Who occupies the nave in a church?

Answer 1

A church's nave is the longest aisle in the sanctuary, generally between the entrance doors and the altar. Most modern churches have their general seating in the nave. This means the the congregation occupies the nave.

Answer 2

The Reverend Ken Collins's website contains a Reference section where he has compiled a short glossary of Church Architectural terms. The definitions have been written in conversational language and are very easy to understand. He defines the nave as "the architectural term for the place where the congregation gathers for worship, as opposed to the front part of the church from which the service is led." In other words, the area where pews or rows of chairs are located.

Encyclopedia Britannica online has a detailed article about naves that will substantiate Ken Collins' definition albeit in much more flowery language. Britannica also writes that the term "nave" was derived from Latin word "navis" which means "ship". Ships have long been a symbol of the Christian church, so "nave" might have been selected to name the main gathering area of the church as it would fit with the image of passengers sitting in a boat.

Answer 3

The nave is the central aisle of a basilica type church or the main body of a church (whether aisled or not) between its western wall and its chancel (the part occupied by the clergy and possibly a choir). It is the zone of a church accessible by the laity (those not part of the clergy). It roughly corresponds to the contrast between the audience seating (analogous to the nave) and the stage (analogous to the chancel) when people go to the theater or a concert.