The prominent characteristic of Pentecostal church altar designs is their simplicity and sophistication. There is always nothing extra and excessive. Everything is thought out to the last detail to make the communication between God and people simple and straightforward, as it is supposed to be.

Pentecostal church decoration in Nigeria

Pentecostal churches are communities that do not have any single worldwide organizational head. Their followers are usually bound only by a general belief in the experience of the Holy Spirit. There are approximately 59 million of followers in Nigeria.

Photo: wanitanakal.info

In Nigeria, there are several Pentecostal churches and among them are:

• The Church of Nigeria;
• The Christ Apostolic Church;
• The Apostolic Church of Nigeria;
• Assemblies of God (World Assemblies of God Fellowship);
• Redeemed Christian Church of God.

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The main feature of the Pentecostal branch of the Christian religion is asceticism and minimalism of architectural solutions. Speaking of its design, the Pentecostal church offers an imaginative approach, merging diverse fashions and trends, as well as centering on the architectural and cultural traditions of the state in which the church is located.

Photo: guardian.ng

The absence of rococo-style and exaggerative altar is the central differentiating characteristic of the Pentecostal church. There are also no other prominent places and objects for worshiping icons or representations of the saints.

Photo: worldwanderings.com

Church altar decoration

For Pentecostalism, the place of praise carries a sense of desacralization. So it is evident that even the cross that is one of the decoration elements in the church does not hold any sacred importance without the presence of God and people. And the principal object of the Word of God is the Bible, that has been always praised by Pentecostalism followers. They believe that the Bible is the only sacred component to worship, that should be present in any Pentecostal church.

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So basically, Pentecostal altar is a table for the Word of God or God's Table. This table can be used as a platform with a mobile desk. So, from this point of view, the desired material for the altar is wood. This vision is explained by people's association with sharing food around the Table of God. Although, there are altars made of stone in some Pentecostal churches.

Photo: firstlightupsc.com

In the majority of cases, the altar is a small or medium-sized table, resembling the wholesome interior of a church. It is usually covered with red or white altar cloths. Also it can be decorated with candlesticks or some flowers. Also, there is a mounting part of a surface or a whole downward-sloping tabletop for the Bible.

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

For Pentecostal churches, it is also considered acceptable to decorate the altar with the scenery of Jesus Christ's Birth. This decoration is usually doing practice during Christmas. Another acceptable decoration is the scenery of the Lord's Supper. All these decorations correspond with the general sense of simplicity in Pentecostal churches.

Photo: india.com

So, we can conclude, that Pentecostal church has its own visions on connection between God and his followers. And this vision is represented by the way they organize the space, decorate the building and worship places. Everything looks delicate and simple, without any hint on being extra. It shows that their churches are supposed to give people space and time to talk with God or seclude oneself to find Him when it is needed.

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Source: Legit.ng