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.

Church-goers are not usually motivated to choose a church home by the comfort of seating or the aesthetics of a sanctuary, but somewhere in the subconscious, these factors will play a role in their decision. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Evangelicals, people look at friendliness, children’s ministry, sermons, and worship music when looking for a church to attend https://www.nae.net/what-people-look-for-in-churches/. In fact, comfort and aesthetics don’t make the list at all when it comes to most research in this area. But common sense tells us that if church-seekers find two equally promising churches, they will ultimately choose the one that is more physically comfortable and attractive to them.

Individual tastes can vary wildly, especially among various age groups and culturally different areas,

and this should be regarded when choosing furnishings for your church. But like most things, the popularity of an item might rise and fall in time – sometimes every few years, but other times over decades and even centuries. This is what we are seeing in many churches today. For decades, traditional pew seating was viewed as old and obsolete and the modern church chair has led in popularity. And although the church chair is extremely popular in churches today, we are seeing a great increase in the popularity of pews in many churches. Pews can be heavily padded in the seat area as well as the back area, and in many instances are reportedly more comfortable than church chairs with several inches of padding.

Interestingly, although pews have gained in popularity in recent years, the popularity of church chairs has not declined. Does this mean that more churches are starting or existing churches are growing in America? Recent research does not yet verify this, but it certainly makes sense that this is the case.

There are numerous types and styles of church chairs that exist on the market, from the extravagant to the simple. Chairs are available with arms, thick foam padding, under seat book racks with or without built-in communion cup holders, card pockets, pouches, and much more. Different churches look for different features in chairs, depending on their needs.

One factor to consider in seating trends for churches is the need for portability. Will there be events held that would warrant moving the seating around? In this case, chairs would likely be the better choice. But what type of chairs?

Chairs for churches are available in a multitude of shapes, sizes and styles from various manufacturers around the world, including theater seating for some larger, auditorium-style sanctuaries. Virtually any pattern and color is available if you are willing to pay the price.

There’s no doubt that chairs imported from China have been popular for several decades, but more and more churches are choosing to support American-made chairs to help keep business here. Church Furniture Store, a leading distributor of church chairs and manufacturer of church furniture, has announced that they will no longer stock imported chairs and will instead concentrate on offering chairs that are manufactured in America.

Whether your church chooses pews, chairs, or theater seating for your congregation, make sure to put your church’s needs first. If you can meet your church’s needs plus offer comfort while creating a great atmosphere for members and visitors, you have made the best choice for church seating.

A mix of contemporary and traditional is very popular in decorating around the world, so it’s no surprise that the combination is a favorite among church-goers. Although many traditional churches prefer the look of time-honored furnishings, a rising number of new churches and churches that are undergoing remodeling projects prefer to mingle both looks. That’s why the Exhorter set from Church Furniture Store is so popular among customers.

The Exhorter series is a sleek combination of solid oak wood and acrylic in a bold, yet simple style. Thick, straight legs connect to a large, tilted bible rest. Between the large, rectangular legs, a stately sheet of arched acrylic displays your personalized logo or an elegant image of three crosses. The base outlines the legs in a wider capacity and connects to the other side for superior stability.

The Exhorter Pulpit is available in three sizes. The 777, the smallest

of the three, measures 36 inches wide, 19 inches deep, 44 inches high and weighs 74 pounds. This model does not have side wings, as the two larger versions do, and is perfect for smaller pulpit areas or even classrooms and lecture halls. The 778 is the medium-sized Exhorter Pulpit and is 58 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 44 inches tall. The largest of the series, the 779, is an astonishing 7 feet wide, or 84 inches. Like the 777 and 778, it measures 19 inches deep and 44 inches high. This model weighs 167 pounds. All three versions are available in your choice of clear or smoked acrylic, including the side panels.

To complement your stylish Exhorter Pulpit, two sizes of communion tables are available. The 781

Exhorter Communion Table exhibits the phrase “Do In Remembrance of Me” on the acrylic center piece. This smaller model of the two measures 50 inches long, 18 inches deep and 32 inches tall. It weighs 79 pounds. The larger of the two communion tables is the 780, which is 70 inches long, 20 inches deep and 32 inches high. The 780 displays the inscription, “This Do In Remembrance of Me”, just as Jesus had instructed the disciples to join in communion. This model weighs 110 pounds.

Custom sizes are also available for all pieces in the Exhorter collection. For example, if you need a communion table that is larger than the 781 but smaller than the 780, a custom size can be created, such as a version that is 60 inches long. Additional shelves for more storage space, drawers, casters for easy mobility and custom shapes are possible. In addition to being customizable, the Exhorter series can be stained in any color available in the Minwax family of stains to ensure a great match with existing church furniture.

Church Furniture Store, located in Rocky Mount, Virginia, has offered their Worship chair, Victory chair, Freedom chair and Multi chair to the public for many years. While other styles of chairs have also been available, these four chairs were the most popular due to their low cost. CFS was able to offer those chairs to the public – primarily churches – at a low price because they were imported from China, and for many churches on a budget, this moderate-quality seating suited their needs.

But when President Trump announced the tariffs that would be implemented on imported goods from China, CFS knew it was time to make the change that had been a goal for many years – to offer American-made and North American-made chairs instead of the imported chairs.

Many companies have offered products imported from China as a low-cost option for customers. But Americans have routinely requested products that are made here in America in an effort to support American industry. With the new tariffs, many Chinese products are now comparable to the cost of American-made products, so it just makes sense to offer more goods that are made in our country.

Lead times for many of the imported chairs were more than two months, but with chairs manufactured close to home, many chair orders can be delivered in as little as four weeks. Additionally, the American-made chairs, named the Worship Stacker I, II, and III, are much more customizable, with many value add-ons that were not available before. The Worship Stacker chairs have 48 stock colors to choose from at no extra charge, making it easier to match existing color schemes. Thicker cushions and a memory foam option mean that the congregation will be much more comfortable – a trait that many people look for in a church.

CFS will also be offering chairs that are assembled in Mexico, but contain all American-made components. These chairs have a slightly lower price than the chairs manufactured in America.

Church Furniture Store offers much more than chairs for churches. Founded in 1991, Church Furniture Store is known locally and nationally for the quality craftsmanship of wood furniture produced in its on-site wood shop. Seasoned wood workers hand craft both traditional and modern pieces, such as pulpit-area furniture and custom furnishings. In addition to wood furniture made on site, the company offers a complete array of necessities for churches, including seating, classroom furniture, baptisteries and baptistery heaters, carpet, stained glass, and even steeples – all manufactured in the USA or North America.

Choosing a heating option for your church’s baptistery can be confusing and time consuming. Here, we will look at several popular options to fulfill your church’s needs and help explain which type is more suitable for your baptistery.

One of the first things you will notice while shopping for a baptistery heater is that different voltages are available within certain models. Please note that 120 volt heaters are only made for small baptisteries that hold 100-200 gallons. Please make sure that you are familiar with the number of gallons you are attempting to heat.

Another very important factor to note is that GFCI is necessary whenever electricity is used with baptistery heaters. If the heater you purchase does not include a built-in GFCI, make sure that it is plugged into a GFCI outlet. A ground fault circuit interrupter is vital in ensuring your church members’ safety.

A classic and standard in the baptistery heater market is a basic circulation heater that is permanently affixed to the side of the baptistery. An 11.5kw model will raise the temperature 30 degrees Fahrenheit in a 750-gallon pool at a rate of about 115 gallons per hour. Water is imported through the lower inlet assembly, heated, and then exported through the upper outlet assembly. This type of heater is likely available with an adjustable thermostat and circulation kit and should always be professionally installed. A 6kw model of this type of heater will usually heat 100 gallons per hour to a 20 degree Fahrenheit rise in a 500-gallon baptistery, meaning it will take approximately 5 hours to heat a 500-gallon pool from 70 degrees to 90 degrees. Similar models are also available that can be installed and controlled away from the baptistery.

Immersion heaters are becoming more and more popular because a professional installation is not required and because they are portable and easy to handle. You might be familiar with the basic immersion heater that sets in the bottom of the pool. This model is usually a 120-volt model that is only meant to heat very small amounts of water – typically up to 150 gallons. But the portability of the model and the convenient set up makes this one a favorite for those looking to heat a small baptistery. This model is also used on many farms during winter months to prevent watering troughs from freezing.

Immersion heaters that are held to the side of the pool with a bracket can also be instrumental for the church that does not want a permanent heating fixture. This type of heater might be available in both 120 volt and 240 volt, with or without GFCI. A 120-volt model will typically heat up to 200 gallons in 5-8 hours at a rate of 25 gallons per hour for a 30 degree Fahrenheit temperature rise. A 240-volt model will typically heat a 750-gallon baptistery in 9-11 hours at a rate of 90 gallons per hour for a 30 degree Fahrenheit rise.

With so many options available, there is a baptistery heater that will work well for heating your baptistery. Remember that ambient room temperature will affect rates of heating. You might also want to consider a baptistery spa-style cover to help keep heat in your pool.

Many contemporary churches are adopting a style of minimalism in the stage area, where the podium or pulpit is placed. Sometimes a water table or flower table or two can be seen in direct proximity to the podium, and possibly a communion table, but usually not much more. In less contemporary churches that follow a traditional look, the full pulpit furniture series is usually found, which might

include 5 or more pieces.

Pulpit

The pulpit that a church chooses for their sanctuary literally sets the stage for the entire room and will help determine the other pieces – if any – that are used in conjunction in the pulpit area. The pulpit is the focal point, and might be simple and elegant or bold and detailed. Pulpits come in a wide variety of styles and can usually be customized to your liking if manufactured on site.

Communion Table

The communion table is traditionally set directly in front of the pulpit and is used for placing communion ware for occasions in which the church partakes of communion. The frequency that a church takes communion might dictate whether or not a communion table is used at all in the pulpit area. Communion tables usually closely match the pulpit, mirroring the same style, details, and stain.

Offering Table

Offering plates are placed on the offering table until time to collect offering during the worship service. Some churches choose to set the offering table in front of the pulpit or sometimes even in front of the communion table, especially when the pulpit area is set on multi-height tiers. You might also find the offering table set to the side, but still generally within the pulpit area. Like the communion table, the offering table is usually made to match the design of the pulpit.

Minister’s Chairs

In more traditional churches, the Pastor and members of the clergy might sit in chairs that are set up behind the pulpit. Sometimes you will see a chair that is slightly taller than the others, which is often placed in between clergy chairs. This chair is reserved for the Pastor. If wood chairs are used, they are generally made to fit the style of the other pulpit furniture. Minister’s chairs and clergy chairs that are upholstered might use a fabric that coordinates with any seating used for the congregation.

Side Tables

Side tables can be used to hold all kinds of items - things that will be used during a worship service or decorative items. Flower tables and water tables might be placed directly beside the pulpit or communion table, beside minister’s chairs or might be placed at the far corners of the pulpit area.

There are no rules for how your church should place furniture in the sanctuary, but be sure that it is set up to complement the worship service and that all potential needs are met. Of course church members want to see an aesthetically pleasing sanctuary, but the main goal is to glorify God and to have a space to worship.

The exact origin of stained glass is not known, but we do know that the earliest stained glass window that is still intact is from St. Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow, England and dates back to approximately 680 AD. But evidence shows that ancient Egyptians and Romans also likely created stained glass.

The Egyptian village of Qantir shows evidence of an ancient glass-making factory. Ancient Egyptian materials that were uncovered show that these artisans would combine crushed quartz with the remains of burned plants. This was then heated in clay jars, ground into a powder, and then combined with chemicals to produce a red or blue color.

In the Medieval Period in Europe, stained glass window-making began to flourish and peaked during the Gothic Period. This trend remained strong across the countries of Europe well into the Renaissance Period, before its popularity began to decline.

During this period in America, stained glass was in its infancy. Glass-making was the first American industry, founded in 1608 in Jamestown, Virginia. However, early Christians in America would meet in houses instead of new church buildings to worship and any new church buildings were usually adorned with shutters instead of windows.

Evert Duyckingh opened a glass-window business in New Amsterdam (present-day New York City) in 1637 or 1638. One of his specialties was creating family coats of arms in windows. He eventually hired an apprentice named Cornelius Jansen who is on record requesting payment from a church in 1656 that had purchased his glass windows.

In 1654, Jan Smeedes had a glass business in Manhattan that began manufacturing roundels. A roundel is a circular glass window that often contains emblems. Several centuries passed before William Gibson opened a glass manufacturing operation in 1834 in New York City. This first attempt was not successful, but Gibson attempted the business once more later in the 19^th century, during which he proclaimed himself to be the “father of glass painting”. It was at this time that Harry Horwood began to work for Gibson.

Horwood worked for Gibson during the 1870s and it was during this time that he restored the stained glass windows at the famous Vanderbilt Mansion in New York City. Shortly after, in 1876, he opened his own stained glass business in Ottawa. He eventually opened a second office in New York City, when he created the stained glass for the Ogdensburg Opera House in Ogdensburg, New York.

Robert Bolton came to New York from England and created the first known American-made figural window in 1843 for the Nativity for Christ Church in Pelham, New York. He returned to England and opened a stained-glass business. His brother, John, also made stained glass in America.

The trade was slow to get off the ground in the U.S. and struggled until the end of the 19^th century. In 1880, John LaFarge, a famous American muralist, invented opalescent stained glass windows. He and Louis Tiffany, whose family started the famous Tiffany and Company, fought over who was the true inventor. Information on the subject is inconclusive, but apparently, both claim to be the first to utilize opalescent sheets in windows. Tiffany went on to start the Tiffany Glass Company, which produced thousands of windows. LaFarge and Tiffany also utilized the confetti, drapery, and ridged styles in stained glass windows.

Other major artists came onto the scene creating stained glass and incorporating it into larger projects. Well-known architect and interior designer, Frank Lloyd Wright, was also a creator of stained glass windows and used them in many of his major projects, including Robie House in Chicago.

Gothic-style stained glass windows were now gaining popularity in America and in Europe, renewing the styles from the Medieval Period. Stained glass in multiple styles was being seen across the country in several different church denominations. This revived interest ran strong until the depression hit in the 1930s and 1940s.

Today, stained glass is gaining in popularity again and is offered in many different styles. Options and looks are seemingly endless, especially when the manufacturer takes on custom orders. Stained glass is being incorporated into residential décor, businesses and churches across the country.

When building a new church or updating an existing one, make sure your furniture choices put your church’s needs first. With your church’s requirements in mind, look at what is trending to help make a wise decision with your décor. According to data supplied from sales statistics from top church furniture manufacturer, Church Furniture Store, trends have changed in recent years in what churches are choosing for their sanctuaries.

Wood Stain

Wood pulpits have been far more popular for several decades than acrylic and metal podiums. The interest in hand-crafted, American podiums has skyrocketed even more in recent years. Several years ago, acrylics and metal podiums had the spotlight, but just like most trends, they are sure to make a comeback in years to come.

Although the overall stain color preference has not changed drastically since 2014, there are some new favorites that have emerged. Light and medium stains are still very popular, but darker stains that resemble a walnut color are suddenly more popular than they were just four years ago. Reds are also gaining a lot of popularity for wood staining.

Fabric Color

Something as simple as fabric color can have drastic changes in popularity over a short period. From just 2015 to 2018, one of the most popular fabric colors for CFS customers, burgundy, fell from most popular to moderately popular. But in 2018, the most widely chosen fabric color is a charcoal gray, which was one of the least popular colors just three years earlier in 2015.

Purple fabrics that were very popular in 2015 have not been as popular in 2018. However, fabrics that contain one single shade of purple are better liked than colors with various shades of purple woven throughout. But only a few years earlier, that multi-color purple fabric was one of the most popular colors chosen by CFS customers.

2015’s second most trendy fabric color was espresso, which is a combination of dark brown, black and light brown threads that combine to form a dark brown from a distance. Often, consumers like fabrics that have multiple colors woven into a pattern so that it is easier to coordinate other colors in the room, such as carpet.

When it comes to choosing colors of fabric and furniture for the church, one wrong color choice can mean having to revisit the project. Making sure you have it right the first time can help you to be a good steward of the money that God has given to the church.

Pulpits and podiums can be found in a variety of styles and materials, but wood and acrylic seem to be the most popular options today. Both materials can make very stylish pieces, but they both also have their own unique set of benefits and disadvantages. Keep reading to see which type of podium might best suit the needs of your church.

Acrylic podiums give a more contemporary feel to the sanctuary with its glass-like look. Acrylic is a great alternative to glass products, which aren’t nearly as durable and tough. But don’t let its strength fool you – acrylics can be easy to scratch. Fortunately, more shallow scratches can be easily removed with many common products on the market. Just make sure not to use ammonia or acetone on acrylic, which can damage the surface.

As opposed to many other materials that are similar in looks, acrylics will not yellow in sunlight. Some plastics and even glass will change color when overly exposed to UV radiation. Acrylic is a thermoplastic made from natural gas.

Wood furniture also has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Wood has an unmistakable beauty and individuality that other furniture materials just don’t possess. Different species of wood vary in wood grain, color, and texture.

The type of wood used for creating furniture can also vary in its ability to hold stain. Certain species of porous woods, such as oak, tend to hold stain better while woods that aren’t as porous typically do not hold stain as well. If you would like to have a painted product, the type of wood you use can affect that as well. Maple is a favorite when it comes to painted wood furniture.

Because wood is a living thing, it can react to its environment, and precautions should be taken. Any drop or rise in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract. Additionally, moisture or humidity can take a toll on wood furniture. Wood can take on moisture and swell if not produced properly. Although wood stain can enhance the beauty of your product, it’s unlikely that it will offer long-term protection. Choosing a piece of wood furniture that has been sealed with a protective layer of lacquer or polyurethane is your best bet to keep your furniture protected against moisture.

However, it’s also wise to take measures to prevent damage to your wood furniture. Try to keep the piece in a room that maintains a consistent, comfortable temperature in a low-humidity environment. Also try to keep your wood furniture away from direct sunlight to help prevent fading.

Just like acrylic pieces, wood furniture can scratch. Scratches in wood can lead to water damage if moisture is allowed to settle in.                                                                                                                                                                              

Both acrylic and wood pulpits can be a beautiful addition to a church sanctuary, as long as the owner takes proper care of the piece. If both of these materials interest you, perhaps a combination of wood and acrylic would better suit your style. Wood pulpits are available with acrylic centers that can sometimes feature a church logo, crosses, or anything else you would like to display on your pulpit.