Pulpits Have Become Pedestal's

I was reading an article by Sienna Krieg, and this caught my attention: “We must be scrutinizing the words behind every church sermon.” 

That got me thinking about the physical pulpits themselves.

I’ve never liked them. Over the years, I’ve seen pulpits become barriers between the person preaching and the people listening. What began as a common-sense necessity in the days of scrolls and bulky early Bibles has evolved into something else entirely. 

Trophy Season

A pulpit is like a trophy now, not in every case, and I’m not claiming that either, but there absolutely is an ego boost that can come from standing behind a pulpit.

It’s similar to the way a promotion in the military comes with a new pin or patch, or how doctors collect abbreviations behind their names. There’s nothing inherently wrong with advancement, leadership, or being in the spotlight, that’s not my issue.

The issue is the heart, the part of us that loves status, recognition, and the feeling of being above others. I’ve seen far too many pulpit teachers puffed up with pride, treating the pulpit as if it were a hand‑delivered gift from God meant to elevate their rank. 

The pulpit becomes less a place of service to God and more a symbol of superiority. Definitely not a good look in God’s eyes.

The Transition Phase

Originally, something sturdy was needed simply to hold the Scriptures. Scrolls were large, heavy, and needed to be rolled out safely. Early printed Bibles weren’t much better because they didn’t have the thin paper we have now. So a pulpit made sense; it was practical and functional. 

But it was never meant to be a throne.

Somewhere along the way, though, its basic function shifted; it has become a marker of prestige. Some leaders began to act like it made them better than the people sitting in the pews, somehow. 

It’s become a source of power, a place where importance is assumed rather than earned. Someone can stand up there all they want, but it doesn’t mean God is standing up there with them.

So I ask ~ is the pulpit in your church drawing people closer to Christ, or simply elevating the person who stands behind it?

© 2026 Jane Isley. Want more content like this? Explore more articles in Rethinking Doctrine.

Want a curated selection of the best from Faithful Writers delivered to your inbox? Subscribe here.

Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to print this article or save it as a PDF.