As viewed by a worshiper seated among the congregation, there are two speaker’s stands on either side of the front of the church. The one on the left is called the pulpit, and it is used by clergy to read the gospel lesson and to preach the sermon. Accordingly, the left side of the church is called the gospel side. The on the right is called the lectern. It generally holds a large Bible and is used by lay readers for the Old Testament and epistle lessons. Accordingly, the right side of the church is called the epistle side. The communion table stands centered behind the lecterns and is surrounded by a kneeling rail. If there is enough room, the communion table is placed away from the wall so that the celebrant may face the congregation during communion. To receive communion, the congregation comes up and kneels at the rail. The choir may be located behind the congregation, to one or both sides of the sanctuary, or even on the opposite side of the communion table from the congregation. The choir is most often not in direct sight of the congregation.
The wall that the congregation faces during worship is called the ‘east wall’ regardless of the actual compass direction, because of the ancient practice, inherited from Judaism, of facing Jerusalem during prayers. Orthodox churches follow this plan, with some elaboration.
Many Roman Catholic churches have a semi-circular nave surrounding the chancel.
You can see a diagram and get more information about historic church interiors.

This definition is in context to Religious Architecture. See more contextual defintions for Historic Floor Plan:.