Approximately 118 million people attend church every Sunday, according to Samford University. Catering for so many church attendees can feel daunting for church leaders organizing the finer details such as church seating options. 

Buying furniture can seem like a time-consuming and expensive venture when searching for church pew chairs. Although buying could be cheaper in the long run, renting pew chairs is often more convenient. So, which is the best option?

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of renting vs purchasing church pew chairs and how to make the right decision for your venue. 

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What Are Church Pew Chairs?

Church pew chairs are a modern alternative to traditional church pews and provide additional comfort and stability to worshippers. There are many varieties and styles to choose from which can make the buying process seem overwhelming at first. Many pew chairs for church can be customized to suit the design and style of your venue and meet the needs of your congregation. 

Typical modern church pew chairs are stackable, durable, and comfortable with an ergonomic design to improve the experience of your church members. They are designed for easy storage and transportation so that churches can easily add extra seating for services and change the layout for different events. 

Why Consider Renting?

If you have a large upcoming event that requires extra seating, it may be a good option to rent church pew chairs. The cost of short-term rental is going to be more cost-effective than buying new church pew chairs, especially if you are opening a new venue. 

If you are considering church growth strategies and how to develop your church, renting may be a better option financially. There are some major advantages to renting church pew chairs before you buy which include the following:

  • Lower up-front cost
  • Trying chairs before you buy them
  • Flexibility for changing future plans
  • No commitment to permanent storage

There are many circumstances in which renting church pew chairs is more suitable than buying them. However, it is important to note that there are also disadvantages to renting church seating such as expensive rental contracts and additional fees for cleaning and maintenance. 

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What to Know About Purchasing

With so many options on the horizon, it can be difficult to know which church pew chairs you should buy. Although purchasing chairs can seem like a big financial commitment, it is also a wise investment for the future of your church. If you are unhappy with the chairs or wish to sell them, you can do so or speak to your manufacturer to request a refund or exchange. 

Buying church pew chairs with a warranty is essential to protect your new asset. Ask the manufacturer if you will receive a warranty with your purchase and whether they offer ongoing maintenance for your chairs. Professional companies such as ComforTek offer replacement parts and maintenance as part of their service. 

How to Make Your Decision?

Making a comprehensive list of what your church needs is a vital step in the buying or renting process. The requirements of your congregation should govern the type of chairs that you choose to improve their worship experience. Speaking with a knowledgeable sales advisor such as those at ComforTek will help you make an informed decision about the best church pew chairs for your church members. 

Why Does Sustainability Matter?

Reusing chairs by renting them for your church is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. As we strive to make greener choices, renting chairs is a better option if you do not require new permanent church seating options. However, one could also argue that buying a new set of high-quality chairs and using them for many years is good for the environment. 

Both renting and buying offer many benefits in terms of sustainability. Depending on your circumstances, choosing durable and long-lasting church chairs from a reputable manufacturer to rent or buy is a more eco-friendly choice than low-cost church pew chairs. 

Additional Factors to Consider

When choosing the right church pew chairs, you should consider when and why they will be used. Short-term rentals are perfect for infrequent, large-scale events, and purchasing them is better for churches that need a more permanent solution. 

Many church pew chairs are customizable to your requirements and have a variety of colors, fabrics, and styles available. Consider the needs of your church members and which style suits them best before deciding whether to rent or buy. 

In Summary

Every church has a unique set of needs and it is important to understand which church growth stategies work for your venue. Finding the right church seating, whether you rent or buy, could impact attendance rates and overall worship experience. Discuss your options with an expert manufacturer to find the best solution for you.