What is a Pulpit?

The pulpit is more than just a simple speaking stand. For many churches, the pulpit is an integral part of religious congregations, with many investing in impressive pulpits made from gold, and some even featuring unique engravings. But why are they so important? We answer everything in this blog. So, let’s start with the basics, what actually is a pulpit?

Used most commonly in a church or place of worship, a pulpit is a raised structure at the front of the church where most sermons are delivered. Sometimes the structure is raised so far that there are steps up to it, or it may be a portable structure placed on the ground. The vicar/minister/pastor will stand behind the pulpit to deliver religious ceremonies.

In this blog, we'll explore the meaning of the word "pulpit," its significance in Anglican and Catholic churches, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the pulpit.

What is a Pulpit Used For?

Positioned in a prominent, often elevated location, the pulpit serves as the focal point for the church services. A pulpit is mainly used in churches and other religious settings for several reasons, including, but is not limited to:

• Delivering sermons

• Preaching

• Addressing the congregation

• Reading scripture

• Offering prayers

• Providing spiritual guidance

Triple Decker Pulpits

Although rare in our modern day, some churches had pulpits with multiple floors. These are called three-decker pulpits, and were popular in Protestant churches during the 17th and 18th centuries. The different layers were used for different purposes, with the most important sermons being conducted on the very top deck:

• Lowest level / clerk’s pew - occupied by the parish clerk or a layperson who would lead responses and announce hymns

• Middle level / reading desk - the officiant’s reading pew used for scripture lessons and leading prayers

• Top level / preaching deck - the minister’s deck, where the sermon was delivered

If you’d like to learn more about the key pieces of furniture in a church, read our recent blog: Lecterns in Church - Why Are They Important?

Is the Pulpit the Same as an Altar?

No, the pulpit is not the same as an altar. The altar is a sacred table used for weddings and funerals, whereas the pulpit is a raised platform used for everyday sermons. We highlight their key differences in a church setting in the table below:

		The Pulpit VS The Altar
	Altar	Pulpit
Location	Usually at the front of the sanctuary (if the church has one), often on a raised platform.	Typically located in the nave or chancel, often elevated.
Use	Used for sacraments, especially the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion), and religious rituals like weddings and funerals.	Used for delivering sermons, scripture readings, and addressing the congregation.
Appearance	A table-like structure, often made of wood, stone, or marble, decorated with cloths, candles, and crosses.	A raised stand or platform, often enclosed, sometimes with a slanted top for holding books or notes.

What is the Difference Between a Pulpit and a Podium?

Pulpits and podiums are very different from one another in both the way they look and what they are used for. Pulpits are primarily used in religious contexts to deliver sermons, whilst podiums are versatile and found in various public speaking scenarios and sporting events, like the Olympics.

Pulpits are generally more ornate in design, raised, and may be an enclosed structure. Traditionally, they usually remain stationary, whilst podiums are simpler in design, may vary in height within the same podium, and are often portable.

If you’d like to learn more about the different types of speaking stands, and the differences between each, take a look at our most recent blog: Lecterns vs Pulpits vs Podiums - What's the Difference?

What Else Is a Pulpit Called?

Although not all of these terms are technically correct, a pulpit can also be referred to as a:

• Lectern: Although sometimes used interchangeably, a lectern is typically a stand with a slanted top for holding notes, while a pulpit is a more substantial structure for delivering sermons (learn more about the history of the lectern on our website).

• Ambo: A term used in some Christian traditions for a pulpit or reading desk, particularly in liturgical contexts.

• Preaching Stand: A more general term for a structure used to deliver sermons.

• Chancel: In some contexts, this term refers to the space where the pulpit is located, though it can also denote the area around the altar in a church.

What is a Pulpit Called in an Anglican Church?

An Anglican church is a Christian church that belongs to the Anglican Communion, a worldwide family of churches that traces its roots to the Church of England, with a blend of Protestant and Catholic traditions. In the Anglican church, they often refer to the pulpit as a lectern.

What is a Pulpit Called in a Catholic Church?

A Catholic church is a Christian place of worship that adheres to the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, which is centred on the authority of the Pope and emphasises sacraments, liturgy, and the continuity of apostolic succession. In the Catholic church, pulpits are referred to as ambos.

What is the History Of the Word Pulpit?

The word pulpit comes from Latin origin, namely the word pulpitum, which means “platform” or “staging”. 

Quality Church Pulpits From Nova Lecterns

Whether you’re looking for a simple wooden pulpit, or something more ornate, Nova Lecterns can help. Each of our pulpits is handcrafted to last a lifetime with some of the highest-quality materials available on the market. 

Shop the comprehensive range of pulpits on our website, or get in touch with our team if you require something bespoke - we’d be happy to help!