The Problem of Having “My Seat” in Church

Mark Dance takes a look at the practice of claiming a particular chair or pew spot in church. He identifies five problems with this practice. Read More

I have read studies which have found that members of the congregation's participation in the worship service is influenced by their proximity to the front of the room in which the congregation worships. The closer members of the congregation sit toward the front of the room, the more active they are likely to be in their participation. This may explain - at least in part - why many congregants avoid sitting close to the front. On the other hand, I have observed that many congregants sit in the back of the room because it is close to the exit and they can make a quick getaway after the service. They will also be less noticeable if they drowse off during the sermon or carry on a whispered conversation with their neighbor. In stagnant or declining churches it is not unusually to see the members of the congregation seated scattered around the room but not close to the front or seated at the back of the room with a great empty space between them and the front of the room.