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If you've changed your worship service in the past few years but haven't updated your pulpit, here are some reasons to give it serious thought.

The church I grew up in was a stereotypical traditional church. We sat in pews (no padding) and used the fold-down kneelers in every service. The massive pipe organ and large choir created glorious sounds. Communion was offered every week. And the sermon was delivered from the pulpit. There were no wireless microphones at the time, so the priest was stationed at the pulpit and had no real freedom to move around, unless he carried a wired microphone with him.

I had the privilege on several occasions to read God's Word from that same pulpit to the congregation as part of the service. It was always an honor to do so, and I was usually at least a little nervous—sweaty palms and all. I even got to wear a robe over my clothes.

To young people today, that scenario might seem too old-fashioned. But it fit with the times and the expectations of my parent's generation. The mass was conducted in a very orderly and predictable way. There was definitely a feeling of hierarchy—the priest was someone special, called by God to lead worship and deliver a holy message. For me, as a young child, it created a feeling of reverence, and it had an enormous impact on my spiritual development.

But as I approached adulthood my attitudes changed, and I longed for more spontaneity, creativity, and excitement in the worship service. The Baby Boomers, in general, challenged status quo on many levels, and we saw the development of contemporary worship and seeker-sensitive services. Mainline denominations stagnated while nondenominational and megachurches blossomed.

Recently, I returned to my hometown to visit my parents and attended a Christmas service at my childhood church, which they still attend. The front of the sanctuary had been completely remodeled. The pulpit was available, but the priest made full use of the stage and center aisle throughout the service. There was a new attitude about worship. No less

reverent, but certainly more flexible and less formal. These changes were necessary because they fit with the prevailing attitudes in the congregation.

Fewer people want to see a sermon delivered from behind a large, wooden pulpit. Dynamic preachers that want to engage congregations today need to capture attention with words, actions, and illustrations. Today, a preacher needs a wireless microphone and a video remote control more than he needs a designated place to stand.

But a preacher still needs a place for notes and a Bible, whether they are printed, on a laptop, or on a hand-held personal computer. And don't forget a place for the all-important glass of water. So while the basic function of a pulpit hasn't changed over the years, the form certainly has. Today's preaching styles and stage setups generally demand a less conspicuous pulpit, and often one that is easily moved. As a result, the clear acrylic pulpit has become very popular for its contemporary look as well as its relatively low cost and light weight.

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