary model of worship because it involves the worshiper in much more than sitting and listening to a speaker. In the light of God's works of mercy and love, worship leaders call the congregation to emotional, even physical expressions of praise. Still, television is an entertainment medium.