I recently read an article by C Michael Patton entitled The Forgotten Pulpit. I would encourage you to check out the entire article provided in the link above. Patton details his thoughts on the disappearing pulpit, the abandonment of tradition, and the pitfalls of moving out from behind the authority of God.
Over time, the use of church pulpits has declined, losing their former prominence as the focal point of religious services. Congregations, who once gathered around the pulpit to hear sermons, now prioritize alternative forms of worship and communication. Consequently, the traditional role of the pulpit as the central element in church services has shifted, resulting in its decreased use.
4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
2 Timothy 4: 1-5
The decrease in the use of church pulpits can be attributed to various factors.
- Changes in religious practices and beliefs have influenced the delivery and reception of sermons.
- Technological advancements have led many churches to employ audiovisual aids and digital platforms to convey their messages, reducing the reliance on physical pulpits.
- Furthermore, shifts in societal norms and values have prompted a reevaluation of traditional structures within religious institutions, including the significance of the pulpit in shaping congregational interactions.
Churches that opt for a more contemporary approach to their worship services, aim to create a more inclusive and interactive environment for their congregation. By removing the traditional pulpit, they can encourage a sense of community and engagement among the worshippers, allowing for a more intimate and personal experience.
Additionally, the absence of pulpits in certain churches may be a deliberate choice to promote a more egalitarian atmosphere. By eliminating the physical barrier between the clergy and the congregation, churches can emphasize the idea that all individuals are equal in the eyes of God. This can foster a sense of unity and encourage active participation from everyone present, as there is no perceived hierarchy or distinction between the clergy and the worshippers.
Evangelical churches have been quick to abandon the pulpit for a stool. This may at first seem like a grand gesture of humility, but upon further inspection could be seen as removing themselves from the scrutiny and authority of the pulpit. Leaving them, in the end, nothing more than a motivational speaker.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:13
Within the confines of the pulpit, the Scriptures are exalted as the ultimate source of truth and divine guidance. It is a place where religious leaders, who are seen as intermediaries between the divine and the congregation, share the teachings and principles derived from these sacred texts.
The pulpit acts as a conduit through which the authority of the scriptures is transmitted to the faithful, reinforcing their belief in the infallibility and significance of these ancient writings. The pulpit, therefore, is a focal point where the power and authority of the Scriptures are emphasized and upheld.
With the pulpit comes preaching. Yes, preaching. There most certainly is a time to teach. There is a time to walk around soctratically engaging your audience. But there is a time to preach. There is a time to speak authoritatively. If you are too afraid to do this, it is noble for you to stay away from such. Not everyone is called to teach and shepherd the church of God. But please don’t replace the need to have the word of God preached with an artificial substitute. Don’t remove the pulpit and replace it with a stool. There is a power in the pulpit (preaching) that is much different from the power of teaching. There is a power in the Scriptures that is unique—more so than motivation speeches.
C Michael Patton, The Forgotten Pulpit
The concept of sola Scriptura, which translates to “Scripture alone” in Latin, is a fundamental principle in Protestant Christianity. It emphasizes the belief that the Bible is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. This means that all teachings and traditions within the church must be in accordance with the teachings found in the Bible. Sola Scriptura rejects the idea of additional sources of authority, such as tradition or the teachings of the church hierarchy, as being equal to or above the authority of Scripture.
Martin Luther, a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, played a significant role in advocating for the principle of Sola Scriptura. Luther firmly believed that the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church had strayed from the true teachings of the Bible, and he sought to reform the church by returning to the Scriptures as the sole source of authority.
Despite the decline in use, church pulpits still hold importance within many religious communities. They serve as a reminder of the significance of preaching from the authority of Word of God and not from our own ideas – for within our hearts is the constant pull of sin. Although the physical pulpit may no longer play a central role in worship services, its presence continues to evoke reverence and tradition. As churches rush to adapt to changing times and embrace new forms of communication, let us hope and pray the pulpit will remind us that God is, and forever will be, the same from age to age.
