The usher’s role is so important but often
undervalued, under trained, and less than organized.
We believe that our ushers are a tremendous force
in setting the tone for worship and helping to prepare the people to hear and
respond to the Word of God.
An usher is a spiritual
ambassador for the church – God’s ordained and organized body of believers. Each usher serves as a
“first representative” of Jesus Christ for a worship service. Though we all
love the creative edge of our worship services, make no mistake, this is a holy
event where God is meeting with His people.
From the tabernacle in the Old Testament to the
temple and synagogue in the New Testament, God’s
presence and the teaching of His word is of supreme importance.
Then the
cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the
tabernacle. Exodus 40:34
They went to
Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began
to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching because he taught them as one
who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Mark 1:21-22
At dawn he
appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him,
and he sat down to teach them. John 8:2
Who Can Serve as an Usher?
Not just anyone can be an usher, in the same way
that not just anyone can be on the worship team, work in children’s ministry or
lead a small group. The right gifts, passion, and ability make a big
difference.
As you recruit new ushers keep spiritual qualities,
characteristics and usher responsibilities in mind. Please make sure you work
in coordination with your team leader rather than practicing “random
recruiting.”
The fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23
is a solid guideline for a good usher. The point is not about perfection, but a
heartfelt motive and desire to live a life of a spirit-filled believer.
Qualifications of an Usher:
·
You understand the vital role of the usher
ministry.
·
You enjoy and care about people.
·
You possess a servant’s heart.
·
You are committed to the vision of your church.
·
You are supportive of the leadership at your
church.
Three Responsibilities
of an Usher:
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Commitment to Serve
Prepare
yourself spiritually.
This is not to be seen as a
duty, but a privilege to connect with God as part of your preparation. Don’t
feel like this requires an hour of Bible study before you show up. God is far
more interested in the commitment of your heart than the amount of your time.
Take a few moments at home to connect with God and ask Him to use you as a
representative of His love and an agent of His redemptive plan.
Take
initiative!
The cardinal sin of an
usher is not to pay attention. At all times watch what is going on in your
section and jump in to handle it. If you aren’t sure what to do, ask your team
leader. The only wrong choice is to do nothing. Never assume “someone” else is
taking care of the need. Pay attention, take the initiative, and make it
happen!!
Absorb the
pressure of the moment, don’t transfer it.
Most of the ministry of an
usher is pure joy. Seriously, it’s a lot of fun. But on occasion, there are
moments of pressure when someone is upset, or something isn’t working right. In
these moments never transfer the pressure to the person entering into their
worship experience. You are the leader. You absorb the pressure. Get help if
you need it, but never make the issue their problem. You help deliver a
solution.
Own your
section, lead your section, shepherd your section.
In an average environment
with average ushers, once the seats are filled the ushers relax and mentally
check out. As leaders, the ushers are empowered to take ownership of the section
of seats they serve in and give leadership where needed.
Each usher should do
everything in their power to ensure that the people have the best opportunity
possible to connect with and hear from God. Each usher can shepherd the people
by getting to know them, praying for them, learning their names, and meeting
appropriate needs.
Follow the
direction of your head usher.
All good
leaders are good followers. It is important that each usher follows the
leadership of the team leader. Be supportive and encouraging. Offer suggestions
if you have good ideas, but don’t be overly sensitive if your ideas aren’t
used. Your head usher will do his or her best to serve and lead you and the rest
of their team well.
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The Core Tasks
Help people
find a seat.
This seems obvious, but
there is an art to it. The art is all about making people, especially new
people and people far from God, feel comfortable. Their insecurities can rise,
and their feelings of self-consciousness prevent them from connecting with God.
Imagine what it feels like
to walk into an unfamiliar restaurant or other environment and not know what to
do.
·
Do I seat myself or do I wait to be seated?
·
Who do I talk to if I have a question?
·
Who do I tell if I have special circumstances?
(e.g. potential medical condition)
The
usher’s job is to move toward and engage people quickly and with the confidence
to help them know what to do. Don’t leave people hanging. Let them know
that you can handle anything they need and that you are the one that can make
this a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Don’t make them come to you
and ask. You approach them with confidence and a smile. Take charge with grace
and poise.
Collect the
offering.
On a spiritual level, the
offering is part of worship. It is the opportunity for worshippers to express
their love, trust, and obedience toward God. On a practical level, the
financial needs of a large church are significant. Your smooth and coordinated
execution of an offering can and does impact the resources that fund the
Kingdom. On a security level, this is one of the most detailed functions of an
usher.
The ushers need to be
trained in the actual physical process for receiving an offering in a live
service.
The ushers need to receive
detailed training that will help us ensure compliance with legal guidelines and
practical security issues.
Assist in the
execution of special moments.
CFI/TBA is creativity in
their worship services. From motorcycles to doughnuts, to tractors and bottles
of soda, you just never know what may be coming down the aisles! Some of the
special moments are fun, some are crazy, and some are deeply spiritual. Things
like crossing a bridge, writing in journals, or taking communion. The service
of an usher is crucial to these moments being leveraged toward life-change.
The service depends on your
flexibility. Don’t get flustered when last minute changes are made. That will
happen. Just keep positive, stay flexible and know that creativity is at work
to help people connect with and hear from God.
Get an
accurate people count.
Why does this matter?
Why must these numbers be so accurate? Why can’t we just make a good estimate?
The answer is that every number represents a person. We want to be good
stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, and therefore it matters that we
know how well we are reaching people. Just like in the book of Acts, they
counted, recorded, and celebrated how many people were saved. Your church counts
too!
Reset and
clean up the auditorium.
People will leave papers,
cups and “stuff” behind. The glamorous part of an usher’s ministry is cleaning
up after each service. Also, supplies such as Bibles and pens are replenished.
Remember, many hands make
light work. If all ushers jump in and help, it takes just a few minutes.
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Common sense
·
Maintain proper appearance and personal hygiene.
·
Show up on time.
·
Read the bulletin – get informed, stay informed.
·
Wear your name tag.
·
You will probably not be required to usher every
Sunday, but when you are on the schedule, give it 100%.
·
If you are on the schedule and can’t make it, be
sure to call and let your team leader know. Don’t just no show. People are
counting on you.
·
Smile, talk to people, and learn their names!!
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