Until recently most western Protestant churches would build a church building that was complete with a sanctuary area with seating, a stage, stained glass windows, a steeple on the roof and a permanent built in baptistry for baptism services. In more recent years however, church gatherings have taken on a wide variety of forms and have chosen to meet in a diverse set of locations depending on size, needs, and budget. These unique churches have encompassed creative church planting and utilized strategic locations to fulfill the call of spreading the Gospel and gathering together for worship, but they were presented with a problem; a permanent baptistry was not typically a practical application. Whether from renting a building or meeting in a place where space and layout made a baptistry installation impossible, a solution was needed for baptism services.

That solution came in the form of portable baptistries. Portable baptistries are baptismal tubs large enough to accommodate a single person inside for a full submersion baptism while the minister

stands on the outside of the tub, but small enough to be mobile and fit through doorways for storage. Typically these portable baptistries are a reinforced fiberglass tub with a 2” x 4” wood frame and most often have a cabinet surrounding them and sit on top of a steel frame with casters for easy rolling mobility.

This was the ideal answer to the baptistry question of churches meeting in non-traditional buildings. Portable baptistries not only allow for mobility within a building, but as many new churches have been participating in, also allows for outdoor baptism services. With a variety of color options and accessories they can be used in a multipurpose function as well and co-serve as a communion table or even a pulpit when a table top lectern is placed on top. Many accessories such as portable baptistry heaters and slip resistant steps have been developed for the sole purpose

of creating a worry free experience, eliminating variables that could be a distraction during a baptism service.

As the church grows worldwide and continues to find new and exciting ways to reach out to communities and grow churches in diverse places, church furniture and products to help churches in their goals will continue to grow and change with them, just like the creation of the portable baptistry.

Once you have decided on using chairs instead of pews for your congregation seating, it’s time to think about how to arrange your chairs. There are several different options for the layout, depending on the size and shape of your sanctuary.

The multiple-aisle arrangement is very popular in large, rectangular sanctuaries. This arrangement sets rows of chairs in large “blocks” with aisles separating the blocks. Rows should be set up with 14-16 chairs per row. Of course, the fewer chairs in a row, the more comfortable the congregation will be because there will be less distance to get to an aisle.

If there is only access to an aisle on one end of the row, the row should contain fewer seats – ideally half of what a dual-access row would have. For instance, if one side of the row is blocked by a wall, that person should be able to get to an aisle without having to bypass too many chairs. Fire codes and any other governing codes should be followed first.

A continental arrangement is a theater-style seating arrangement with longer rows, but more space between each row to allow easier movement between aisles and seats. It’s not uncommon for rows to form an arc with this seating arrangement. In many instances, this is a great way to utilize space for maximum seating, but again, governing codes should always be adhered to. This type of arrangement is found in many auditoriums and theaters and works well with theater seats, in which the seat of the chair automatically folds into an upright position when not being used, which allows even more room in the walkway when a seat is empty.

In church classrooms, the arrangement should be based on the style of teaching and the size and shape of the room. In a formal teaching environment, rectangular tables are often used with rows of chairs along the side that faces the teacher. Larger classrooms might have more of a lecture hall look, with rows of chairs and aisles. More informal classrooms might even incorporate round tables to encourage talk among students.

Fellowship halls are areas where meals and other gatherings take place. Because of this, banquet tables are a great choice for this area. Line both sides with banquet-style chairs, such as the Kingdom

Multi from Church Furniture Store. For more intimate gatherings, try using round tables and slightly wider, more thickly cushioned chairs, such as chairs from the Worship Stacker Series from Church Furniture Store.

When arranging your chairs in the church, whichever room you are designing, always remember the functionality of the layout and the comfort of your guests.

The Oxford Dictionary defines communion as “the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially on a mental or spiritual level”. The communion that was shared between Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper was special on many levels. It was the last meal they would share together before Jesus was crucified. He instructed His disciples to partake of the bread and wine, which represents His body and blood that was shed for us, and to continue to do so in remembrance of Him. The Last Supper was the basis by which Christian churches today hold communion with fellow believers.

Today, many churches use something akin to bread or crackers and wine or juice to represent this first Holy Communion. Very often, a table referred to as a communion table holds these items for members of the church to consume. In some churches, communion ware is set on the communion table and is then passed down rows so that the congregation can take one piece of bread and a small cup. In other churches, the congregation forms a line and consumes one of each before sitting down. Whole loaves and large chalices might be available for everyone to share. Others might invite members to come to the table and partake in their own time, after ample reflection and meditation.

Wooden communion tables are still the most popular type of communion table utilized by churches. These might be very simple in appearance, or might have more lavish designs, according to the church décor.

The Chapel Communion Table, sold by Church Furniture Store, is constructed of oak wood in a simple, yet sturdy design. This model allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through and Jesus’ words, “…in remembrance of me” is the focal point. This handmade table retails at $599.

The Lion of Judah Communion Table is a very popular design by

Church Furniture Store. Hand-carved in the onsite woodshop, this piece makes a much bolder statement than the Chapel Communion Table. The retail price for this table is $1299.

All of the communion tables offered at Church Furniture Store are hand-made in their wood shop located in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Any stain in the Minwax family of stains can be used to complete your piece. Communion tables and other wood furniture created on site can be customized to your liking.