The Chairs Matter

 Those that know me know that I am freaky about the way a room is set up for an event.  I recently read an article about four different ways to set up a room for a discipleship group.  I get it.  I think it matters. Some years ago, I became aware that our leadership team was more engaged and got more done when we sat around tables instead of in a circle without tables.  I do not think that means that all groups will get more done around tables.  I think it means the setup of a room affects the mood, reaction and response of the people involved and that we sometimes have to try different setups to see what works best with what group.

4 Things the Setup Affects

1.  The neatness of the room gives a first impression overall.  When a student walks in, do they see chaos or does it look like something worthwhile is about to happen?

2.  The number of chairs related to the number of people present gives a sense of how it feels.  If there are way more chairs than there are people, it feels disappointing or "Why am I here, since not much of anybody else is here?" Too many empty chairs sends a negative message.

3.  It communicates an overall sense of caring and preparation or that someone cares.  

4.  It affects the interaction with the speaker, band, or whatever the program is.  If those in attendance feel way distant from the front or stage, it is difficult to feel a part of what is happening or to interact.

Remember When Setting Up

1.  Try to anticipate how many will attend and set up that many plus about 20% more.  People that come together want to be able to sit together.  So, having a few extra chairs makes this easier to happen.

2.  Decide what shape to use.  If there is the intent to have audience participation or discussion, a more "fan-type" setup may work best.  This is when the rows bend around more where it is possible to see others in the crowd and not just be looking at the back of heads.  Students can see others and makes it easier to hear what is said in discussion or Q&A time.

3.  Have some extra chairs readily available (But, not just piled here and there.) for that hooray event when more show up than you anticipated.

4.  Sometimes students are reluctant to sit on the front row.  But, there has to be a front row.  If this is true in your ministry, make the front row shorter than the other rows.  That way, there are not a lot of empty chairs up front and crowded everywhere else..

5.  Mark off or tape off the back row.  Often, these fill up first.  By taping off the back row, that leaves it available for students who come in after the program starts.  

Try experimenting with different set-ups and see what you learn.

Little things make a difference..  It is often our attention to the little things that makes the difference between good and excellent.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.