Some Thoughts about Sanctuary Seating

Once when worshipping at a church in Germany my wife and I were distracted by how uncomfortable the pews were. In talking to our guide afterword, she told us the century the church first installed the pews, and that the congregation continues to be grateful they don’t have to stand for worship like they used to. That’s how worship was for much of the history of the church Europe. People stood.

Pews became commonplace after the Reformation in Europe, when a renewed importance was placed on the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. With lengthening sermons naturally came lengthening worship services, as a result pews were made and installed.

In some churches with pews there evolved the practice of families having to pay for the privilege of sitting in pews. Pew titles or deeds were issued, with some churches even allowing families to place a lockbox on their family pew. Many historic protestant churches in New England have pew boxes that families have deeded to subsequent generations. Those pews sitting close to the wood-burning stove were more expensive than the those colder sections of the church in back. Where one’s family pew was located reflected their prominence in the church community.

My devoutly Lutheran grandparents never paid for a pew, but it could be said that they laid claim on one, or at least a section. When worshipping with them there was never a question where we’d sit, on the left side as one walked into the sanctuary, about 3/4ths the way back from the front. For their entire marriage, upwards of sixty years that’s where my grandparents sat for worship, deviating slightly if and when a visitor would get to that section first.

This discussion indicates how history, habits, and culture are all powerful shapers of identity, even something as basic as where Christians sit during worship.

Amazing Grace has been spending some time thinking about seating. As our current pews are wearing and the flooring is starting to show its age, some funds were designated for sanctuary improvements. A team was formed and looked into the question and made a recommendation that chairs be purchased and new carpeting be laid.   This recommendation comes as a result of extended research and the solicitation of feedback from the congregation.

Although our survey indicated the majority of the church is open to this shift to chairs, change is never easy, especially for churches. I invite you to attend one of the Town Hall listening sessions offered in August to explain and discuss the results of the recommendations and to read the report.

There are more critical issues facing Christians today than what they sit on during worship. But our sanctuary is a significant part of our time together. Worship is where God’s Word meets us and transforms us. Changes to where that happens matter to most of us even if these changes have no bearing on the grace of God being received in worship.

Our identity is in Christ Jesus and his love for us. Working out how we live and worship together in light of His love requires patience, mutual discernment, and understanding. I am confident our conversations will be marked by these qualities as we consider changes to our worship space.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Jason Talsness