The Unique Design of Lutheran Churches
The narthex is the space or entryway that leads into a church.
The sanctuary is where the worship service is held, and where the people are seated.
The chancel is the elevated area at the front of the church where the altar is located. This is the area where we meet God. By being front and center, it reminds us that the purpose of worship is to praise, honor and be with God.
Lutheran churches have an altar that usually stands at the front and center of the church. The altar is the chief focal point of the church building. It is a table for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Here heaven and earth are united as the body and blood of Jesus are given under the elements of bread and wine for our forgiveness and where the prayers of God’s people are offered on behalf of the church and the world.
On the altar is a cross as a reminder of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Candles on each side of the cross remind us that Christ is the light of the world and we are also to be lights in the world. Sometimes there are flowers on each side of the altar as a reminder of Christ’s resurrection, as they come to life after being buried in the ground.
The dark red light near the altar is the eternal light or sanctuary candle. It has a candle that burns continuously as a reminder that God is always present.
The baptismal font along with the paschal candle are at the base of the steps leading up to the altar, or the baptismal font may be at the entrance to the sanctuary to symbolize baptism as one’s entrance into the church. The baptismal font holds the water for baptism. The paschal candle is used at baptisms, funerals, and during the Easter Season to remind us that Christ rose from the dead. The word “paschal” comes from the Greek word for Passover and refers specifically to the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
There are two stands at the front of the church for reading and speaking. The lectern is the smaller speaker’s stand and can be used for all the Scripture readings. The pulpit is the larger stand and it is normally used for the reading of the Gospel and the sermon. However, the Gospel in particular can be read from either the lectern, the pulpit (if it is the text for the sermon), or in the center of the church amongst the people.
Paraments is the general term given to all of the cloths that are placed on the altar, lectern and pulpit. They are fashioned in various colors for use during specific seasons and days of the church year.
Pastoral vestments or robes, are designed to cover the pastor’s body and clothing, taking the focus off of the pastor and reminding worshipers that he is a representative of God. The close-fitting white garment or alb, is the standard vestment for pastors. The colored cloth around his shoulders is called a stole. The stole is a historical symbol of the pastoral ministry. It is a reminder to the pastor and the congregation of the yoke of humble service that God has placed upon his shoulders.