Church Launches Sacrament Seating Reservation System

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – As part of an effort to bring increased order and reverence to Sunday worship, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the launch of a new Sacrament Seating Reservation System (SSRS), now available through the Gospel Tools app. In an announcement sure to bring peace to pew wars everywhere, the new system allows members to reserve their preferred seating in the chapel for sacrament meeting ahead of time.

The feature allows members to view a digital chapel map, select preferred pews, and reserve seating for their household in advance of sacrament meeting. The map displays available seats in real time and is broken down by section, row, and seat number.

“The days of passive-aggressive pew battles are over,” said a spokesperson from the Church’s Meetinghouse Operations Department. “Families who have sat in the same spot for 30 years no longer have a guarantee of the same 7th row Sabbath day after Sabbath day. More importantly, families that have been banished to the metal chairs in the cultural hall for years can now have a chance to experience soft padded pews without fear of judgement or retribution.”

How the Sacrament Seating System Works

Church members are now able to log on to the Gospel Tools app each week and select their section, row and seats from a digital chapel map based on the design of each ward building. Each reservation lasts one week and resets every Sunday at midnight. Some of the seating categories include:

• Cultural Hall Chaos (for those who typically arrive late and and parents of toddlers)
• Front Row Faithful (for those seeking blessings or trying to impress their in-laws)
• Middle of Zion (ideal for sneaky snack passers and quiet gum chewers)
• Free Range (for visitors and members that don’t make reservations)

To prevent seating fraud and illegal squatting, the young women will serve as ushers to gently remind unregistered members that they’re “in someone else’s sacred space.” Additionally, “reserved” signs will appear digitally on LCD screens at the end of each pew showing which family has that specific section of seats reserved. Those who try to sit in seats assigned to other members, may be asked to sit in the “Free Range” pews or even in the foyer on metal seats for repeat offenders. Foyer couches are also available to reserve on a first-come, first-serve basis.

One bishop in Provo confirmed, “We’ve already seen a noticeable drop in dirty looks and territorial hymnal holding. It’s truly a miracle.”

Some members are less than excited about the new seating reservation system. Members who have occupied the same pew since the Reagan administration are now worried about their long-standing, self-claimed seating assignments.

Sister Tina Glover of the Lakeview 6th Ward stated, “I haven’t sat anywhere but the second pew on the left since 1984. I just don’t know what I will do if someone reserves my seats.” Church leadership is confident that members will come around to the new system.

“This change will bring clarity to pew logistics and eliminate decades of silent seating standoffs,” said Elder Sriahc of the Meetinghouse Operations Department. “We are confident that this change will benefit lifelong members, new members to our wards, and visitors alike.

The system will roll out April 1st, 2025, with full implementation expected by the Sunday after General Conference. Church leaders expect the program to bring about greater order, reverence, and fewer post-meeting confrontations in the parking lot.

What do you think? Will you be reserving your sacred pew or wandering in faith like the pioneers? Let us know in the comments!

Brandon Young

Brandon is a husband, father, and business owner. Brandon has served in various church capacities including a missionary in Madrid, Spain, Young Men’s Presidency, Executive Secretary, temple worker, and Elders Quorum Presidency. He enjoys playing basketball, traveling, woodworking, yardwork, and discovering life with his twins.