Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Church and Worship

Church and Worship

Apart from the seats for worshippers, the inside of a Presbyterian church is dominated by four items of furniture.

• The Pulpit is the place from which sermons are preached. It generally occupies the central place in the church, reflecting the central place of the proclamation of the Word of God in the worship of the Church. .
• The Bible Stand holds the bible in a prominent place in the church. The bible is the source of all authority in the life of the church.
• The Communion Table, often placed directly in front of the pulpit. The associated chairs are occupied by the minister and elders during the service of Holy Communion.
• The Baptismal Font is used during baptisms, which is regarded as a sign of the covenant between God and the Church, welcoming the child into the community of the Church. Children are regarded as sharing the promise of salvation with adults in the church and have as much right to be baptised as adults. ('Infant Baptism' does not guarantee admission to Full Membership. Full Membership is only accepted on Profession of a personal Faith.)