Expert: The Rev. William E. Olewiler - 10/24/2009

Question
Is there a right way and a wrong way for the furniture to be placed in the church or is it left up to the present pastor.

Answer
Dear Mack:

  As it happens, placement of furniture in the worship space depends on tradition, both of the general church and of the local church. One main models are the divided chancel, with (as you face the altar) lectern on the left, pulpit on the right, and altar table between (usually, now, pulled forward so the pastor can face the people over the communion elements). The other centers on the lectern/pulpit in the center of the state, with the communion table on the floor in front of it. Neither is mandatory by our Discipline, and local use and the preferences of each pastor usually govern what is done with furniture (many churches now center on the praise band, for example).
  I suggest this article to help visualize worship settings: http://www.gbod.org/worship/articles/standing_door/visual.html

Peace and grace,

Bill Olewiler
United Methodist Pastor, retired
Florida