It is, of course, reflective of the movement to a more casual and contemporary worship service. So, is your church contemplating the move to theater seating?

If so, what should you consider when selecting theater seats for your worship center? How can you select the seating that is best for your church? 

Here’s the first step, according to one theater seating manufacturer.

“Measure twice...and then measure again,” says Bruce Prock, executive director of sales and marketing for Bertolini. “This refers to making sure the facility matches exactly the plans your seating is being built from.”

Manufacturers agree that when outfitting your sanctuary with theater seating, it is important to make an informed and educated decision.

“Many companies can provide an attractive, comfortable sample, but will this sample be reflective of your future comfort?” says Peter Paffrath, eastern region worship sales manager for Seating Concepts.

To ensure satisfaction, Paffrath recommends to examining the inside of the seats.

“Look closely at the manufacturer’s standards,” Paffrath says.

Paffrath suggests asking the following questions from the seating manufacturers.

• Do they powder coat the inside for rust protection?
• Are the standards seamless, or do they bend and weld the metal?
• Is the seat foam cold molded?
• Is there a protective barrier between the seat springs and the foam?
• Is there a manufacturer’s warranty backing the product with a multiple-year warranty inspection policy?

“By looking at the inside,” Paffrath says, “You can ensure that your church is getting the most durable, comfortable and cost-effective seating solution.”

One thing to keep in mind is that not all benefits derived are from the seating product alone, according to Susan Link market manager at Sauder, a pews powerhouse that recently launched its own brand of theater seating for the contemporary worship scene.

According to Link, is as important to evaluate the company you select as a partner when purchasing seating that should last for years to come.

“A strong partner is trustworthy and reliable with years of expertise in understanding a church's needs and manufacturing furniture for the worship environment,” Link says.

Her recommendations include:

• Choose a company that has a successful track record of helping customers through the process of furniture selection to an on-time furniture delivery.
• Select a company that will provide you with a seating layout that maximizes your seating capacity and guides the installation of your furniture by professional and responsible installers.
• Decide on a company that will be around long after your delivery to stand behind their product and who will be available for additional furniture as you continue to grow.

Theater seating is a great way to reflect your worship style, and it’s a very attractive and comfortable option. Take time and care when evaluating various theater seating lines.

Product Roundup

Preferred Seating
Preferred Seating designs and manufactures attractive and functional auditorium seating made completely in the USA. The seating features ergonomic design for comfort and style, with superior strength and durability.  Traditional and contemporary profiles come in a variety of styles and color selections, with upholstered, poly or wood laminate options. Gentle lift seats are quiet, carefree and consistent. Pew combo has pew backs and ends, with individual gentle lift seats, with book, card, pencil and cup holders. 
www.preferred-seating.com

Hussey Quattro Collection
The Hussey Quattro collection of upholstered chairs was designed to satisfy traditional needs and set new aesthetic standards for sanctuary seating. From lush upholstery options to a range of fine wood grains with deep stains and options like hymnal racks and custom end-treatments, Quattro provides comfort, style, durability and value. Whether traditional or modern, places of worship are designed to inspire, uplift and create a sense of connection. This connection between worshiper and worship service can be enhanced with the right seating—through comfort, whisper-quiet operation and site-appropriate décor.
www.husseyseating.com

Advantage from Bertolini
If you're considering theater-style seating, then give yourself the Advantage. Bertolini Sanctuary Seating's Advantage Series is an innovative new seating line with luxurious features, including passive lumbar support, fully upholstered backs and their exclusive non-lift chair seat. The Advantage Series Fixed-Sit Chair will provide the professional elegance of theater style seating at half the cost of similar models. Don't pass up this two-for-one deal.
www.SanctuarySeating.com

Sauder Clarity
Sauder Clarity’s elegant beauty comes from its simple, sophisticated design and sleek profile. Its ergonomically correct contoured shape uses cold-molded, high-density foam. Developed for optimal lumbar support, the result is unparalleled comfort. A proprietary gravity-lift pivot mechanism and significantly fewer fasteners and attachments keep Clarity remarkably quiet; no moving parts or springs to loosen or fail over time means Clarity’s seat consistently returns to its upright position for years of worry-free use.
www.sauderworship.com