In a discussion of the ritual of pastors and parishioners shaking hands after the service, Martin Copenhaver notes:

When preachers stand in doorways and shake hands it is a reminder that the clergy are not performers and the congregation an audience. Rather, in worship we are all performers before the true audience of worship — that is, God. But both clergy and laity sometimes get confused about this.

— Martin B. Copenhaver, This Odd and Wondrous Calling