Pulpit

Eglise Notre-Dame de Revel - Interior - Pulpit

Pulpit of Blenduk Church, Semarang, 2014-06-23

Bryn Salem, interior - geograph.org.uk - 889309

St Thomas Thurstonland interior 050

Pfarrkirche hl. Johannes der Täufer, Ried im Zillertal 07

Canterbury Cathedral pulpit

Pulpit is a raised platform or lectern in a church or chapel from where the preacher or priest delivers a sermon or homily. The term is also used more broadly to refer to the preaching profession or to a position of authority in a religious context. Pulpits are a central feature in many Christian churches and have been used since the early days of Christianity to elevate the speaker, both physically and symbolically, to address the congregation effectively.

History

The origin of the pulpit can be traced back to the early Christian communities. Initially, preachers delivered sermons from simple elevated platforms. Over time, these evolved into more elaborate structures, often richly decorated and made from wood, stone, or marble. The design and complexity of pulpits have varied greatly throughout history, reflecting changes in architectural styles, denominational preferences, and theological emphases.

In the Middle Ages, pulpits became more prominent in church architecture, often featuring intricate carvings and positioned to be visually prominent within the church interior. The Reformation era saw a further emphasis on the pulpit as the focal point of the church interior, symbolizing the importance of the preached word in Protestant theology.

Design and Placement

The design of pulpits can vary widely, from simple, unadorned lecterns to elaborate, multi-tiered structures. They are typically positioned to face the congregation, often located in the nave or at the front of the church near the altar. In some churches, the pulpit is part of a larger piece of furniture that also includes a lectern and sometimes a baptismal font, reflecting the interconnectedness of preaching, reading the Bible, and the sacraments in Christian worship.

Pulpits are often elevated, requiring steps to access. This elevation serves both practical and symbolic purposes, making the preacher more visible and audible to the congregation and elevating the act of preaching within the worship service.

Symbolism

The pulpit symbolizes the authority of the Word of God and the role of the preacher in interpreting and proclaiming that word to the congregation. In many traditions, the pulpit is intentionally placed higher than other furnishings in the church to symbolize the importance of the preached word over other elements of worship.

Contemporary Use

While the traditional pulpit remains a feature in many churches, contemporary worship spaces often feature more versatile platforms or lecterns that can be moved or adjusted to suit different styles of worship and preaching. In some modern churches, the use of multimedia technology has transformed the concept of the pulpit, with preachers using microphones, projectors, and screens to communicate their message.

See Also

• Lectern
• Altar
• Church architecture
• Sermon