Within the church, there is an ongoing debate over where a pulpit should be placed, whether the right side, left side, or at the center of a platform from where a sermon is delivered. I will leave that particular issue to scholars, as that is beyond the scope of this article. I want to highlight certain features that will help churches purchase a pulpit that is unique, designed to fit within the decor of the church, built to last, and comfortable for the pastor to deliver his message.

The origin of the word "pulpit" comes from the Late Latin word "pulpitum," meaning "an elevated platform or high reading desk used in preaching or conducting a worship service."

The pulpit is the sacred piece of furniture that has been used mainly to deliver a sermon or a Gospel lesson. Another speaker stand called a lectern typically is used by lay people to read Bible lessons, or to lead the congregation in prayer or to make announcements. Both pieces of furniture are considered important, as these two pieces of furniture remain a focal point for the congregation.

Working within this industry for more than 17 years, and talking to well over a few thousand pastors, I have learned to pay special attention to the following points regarding pulpits.

Each church is looking for some uniqueness to make their pulpit represent the true spirit of its particular facility. This allows me to speak to the decision makers, at the church, who have the vision and are able to see what they want, but may be unable to put their concept into a sketch or drawing format. Someone with technical knowledge can easily convert those thoughts into sketches for a pastor or committee to review. 

Soon, a concept is changed into sketches, communication gets a lot easier, and a model can be created if it happens to be a new design. Most of the time, I find, churches like to slightly modify existing designs to assure it meets all their requirements of space available on the platform.

I find it quite interesting that most of the churches are looking for some element of glass incorporated into the pulpit design these days. Wood remains an important material used in the construction of pulpits. However, there are churches opting for all-glass pulpits over an old-style wooden pulpit.

Since the pulpit is added after all of the interior is finished, most of the manufacturers today will offer churches the opportunity to choose the stain that matches their decor. This assures some harmony in colors, adding higher value to the appearance inside.

It is also important that the pulpit height and slope at the top surface, where reading material is kept, is set properly for the height and reading habits of the pastor. One pulpit may be suitable for a pastor who is 5 feet, 8 inches, but that will be too low for a pastor who happens to be more than 6 feet tall. A pastor who likes to walk away from the pulpit more often will need a bit more slope on the top than a pastor who likes to stay on the pulpit most of the time.

We must not forget that pastors are human and may feel tired at times, perhaps wanting to lean on the pulpit while delivering the sermon. A properly designed pulpit will assure all that, as the height, the structural strength and tipping force are all part of the pulpit design. Any pulpit design that cannot withstand the weight of one human being is considered sub-standard, poorly designed, and somewhat dangerous for such usage. For this reason, the designed strength and tipping force are important elements to consider when evaluating and selecting a pulpit.

As a rule of thumb, the pulpit height at the low end (where the pastor stands) should never be higher than the belly button of the speaker and should be below the elbow height to assure that the pastor can lean on the pulpit if ever need be. Again, keep in mind that some pastors may need some support at times, be it for age, health, or fatigue reasons. That is why I always emphasize that a pulpit must be designed for human comfort, its functionality and uniqueness unique for the place it is being used.

Logos normally represent the mission statement of the church in a visual form. It is observed that expanding churches are paying a lot of attention to such small details to harmonize their outgoing messages to the community they represent.

Having that logo, what I call the visual mission statement, carved or displayed on the front of a pulpit helps keep the mission statement in front of every member who attends that church.

It is equally imperative that one pays proper attention to the lighting where the pulpit is placed and the ways it is decorated.

Finally, most recent research shows that the pulpit cavity can be the cause of some major echo problems for a church sound system. Before any decision to buy a pulpit is made, it is extremely important that the echo factor is considered carefully to assure clarity of sound within the church building. 

There are different ways to address echo problems, but it is always better to look into this factor at the early stages. Most of the reputable manufacturers should be able to address that concern through their own research on products that they manufacture.

Amin Bashir is designer of pulpits at Creative Glass, www.creativeglass.com.

Product Roundup

AmpliVox Solid Hardwood Lecterns
The elegant and beautiful design of the Coventry Solid Hardwood Multimedia Lectern will harmonize with your decor while providing rich, room filling sound for your presentation needs. This lectern has built in slots for screens, DLP, projectors, a laptop drawer, racks and computer shelves inside. The Victoria Solid Hardwood Lectern enhances the beauty and warmth of your sanctuary with raised panels that give a traditional look to your any space. This lectern has excellent storage space and a drop-top desk for multimedia presentations. Both lecterns are available without sound, with a wired sound system, or wireless sound system.
www.ampli.com

Sound-Craft Systems
Sound-Craft Systems has been manufacturing quality lecterns, portable sound systems, and presentation furniture for almost 60 years. Working in a variety of materials including solid hardwoods, wood veneers, plastic laminates, and carpets, skilled craftsmen build a wide variety of both standard and custom products to meet your special presentation requirements. Quality materials and construction methods used throughout the manufacturing process insure that each and every piece built at their facility will yield a long, useful service life.
www.sound-craft.com

Imperial Woodworks
Imperial Woodworks is a top manufacturer of quality pulpits and chancel furnishings. Custom pulpits and chancel furnishings are their specialty. To meet the challenge of the diverse products used for worship today, Imperial offers traditional products, such as walk-in pulpits, to beautifully coordinate all the church furnishings. In addition, Imperial provides more modern products, such as Plexiglas and acrylic pulpits, along with more open, rounded designs of furniture to create a more contemporary feel to the worship setting.
www.imperialww.com

Heavenly Wood
Heavenly Wood is an online dealer of high-quality handmade church furniture. All furniture is designed to enhance worship and beautify all churches and chapels. Heavenly Wood's furniture is made from solid wood, not particleboard. Custom modifications can be made to all furniture sold. Their new line of acrylic furniture is scratch resistant and can be custom modified upon request, including the addition of logos and symbols. Wood furniture is available in various stain colors.
www.heavenlywood.com

Woerner/Morgan Acrylic Pulpit ChurchPartner
Are you looking for an outstanding piece of acrylic sanctuary furniture at a very reasonable price?  Look no further than the Woerner/Morgan acrylic pulpit from ChurchPartner. This piece is crafted from crystal clear half-inch acrylic chemically bonded for strength. The surface may be either acrylic or red oak available in one of 16 deep stain options.  Other options include acrylic shelf and engraved cross. The engraving of your own logo or scripture verse is also an option.  Why choose less quality when Woerner/Morgan offers the best at an excellent price? www.churchpartner.com

Prestige Glass
Prestige Glass offers a wide selection of pulpit models, sizes, and top and trim options available to satisfy almost any need. But if you still can't find that special piece, they also offer custom furniture design and manufacturing. They take great pride in the care and craftsmanship with which every piece of furniture is made. From artwork preparation, through glass cutting and etching, to wood finishing and assembly, their staff is dedicated to providing you with furnishings that will truly grace your sanctuary.
www.prestigepulpits.com

Middle Atlantic
Middle Atlantic is a world-leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art enclosure systems and furniture for a wide range of applications, including the house of worship market. They incorporate application-driven engineering into every system they design to meet the individualized requirements of each installation. They are the exclusive Canadian distributor of Exact Furniture, a high-quality manufacturer of competitively priced podiums, lecterns, instructor stations and carts.
www.middleatlantic.ca

Balt Lecture Station from DEMCO
The Balt Lecture Station is now available from DEMCO. A convenient and attractive lectern and desk, the Lecture Station has a locking three-shelf storage cabinet, HPL Cherry surfaces, and built-in wire management. It is a perfect solution for mobility, security, and good looks.  It is in stock for quick shipment. The desktop measures 29-3/4"H x 36"W x 19-3/4"D with 12-1/2"H x 32-1/2"W modesty panel.
www.demco.com

Hertz Furniture
Hertz Furniture features the new Smart Cart Lectern from Oklahoma Sound Corp. Here is a smart way to mobilize PC-based presentations throughout your worship facility. The Smart Cart Lectern features high-quality wood construction, shelves and compartments for all of your A/V equipment, lockable front and back doors, and a built-in, 25-Watt solid-state amplifier. Hertz offers a wide variety of audio-visual equipment for churches and schools.
www.hertzfurniture.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, and 40-inch-high book rail. Congregation members will naturally feel closer to the speaker, as they are not separated by a large wooden pulpit.
www.churchplaza.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, and 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 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