As any church-goer knows, the physical ambiance of a place of worship can considerably impact the overall experience. This transition from traditional pews to church chairs has been gaining momentum across various congregations. If you find yourself wondering why, or how to decide between the two for your congregation, stay tuned. We'll guide you through the process.
Church Chair Comfort:
First, let's explore why many churches are switching from traditional pews to church chairs. Comfort is a big factor, and let's face it, pews can lack in this department. Church chairs, on the other hand, often offer enhanced cushioning and better back support, fostering a more comfortable experience for your congregation members. With the development of cold-cured foam, chairs such as the ComforTek 7701-X and 7701-X DS are now made with the same closed-cell foam used in new automobile and theatre seats.
Church Chair Flexibility:
Another vital advantage of church chairs is their flexibility. Pews are fixed, not leaving much room for adjustments. But with church chairs, the possibilities are endless! Want to adjust the seating arrangement for a special ceremony? Need to create extra space for a specific event? Or maybe arrange a circle for group discussions? Church chairs provide the flexibility required to meet varying needs. With connecting ganging, church chairs are connected and will not slide around so you have the same ordered look of rows of pews with options for changing arrangements when needed.
Increased Seating Capacity
With pews, it is very hard to designate space per person. Often people will take up the space of two or three people by placing items next to them to "have their space". With church chairs, each place to sit is visible. When a service or event is well attended and every seat is needed, it becomes much more obvious where more places to sit exist with church chairs.
But how does one decide when considering such a significant change? Here's a rundown of a few things churches should consider:
1. Comfort: This could significantly impact the length of time congregants want to stay. It's essential to ensure that the chairs you choose are comfortable enough for long services, but also suitable for all ages and physical constraints within your congregation.
2. Flexibility: If your church holds multiple events requiring different seating arrangements, the flexibility of church chairs would be invaluable. Think of weddings, Bible study groups, or children's activities - each can benefit from a flexible seating arrangement.
3. Cost: While pews can be costly upfront, they are sturdy and last a long time. Pews however are very costly to replace not only because of the materials used but because of the expense of having them installed. Quality church chairs should last 20 years or more. Ensure you've thoroughly assessed the long-term financial implications before deciding.
4. Aesthetics: It's important to consider the look and feel you want for your church. Pews have a traditional, dignified feel, while chairs might offer a more contemporary worship atmosphere. Which best suits your congregation and the message you want to convey?
5. Theological Considerations: Some churches might feel that pews uphold certain traditions or religious messages. Think critically about the potential symbolic functions of the seating in your church.
6. Storage: If you plan on using the chairs’ flexibility to the maximum, consider storage. You’ll need room to store the chairs when you’re not using them.
Switching from pews to church chairs isn't just about a physical transformation; it's also about adapting to present needs, maintaining comfort for your members, and creating an accommodating, flexible space. At K & K Furnishings, we have more than 30 years of experience when it comes to church furnishings. We can help your church think through the important questions and considerations of your worship seating needs. Contact us today for a free consultation including a Zoom meeting with your planning committee.
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