What is a pulpit used for in a church?

In a church, the pulpit is typically used as a stand for speakers and is the focal point in the church. Both the church leaders and members of the congregation may stand at the pulpit when addressing the congregation.

In many Protestant churches, the pulpit is raised. It may have multiple tiers, with the lowest tier used for basic announcements, the middle tier used for reading gospel and the top tier used for the sermon. In Presbyterian churches, the pulpit may be used to represent the primacy of the written and spoken word, taking precedence over the sacraments. In Roman Catholic churches, the pulpit is used for readings and is also known as the ambo.