Church and classes have similarities and differences. First similarity is that most classes and churches have someone in the front that is speaking, while everyone is sitting facing them. Another is, most of the time there is one speaker, and the audience is listing. They are not participants in the service or class, but are there to listen.

The differences can be about the same as the differences depending on what kind of class it is. I have taken classes where the teacher has us sit in a circle to help to create an environment of a group atmosphere. Everyone is allowed to speak in this setting. There is not just one speaker.