Determining the right podium or lectern can sometimes be daunting with many choices, styles, colors, and finishes. While much has been written about higher-end podiums, there is another alternative that many churches may consider, especially when looking for a quick, affordable solution.

The huge and thriving industry for our market has created a need for medium-priced, in-stock, multimedia lecterns, both with and without sound. Whether for long-term sanctuary use or temporary service needs until permanent installations can be done, there exists an alternative worth considering. Manufacturers have stepped up to the plate to offer this service.

Let's explore a little more by visiting some important considerations.

Wood & Other Finishes
In addition to the many expensive solid wood and veneer podiums, manufacturers have built many styles made of material such as MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). While MDF is a man-made material, it is far more durable than traditional particleboard or flake board; when the laminate finish is applied through a thermally fused process, it will last for many years. This can be an attractive, quality alternative at far lower pricing.

This also allows for a wide array of color choices, while medium oak, light oak, mahogany, and walnut have remained all-time favorites and are more readily available. Other materials include powder coat painted steel and acrylic Plexiglas.

Sound or Non-Sound
If your church is looking for a basic, functional sound system, one that can cover audiences of 50 to as many as thousands, but does not want to go through the expense, difficulty, and time of a custom installation, it is worth considering lecterns with built-in sound systems. These units are completely portable with amplifier and speakers fully contained in the cabinet.

Accessories such as caster wheels for portability, reading lamps, and flexible microphone gooseneck arms are either standard or add-ons, depending on your choice. It is truly amazing to consider a completely portable sound podium with all or most of the acoustical benefits of an installed sound system for a fraction of the price. Most styles are available without built-in sound systems, as well, so you can either go without sound or complement the lectern by using the church's existing sound or P.A. system.

Wired or Wireless
While these lecterns typically include wired microphones, either handheld or lavaliere/tie-clip styles, when you choose sound that is built in, today's manufacturers have raised the ante by offering wireless options either as accessories or even as built-in options. This allows the user to speak completely hands free, often up to 200 feet away from the lectern with either handheld, tie-clip or headset options. Use of multiple microphone options can even allow speaker/audience participation. Often, this technology does not raise the cost prohibitively. Shop around for your best deal of available options.

In Stock/Quick Ship or Custom
As described earlier in this article, custom or high-end furniture pieces are available, but, of course, they will take much longer for delivery. The design and features of mid-market lecterns provide an alternative to this important consideration, as well.

Some manufacturers are dedicated to large-quantity production, maintaining large inventories in a wide variety of choices for immediate shipment. Often, this means you can receive your order within a week of placing your order.sometimes sooner.

While many catalogs write "In Stock," inquire what that truly means. Where is it shipping from? How long will it take to arrive? What is the shipping method? Always ask for a shipping company name and tracking number. Frequently, this will allow you to easily "track" your shipment with a click of the mouse on your home computer 24 hours a day.

Price Ranges
Basic options start at $60 to $70 retail and frequently go as high as $1,000 to 1,500. As always, you get what you pay for, so make sure you check which features are included with your package and which are optional.

Shipping may or may not be included, so inquire there, too, but with these self-contained units, many are able to ship UPS and, therefore, less expensive to ship than a common carrier trucking company.

For a non-sound unit, you can expect the price gamut to be $60 to $70 up to as much as $600 to $700. For included built-in sound systems, complete packages should start around $400 and go as high as $1,500 to $2,000. Of course, you will pay more additional options, such as optional rechargeable batteries or wireless mics.

Service & Reliability
Consider this. You open the box, take out your lectern, plug it in, flip on the power switch, and, presto, your sermon will be heard by your flock with ease and clarity. Flip another switch and you can walk around wireless. Plug in your battery and bring your lectern or portable P.A. system outdoors. The possibilities are so simple and so available.

Most manufacturers offer a multi-year warranty, with extended warrantees offered by servicing dealerships, often included in the price. Ask! The basic and simple design of these mid-market lecterns and podiums often eliminate the difficulty of set up and maintenance, while allowing for many years of good use, if built by a quality manufacturer with a solid industry reputation.

Shipping Methods
Imagine your church's new podium showing up with your daily UPS or FEDEX delivery! Many "UPS'able" choices are available or, of course, you can choose to receive your lectern with a trucking company, but often that will require a receiving dock and scheduling a delivery time.

Price is also a consideration, so ask about your options. Of course, you'll typically want to go the truck route when ordering multiple units, as that typically drives down the shipping cost.

Trends
While a basic pulpit, lectern or podium will always be in demand in the church environment, suited for many applications within the building, today's explosion in technology and computer-friendly products have created the need for furniture to support this equipment.

Lectern manufacturers have begun filling this need, with lecterns designed to support much of today's multimedia and computer equipment. Features such as laptop usage shelves and storage compartments, projector and document camera shelves, and wire management are just a few things now found on many product offerings. Some manufacturers even combine this with built-in sound systems for the full package. Make sure to identify the needs of your church before buying. With careful research, you can often find a product able to fill all your needs.

In closing, there is a whole world of affordable, in-stock, attractive, multimedia lectern and podium options out there. Often, you can buy your very own lectern for what a few rentals would cost. Don't settle!

Barry Stauber is president of Oklahoma Sound Corp located in Clifton, New Jersey, www.oklahomasound.com .

Product Roundup  

Heavenly Wood
Heavenly Wood has announced the addition of five new podiums. One of these podiums, the Presidential Podium, is the crown jewel of the company's podium line and includes many features not available in most church furniture. All five new podiums are made from solid wood, are available in several different stains and are designed for any church environment. The Presidential Evolution Podium not only has a "stately" appearance to it, but it also includes a microphone, built-in speakers and amplifier. The other four new podiums include:
* Senator Podium
* Counselor Podium
* St. James Lectern
* Standard Presidential Podium
www.heavenlywood.com

Prestige Glass
Through a lifetime of involvement in local churches, Prestige Glass CEO and President Robert Jackson has often found inspiration in the timeless beauty of fine sanctuary furnishings. Knowing that the imagery and scripture that often grace such pieces can have a powerful impact on congregation and visitors alike, he and his staff share a deep commitment to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. All pulpits feature:
* Architectural tinted or clear glass
* Oak bases with recessed castors
* Choice of eight standard wood stains
* Customized art
www.prestigeglass.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

Hertz Presentation Cart
The new PRC-300 presentation cart provides on-the-go security with a built-in lockable storage box. It features adjustable tilt and height, and a 6-outlet power strip, at a price that cannot be beat. It is lightweight and ready roll. Other features include:
* Upper platform adjusts from 34-44"H
* Lower platform adjusts from 28.5-38.5H"
* 3" heavy-duty casters (two locking)
www.hertzfurniture.com

Rdy2Go Elite from Video Furniture International
The Rdy2Go Elite from Video Furniture International comes standard with all the components of the Rdy2Go Espresso, with a little something extra. The Elite comes in two parts: an LCD projector module and a lectern with audio and video equipment rack mounted. It comes complete with:
* Microphone
* TOA 5 channel amp
* DVD/VCR combo
* Four TOA speakers
* CATV connection
www.video-furn.com

Jespersen Podium
Jespersen Podium Inc. was officially started in September 2001. However, the first podium was designed for Willow Creek Community Church 's 25 th 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