The Why of Pew:

There were no church pews when Jesus first preached his messages of Love on the mountainside… his listeners stood. Or sat on a rock or lay on the ground. The current formalities of seating built into the Church's architectural plans didn't come about until after the Middle Ages, and when they did there was a hefty price tag and a heap of social mores attached. And then the king got involved. From the time of the Reformation to the present the church pew has been at the center of many of history's more notable moments, including the invention of the printing press, Emancipation, and the Emerging Church movement. The most attention they get, however, is a commentary on comfort and its corollary to faith...some feel a firm church pew is necessary for the proper attention the Gospels deserve while others aver that a softer seat makes for less distraction. For others the point is moot - many newer church congregations have decided to leave the church pews behind to better commune and discuss. Just like Jesus used to do.

When Christians were first persecuted and public meeting places forbidden, worship took place in the home. It was customary for the Elder to sit while the congregation stood. There was less formality and more inclusion. It wasn't until Reformation, when the building of churches went into over-drive, that church seating even became an option. In the 14th century the Carolingians were known to bring their own chairs on which to ponder the Scriptures. A low bench that lined the walls of the building were available to the old and infirm (hence the expression, 'the weak to the wall'). But it was more common for members of the church to move about and congregate. Since most were illiterate there was less reason to sit since there was no text to concentrate on or hymns to follow. As more bibles were made available after the advent of the printing press there became more demand for seating.

When church pews were finally introduced they were not public domain as we know them today. Wealthy families owned the more expensive pews at the front of the house while the less affluent worshippers were relegated to the back. In some communities the church 'pre-sold' areas of the freshly finished floor which were chalked off into lots. The system of owned pews continued well into the 20th century. If you have ever noticed numbered pews I'm sure you never guessed that this was once someone’s 'address'. Those seats not reserved for the local gentry were marked for the poor, Native American, and 'Negro' members of the congregation. The Free Church movement that began in the 1840's and carried on into the 1930's brought an end to this system.

To the new guard of the Church, the urban and youth ministries who are reaching out to those who prefer to worship in a more relaxed, open, and less structured setting, this business of filing in to be preached at is not just out of date. Many see it as a deterrent to the discussion that the words of the Book, by their nature, invoke. If you were to visit one of these congregations you might see worshippers sitting on the floor, on a couch, on a window ledge, or even just standing around as they contemplate the challenges and wonders that are part and parcel to the teachings of Love. Just like Jesus used to do.