Pulpit in the Middle

Could the Baptists be wrong? It's only the position of a pulpit! I think Baptists have the pulpit in the middle for very obvious reasons. Such as your voice carrys everywhere better!

 

It is my understanding that the position of a pulpit is very intentional. At least, historically.
Baptists usually have the pulpit in the middle, emphasizing the centrality of the preached Word.

In the local Episcopal church, I presume it is typical in this, there is a lectern on the left (looking from the congregation) for reading the Law. On the right is the lectern or pulpit for proclamation.
When the Gospel is read, the reader comes down from the platform into the congregation to show symbolically that "the Word has come nigh unto you". In the local Lutheran church, the Gospel is read from the lectern on the right.
In such churches, the Bible is read publicly every 3 years or so.

Unfortunately, more than one pulpit is not needed in many Baptist churches now, anyway, because they have gotten away from the public reading of Scripture, other than the pastor reading his text.


Karen

 

What pulpit?

 

What Baptist architecture?

 

In Anglican tradition, the pulpit is to the left and elevated (facing the altar) and the lectern is to the right, where an open bible is placed. The gospel and another text is read at every service, and the words said, "Here endeth the reading of the gospel", or "here endeth the first reading."

The alter is in the centre and is the main focus, hence the two speaking platforms to each side. Another reason for having the platforms to each side, is to accommodate the processional,,minister(s) and choir. The pulpit is elevated, not to elevate the minister, but to put him (her) in the ideal position for the carriage of their voice over the entire congregation.

The general thinking in Baptist circles is to keep preaching the word as central. In a well-designed church, one can whisper and be heard. Then young preachers are getting used to electronics these days, and location doesn;t matter. I usually shut the microphone off.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Most newer (church plant, home churches,etc.) settle the question. They don't even have a pulpit!

 

I was invited to sing at the morning service of a Presbyteian church where my brother-in-law was an elder. He told me that I could not stand behind the pulpit to sing, that I had to move to the side. He said the pulpit is reserved exclusively for the pastor.

Incidentally, it was in the center of the platform.

 

Some of the Old Regular Baptist have a raised platform in the middle of the church where most of the preachers and some members sit and the pulpit is at the front side of the raised platform. Most of our churches have a raised platform at the back of the church with pews for preachers and singers with the pulpit at the front center of the raised platform. I always thought it was just a preference and I am 67 years old.

 

Interesting thoughts...

We have no pulpit at my church. What does that say about us?

(This oughta be fun...!)

 

Isnt it anti Baptist NOT to have a pulpit? </font>[/QUOTE]Might even be anti-Biblical, or "sumthin". I believe that is probably found in the book of II Calamity, or somewhere like that!

Ed

 

Uh- didn't Jesus stand up to read, sit down to teach, and jump into a boat to preach? Or did I misread that one?



Ed

 

A "Reformation pulpit" is elevated far above what an ordinary Baptist church would have. I've seen them in Presbyterian buildings. Architecturally (I was told) they symbolize the elevated status of the preached word while the communion table is subjected to a minor role.