You're also ignoring the obvious height difference between the two, which would explain the hand placement. It was definitely a bad move on the pastor's part...I'm just not sold on the idea that this was malicious.
My statement explains the reason why the pastor felt the need to give her extra attention in the first place. In fact, he pretty much forced the congregation to clap for her b/c damn near no one was feeling her vocals. The overall exchange was super awkward but it was awkward for way more reasons that what you guys are focusing on.