A Bit of History and Meaning of the Pulpit

Nehemiah 8:4 "And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose."  (This allowed him to be seen and heard by the large assembly gathered in Jerusalem after the return from exile.)

For several years I used a music stand for a pulpit, because I could raise it to where I could read Scripture at my level.  Recently I have used our church pulpit with a box under it to raise it up.  That box was not good enough for Jack Novak, so, he built a It is a wooden base to bring the pulpit up to my level.  I will be excited to stand behind the new "higher" pulpit this Sunday when I preach from the book of Amos (the story of a Fig Picker turned Prophet of Justice) in our journey through the high peaks of the Old Testament.

It is a rare church that doesn't have a pulpit. The question is, where does the tradition come from and what it the pulpit's significance?  

When you walk into any church, one of the first things you notice is the pulpit—usually on a raised platform where the preacher stands to deliver the sermon. But have you ever stopped to think about its deeper spiritual meaning? The pulpit carries profound symbolism in Christian worship. In Faith Fellowship the pulpit is in the center, which means that the center point of the service is the reading and preaching of the Word of God.

The use of a pulpit can be traced back to Jewish synagogues, where rabbis would read Scripture from an elevated platform. Ezra is the first person who was said to use a pulpit.  Early Christians adopted this tradition, emphasizing the importance of proclaiming God’s Word with authority. 

Some pulpits are more ornate and decorated with intricate spiritual carvings. In some churches, the pulpit is high above the congregation, indicating that the preacher was delivering a message from "above" with "Divine authority."  Many pulpits bear inscriptions like “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture Alone).   In other churches there is both a pulpit and a podium.  The pulpit is for preaching and the podium is used for all other purposes.

Preaching from a Pulpit is not Throwing a Party; it is a Battleground. 

That means that the pulpit as a Place of Spiritual Warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil.”  Every time preachers step into the pulpit, they engage in spiritual warfare, declaring truth against lies and shining light against darkness. The pulpit is where salvation is proclaimed (Romans 10:14), where truth confronts deception (2 Timothy 4:2), where hope is restored (Isaiah 61:1), and where lives are transformed (Romans 12:2). But whether a preacher stands behind a grand wooden pulpit or a simple music stand, the message matters more than the method.

Why did I go back to using a Pulpit? 

1. Maybe because it shows more seriousness than a music stand.

2. Maybe because it is in respect for the person who build the pulpit who passed away recently.

3. Maybe because it is just a beautiful piece of furniture. 

4. Maybe (mostly) because I want to show respect the preaching of Scripture –God’s Word deserves reverence.

No matter what the reason for a pulpit, and no matter if one is used or not:

1. Pray for Your Preachers – They carry a heavy responsibility (James 3:1).

   Key Areas to Pray for Preachers

   1) Pray for Spiritual Strength.  Pray that pastors remain rooted in Scripture, filled with the Holy Spirit, and faithful in their personal walk with God. Ask that they resist discouragement and temptation.

   2) Pray for Wisdom in Preaching.  Ask God to give them clarity, insight, and boldness to proclaim truth with love. Pray that their sermons are Spirit-led, relevant, and transformative for the congregation.

   3) Pray for Humility and Servant Leadership.  Pray that they lead with humility, not seeking personal glory but pointing people to Christ. Ask that they model servant leadership in both words and actions.

   4) Pray for Protection.  Pray for protection against spiritual attacks, burnout, and criticism. Pastors often face heavy burdens—ask God to guard their hearts and minds.

   5) Pray for Family and Relationships.  Pray for their spouses, children, and close relationships. A pastor’s family often shares the weight of ministry, so ask God to strengthen and encourage them.

   6) Pray for Courage and Endurance.  Pray that they remain steadfast in trials, courageous in truth, and enduring in faith, even when preaching unpopular messages.

2. Engage in and Practice God's Word Actively – Don’t just listen—apply what you hear.

Lord, thank You for the pastors who faithfully preach Your Word. 
Grant them wisdom and clarity as they prepare and deliver messages. 
Strengthen their hearts against discouragement, protect their families, 
and fill them with Your Spirit so that they may lead with humility and courage. 
May their preaching bring life, hope, and transformation to all who hear. 

In Jesus name. Amen.

Proclaiming the Word in all its power and authority,

Pastor Ken

This week:

Wed. Prayer Meeting at 7 PM, Fri. Prayer for the Nation at 7 PM.

Sat. Men's Breakfast and Bible at 7 AM.

Sun. Sunday School at 9 AM, Worship at 10 AM.

Nov. 30- Potluck and special 5th Sunday offering for Food Shelf.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP, OUR FOREVER FAMILY, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the pulpit elevated in many churches?

The elevation symbolizes the authority of Scripture and ensures the preacher is visible to the congregation.

2. Do all Christian denominations use pulpits?

Most do, but styles vary. Some modern churches use lecterns or no platform at all.

3. Is the pulpit necessary for worship?

While not mandatory, it serves as a focal point for biblical teaching—a function that remains essential.

So next time you see a preacher step up to speak, remember that pulpit isn’t just wood or metal. It’s a place where the Word of God is proclaimed, therefore it becomes a symbol of Scriptural truth in a world that desperately needs it. 

Brethren, preach the Word!