Frank Viola has written about the early church and how many of our traditions have come into the church. His book, Pagan Christianity, and David Prior's The Church in the Home are interesting.
When I speak at other churches I prefer to speak in front of them, not up on stage or behind a pulpit. I think it creates a greater sense of intimacy that standing elevated above them, behind a pulpit, etc.
I prefer a more casual, comfortable setting. Since i don't read my message, I don't need anything but my Bible a a few notes.
Though we are told WHAT do do, we are not told HOW to do it. Everyone has to use whatever style he is most comfortable with in whatever cultural setting they are in.
In Tanzania and Belarus, where I've taught and preached, things are quite different, to say the least.