What is a mourner’s bench?

Answer

Joy is at the core of salvation “But I have trusted in your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”, (Psalm 13:5). However, mourning over sin is a crucial aspect of repentance, which, along with faith, is fundamental in responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21). In connection with mourning or sorrow over sin, the apostle Paul taught that there are two distinct types of sorrow “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”, (2 Corinthians 7:10). The first type is godly, purposeful, and results in repentance and salvation. The second type of sorrow is worldly, futile, and leads to death. The mourner’s bench is designed to elicit the first type of sorrow by providing a designated place for individuals to sit and reflect on their sins.

Mourner’s benches are commonly found in church sanctuaries and tent meetings. They come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional designs like long seats accommodating three to five people, to a row of chairs. Positioned strategically near the front of the congregation, these benches aim to direct a mourner’s focus towards God’s presence and ensure that clergy and other spiritual leaders are readily available to offer counsel and pray with those seated there.

Another distinctive design of a mourner’s bench features a long wooden seat running parallel to the altar at the front of the sanctuary or tent, usually elevated a few feet off the ground. This type of bench, intended for kneeling rather than sitting, can accommodate several individuals on both sides, allowing them to be in close proximity to other mourners for support.

Those who advocate for the use of mourner’s benches believe in the importance of creating a physical space for individuals to express their sorrow and seek spiritual guidance and comfort.Using a mourning bench is believed to help individuals follow the Bible’s guidance on grieving their sins. For instance, James 4:9 instructs people to feel sorrowful about their wrongdoing: “Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom” (ESV, cf. Isaiah 22:12). Job also emphasizes that mourning over sin serves a greater purpose—turning away from transgression: “Therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). David highlights that those who engage in the challenging act of mourning offer God an acceptable sacrifice: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

Mourning benches became popular during the Second Great Awakening in the United States (1790–1840). Many preachers and evangelists of that era believed that mourning benches effectively encouraged people to acknowledge their sins and respond to the gospel message with faith. Charles Finney (1792–1875), a prominent Christian minister of the 19th century, is closely associated with the mourner’s bench. Finney, who preferred the term “anxious bench” to highlight conviction of sin, used this seat to prompt immediate action in response to the gospel. Churches with a mourner’s bench often trace their origins to revival meetings that promoted its use, such as churches linked to the Holiness Movement.

Some Christians choose not to utilize a mourner’s bench in their churches, arguing that it may exploit individuals’ emotions and lead to insincere conversions. Critics also suggest that emotionally vulnerable individuals sitting near the bench could be pressured into false displays of repentance.The front of the sanctuary could distract other worshipers. According to this perspective, mournful introspection should be a private matter between an individual and God, rather than a public spectacle for others to observe.

Though sin separates people from God “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”, (Romans 6:23), Jesus promises God’s presence and compassion to those who genuinely sorrow over their transgressions: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”, (Matthew 5:4). Sorrow over one’s sin is the first step toward repentance, leading to transformative change. For some Christians, both historically and today, a mourner’s bench has played an important role in their conversion to Christianity and in their pursuit of Christlikeness.