In September my church, Riverwood Community Chapel, re-arranged the seats in our Worship Center. We used to have them all facing front, slightly rounded so we could sort-of see each other, but mainly facing the stage. Now we have them “in-the-round” with a small platform in the center of the room for the speaker and singers, the band still onstage, and the chairs in a circle all around the platform and a cross hanging above the center platform. As I’ve done some research, it seems this has become a trend in churches undergoing either remodeling or new construction. The reasons for it include
- Greater sense of community as people face each other during the worship gathering;
- Improved worship since we hear ourselves singing toward one another;
- Many churches place the communion table at the center as a symbol of Christ’s presence in the community of believers.
I’ve always wanted to try this. Experiencing it for a wedding this summer helped us envision what it would be like and we decided to try it for this sermon series. Now after 2 months we’re evaluating whether to keep it this way or not. Frankly, I really like it. I lead worship from the center of the room. Since I’m all wireless (guitar, vocal and in-ear-monitor) I get to walk around the platform, interacting with the entire room. I also get to face the onstage band and choir from the middle, instead of mostly having my back to them. People not only stare at the screen with the lyrics. Now they also get to enjoy interacting with the community of worshippers of which they are a part. The other singers are in the center with me so we get to move around and interact. It’s taken some getting used to, but now I hope it’s here to stay.
Drawbacks? Sure. Many don’t like being watched from across the room as they worship. The center platform is much closer to the front row of seats so the leaders are a bit more “in-your-face.” It’s also easier to watch people falling asleep during the sermon!
Have you experienced anything like this? Are you from Riverwood? I’d like to get your feedback…positive or less-than-positive. This will help me as we decide whether or not to keep this set-up. Leave me a reply.
Peace,
Bill