A pulpit is a raised platform or stand in a church or other place of worship where a minister, priest, or rabbi stands to deliver a sermon or lead prayers. The pulpit is typically positioned at the front of the sanctuary, elevated a few steps above the congregation so everyone can see and hear the speaker clearly.

Traditional pulpits were often beautifully carved from wood or stone, sometimes decorated with religious symbols. By standing in the pulpit, the speaker signals, “I'm about to deliver an important message.” Churches designed pulpits this way partly for practical reasons (better sight lines and acoustics) and partly to show the importance of the spiritual message being shared.

The word pulpit can also refer more broadly to the act of preaching or teaching from a position of religious authority. When someone speaks of “the power of the pulpit,” they mean the influence that religious leaders have when addressing their communities. Similarly, a “bully pulpit” describes any prominent position that gives someone a powerful platform to advocate for their ideas or convince others.