A pulpit is an elevated platform or lectern in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon or other address. The word “pulpit” comes from the Latin word “pulpitum” meaning “platform” or “stage.” In many Christian churches, the pulpit is considered a symbol of the authority and importance of preaching in worship services.
According to the Bible, preaching is a vital part of Christian worship and teaching. Several verses emphasize the role of preaching in sharing the gospel and instructing believers:
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
The act of delivering a sermon from an elevated pulpit symbolizes the authority given to preachers and teachers to proclaim God’s word. It also allows the speaker’s voice to carry throughout the church without artificial amplification.
Origins and History
Early Christian worship services likely featured teaching by church leaders from a raised platform or lectern. However, large pulpits designed specifically for preaching developed later.
Some key developments in the history of the pulpit include:
- Outdoor preaching from steps – Preachers in the early church preached outdoors from steps or other raised structures.
- Lecterns – Reading desks called lecterns were used to read Scripture lessons in worship services.
- Ambo – An early predecessor to the pulpit, the ambo was a raised platform with railings for reading Scripture.
- Chancel steps – Stone steps leading up to the chancel area became a makeshift early pulpit.
- Square or cylindrical stone pulpits – Stone pulpits emerged around the 4th century with simple designs.
- Octagonal pulpit – The octagonal pulpit became popular by the 13th century, often highly decorated.
- Reformation pulpits – More emphasis on preaching led to larger and more decorative Renaissance-era pulpits.
- Victorian Gothic pulpits – Elaborately carved marble and stone pulpits were popular in the 19th century.
- Modern minimalist pulpits – 20th century pulpits became more simplified and utilitarian.
While styles have changed over time, the basic function of the pulpit has remained constant as a platform to deliver the spoken word of God.
Types of Pulpits
There are several common types and designs for pulpits used in Christian churches today:
- Traditional stationary pulpit – A sizable, permanent wooden structure often carved from oak or other woods.
- Lectern style pulpit – A simple lectern that can be moved or portable.
- Acrylic or plexiglass pulpit – A clear, minimalist pulpit popular in modern churches.
- Small worship stand – A basic music stand-like podium to place notes.
- Glass podium – A clear glass lectern often used for announcements.
- Ornate Victorian-style pulpit – An intricately carved marble or stone pulpit in Gothic Revival style.
Churches may opt for a permanent stationary pulpit at the chancel, or they may have a lightweight movable lectern that can be carried on and off stage as needed. Pulpits may also reflect the architecture, decor and aesthetic style of the church from traditional to contemporary.
Placement of the Pulpit
In most traditional church sanctuary layouts, the pulpit is located centrally in the chancel area at the front of the church. This allows the preacher to be seen and heard by the entire congregation.
Common pulpit placement includes:
- Center of the chancel
- Right or left of the communion table
- Elevated a few steps above the congregation
- Against the front wall or railing
In churches with a divided chancel, the pulpit may be placed on one side, balanced by the lectern containing the Scriptures on the opposite side. Some churches have a freestanding pulpit located down on the main floor in front of the chancel.
In megachurches or auditorium-style sanctuaries, the pulpit is usually centered on the stage, sometimes set back from the edge. Side screens project a close-up of the speaker’s face for visibility throughout the room.
Careful placement of the pulpit allows proper sight lines so the preacher can communicate effectively with the entire congregation.
What Goes on at the Pulpit
The most common use of the pulpit is to deliver the weekly sermon as the highlight of the worship service. The pastor or preacher stands at the pulpit to expound on a passage from the Bible, explain Christian doctrine, exhort the congregation, or share lessons for daily living.
In addition to sermons, other pulpit activities may include:
- Readings from Scripture
- Public prayer
- Sharing announcements and news
- Welcome and greetings
- Missionary stories
- Guest speakers and testimonies
Special services may also feature dramatizations, dialogues, interviews, question & answer times, or discussion panels from the pulpit. The pastor often returns to the pulpit to give a charge or blessing at the end of the service.
In most churches the pulpit is exclusively used by ordained clergy or authorized lecturers sanctioned by church leadership. Laypersons generally do not have open access to the pulpit without approval.
Significance and Meaning
A church pulpit carries deep spiritual significance and communicates important theological symbolism:
- Authority – The pulpit represents the authority given to teachers and preachers to proclaim God’s word.
- Revelation – It is a place where God’s revelation is taught to impart wisdom, truth, understanding.
- Guidance – Biblical exposition from the pulpit gives guidance for living.
- Nourishment – Scripture preached from the pulpit nurtures and feeds the soul.
- Focus – The pulpit draws attention to the importance of the gospel message.
Unlike secular public speaking venues, the church pulpit carries a spiritual gravity, calling on the Holy Spirit to empower what is spoken. The style and placement are intentional to highlight the primacy of biblical teaching.
In some church traditions, the pulpit represents the teaching office given to preachers as successors of the apostles who were commissioned by Christ to proclaim the good news to all nations.
Appropriate Pulpit Conduct
Because of what the pulpit symbolizes, appropriate conduct is expected from those who ascend the steps to speak from this sacred desk. Those given the privilege to preach should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Handle Scripture properly and with reverence as the very word of God.
- Preach in submission to the Holy Spirit’s leading and empowering.
- Teach sound doctrine in accordance with the Bible.
- Seek to lift up Christ, not self.
- Bring messages that are biblically accurate, relevant, and understandable.
- Strive to connect meaningfully with the listener’s needs.
- Fulfill duties with humility, integrity, and excellence.
Mistreatment of the pulpit by speaking inaccurately, misusing Scripture, promoting false teaching, or preaching self-centered messages profanes its sanctity. Those who preach from the pulpit have a weighty responsibility to proclaim the truth with biblical fidelity.
Controversies
While a core symbol in Christian worship services, pulpits have also generated some controversies through history.
Some of these include:
- Women restricted from pulpits – Many conservative churches do not allow women pastors or preachers to speak from the pulpit due to biblical restrictions on women teaching in the church (1 Timothy 2:11-12). More liberal churches allow female pastors full access to the pulpit.
- Politics in the pulpit – Churches can lose their tax exempt status if pulpit speech endorses political candidates. Yet many pastors still toe the line on political issues.
- Performance emphasis – Some critics contend pulpits have become platforms for flashy sermon performances rather than conveying truth.
- Personality cults – In some churches, charismatic celebrity pastors are accused of preaching themselves rather than Christ.
There are also differences over the authority and normativity of the pulpit itself across church traditions. Quakers and some low church groups eschew formal pulpits altogether along with clergy roles.
Despite controversies, the pulpit remains a fixture in most Christian sanctuaries today as the designated spot for those entrusted to handle and proclaim God’s word.
Common Biblical References
Here are some biblical verses that reference preaching and teaching roles in the church:
- “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
- “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
- “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
- “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)
While the Bible does not specifically mention pulpits, these and other verses establish the authority and responsibilities given to teachers, preachers, and overseers to instruct God’s people through proclamation of Scripture.
The Pulpit and the Digital Age
Modern technology is impacting traditional pulpits in several ways:
- Many churches now livestream sermons online or post recordings to share with wider audiences.
- Some preachers incorporate visual aids like PowerPoint slides in sermons.
- Video venues feature a pastor’s sermon streamed to satellite campuses.
- Internet allows digital preaching beyond the walls of a church.
Yet even in high-tech megachurches, the classic physical pulpit maintains prominence as the focal point from which key messages are delivered each week. For most churches, the age-old symbolism and gravity of the pulpit carries meaning that technology alone cannot replicate.
The pulpits remain a powerful visible reminder of the authority of God’s word and its centrality in Christian worship.
Conclusion
In summary, the pulpit is an enduring symbol of the vital role of biblical preaching and teaching in Christian worship and community. This platform elevates the proclamation of the gospel by those called and equipped to handle Scripture. Though styles evolve, the classic pulpit endures as a focal point reminding God’s people of the power and primacy of the word of God. For centuries past and foreseeable future, the pulpit will maintain its place as the sacred desk from which the story of salvation is told.