Choosing the right pulpit furniture can be one of the most difficult decisions to make when re-furnishing a church or furnishing a new church for the first time. There are literally thousands of styles, colors and designs of furniture from which to choose.

Church furniture isn’t easy to find. Churches have very specific needs and requests when it comes to furniture. It’s not a one-size-fits-all market. Most churches require furniture to be customized to the church architecture, layout and denominational needs. Churches often need a specific design standard.

You could spend hundreds of hours traveling from one location to another, trying to find the furniture that best fits your building.Finding good church furniture is difficult. It’s not a matter of heading to the local furniture store.

Wouldn’t it be nice if this process were easier? Would you like to have a wide variety of furniture available to look at in one location, without the pressure of a salesperson standing next to you? Have you ever considered purchasing church furniture and accessories online?

Church furniture may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about online shopping. You can browse through hundreds of products, look at color options and pricing, all from your computer. You can take your time making a decision. Once you have found a product that you like, you can order it online and have it delivered right to your church door.

Here are four questions to ask before purchasing pulpit furniture:
* How much space is available?
* What color do you need?
* Is quality an issue?
* How soon can you get the furniture?

You will want to be sure and measure the room you are furnishing. Many products are designed to help conserve space, but you will still want to make sure it fits. Also take into consideration how wide door entries are. You want to make sure furniture such as pulpits, ambos, benches and more will fit through the entry. Churches around the world vary in size and purpose. The last thing you want to do is get a large piece of furniture that looks proportionally huge in a small room.

When furnishing a church, be sure the colors match. Many companies offer a wide variety of colors of wood and fabric available on their products. Most churches have some type of color coordination. Ideally, it is nice to have everything match. One thing
many people don't realize is that different types of wood and stains often complement each other. You don't want to choose a fabric or wood stain that clashes or looks bad. If you keep the furniture consistent and colors matching, it helps to create a harmonious environment.

Also, always make sure the furnishings of your church are built well. A church is a very important building and should be treated with great care. Most churches rely on donations to get money to purchase church furniture. This means that money is not always in great abundance. This money needs to purchase something that will last. Unlike many businesses, churches cannot afford to re-furnish every couple of years. Church furniture needs to be high-quality in order to last for many years.

What are the different types of church pulpit furniture?

Altars
Altars have multiple uses. They are often used by many churches for offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. These tables can also be used to hold religious artifacts. Many altars have ornate designs etched in the wood.

Communion Tables
Communion tables are used to offer communion or sacrament. This holds wine or water and bread or Sacred Host, depending on the church. Communion tables often contain ornate designs etched into the wood.

Ambo
The center stand in a church is called the ambo. In many churches, it functions as the lectern and pulpit. Ambo is a Greek word meaning "both." Ambos are mistakenly called pulpits.

Pulpits
Churches that have a more historical layout have two speaker stands. The stand on the left is referred to as the pulpit. Pulpits are typically used for giving sermons. The pulpit side of the church is often referred to as the gospel side of the church. The pulpit, being the focal point of the worship setting, should be chosen carefully to complement the other church furnishings.

Lecterns
In churches that have a more historical layout, with two speaker stands, the stand on the right is referred to as the lectern. Lecterns are typically used for reading scriptures. The lectern side of the church is often referred to as the epistle side of the church. Lectern is Latin for "to read."

Credence & Offertory Tables
Credence tables are usually used to hold bread, wine and other church artifacts, when they are not being used on an altar. These tables are very ornate and can also be used to hold other items. Offerings are placed on the offertory table.

Here’s the bottom line. Unlike many businesses, churches cannot afford to re-furnish every couple of years. Church furniture needs to be high-quality in order to last for many years.

David Stuart is the marketing supervisor for Heavenly Wood, www.heavenlywood.com.

Product Roundup

Jespersen Podium
Jespersen Podium Inc. was officially started in September 2001.  However, the first podium was designed for Willow Creek Community Church's 25th Anniversary in October 2000. 
* A contemporary new look was desired along with a lightweight design to meet the mobility requirements. 
* The church now uses Jespersen Podiums throughout their building and has several models used on their stage.
* Through the years, new designs have been added to meet the needs and interests of churches and the business community.
www.jespersenpodium.com

SP Standard by Mulnix Industries
The Mulnix model SP Standard is a podium that works well as a standalone unit. It can be completed with:
* A built-in PA system with 250 watts of power
* Two 8-inch speakers
* Amplifier/mixer with auxiliary microphone, which can be used with a wireless microphone
The podium comes with a Shure microphone and goose neck mount.
www.miwoodproducts.com

Evangel Pulpit from ChurchPlaza
The Evangel pulpit is a beautifully crafted solid oak, acrylic and polished brass "V" shaped pulpit with a unique open design. The Evangel Pulpit, the flagship of ChurchPlaza’s pulpits, is open, stylish and easy-to-move. The pulpit features:
* Posts and base inlaid with brass
* Durable clear acrylic top
* 42-inch by 20-inch size
* 40-inch-high book rail
Congregation members will naturally feel closer to the speaker, as they are not separated by a large wooden pulpit. Matching communion table and flower stands are available.
www.churchplaza.com

Mity-Lite Summit Lectern
Heavy wooden lecterns can be difficult to move and are often easily damaged.
* The lightweight Summit lectern weighs only 48 pounds.
* It is durable enough to withstand a six-foot drop with no damage.
* It is built to last, saving time and money in replacement and repair.  
* It can be customized with a variety of colors and inserts.
The company also makes lightweight folding tables, folding and stacking chairs, carts, room partitions and accessories.
www.mitylite.com