Church usher
Encyclopedia
In many denominations of the Christian Church, a Church usher is the first official representative seen when entering the church. The role of the usher in church is a volunteer position, and is often considered one of honor, particularly if the church or a church committee member selects an usher by nomination.
s", and their roles were very similar.(2 Kings 22:4) (1 Chronicles 9:17-27) (Psalms 84:10)
Ushers are required to be punctual and time conscious as they are required to be in the church far earlier than the rest of the congregation, who may still be at Sunday school
or before or during sabbath school. Since they are part of the service, they need to meet early in order to pray with the clergy. Adequate spiritual preparation by the usher ensures a service full of the presence of God .
for the church, and a key part in the Body of Christ
. The role is supposed to continue long after the church has adjourned. The life of an usher should be an example of Christian living in everyday life. Daily conduct should be in line with the word of the Christian God, the Bible, and the Ministry of Jesus
.
History
The concept of an Usher is not new. In the Old Testament, there were positions addressed as "Doorkeepers" or "GatekeeperGatekeeper
Gatekeeper or gatekeeping may refer to:* Gatekeeper , a professional boxer who is considered a test for aspiring boxers* Gatekeeping , a person or organization who manages or constrains a flow of knowledge...
s", and their roles were very similar.(2 Kings 22:4) (1 Chronicles 9:17-27) (Psalms 84:10)
- Jesus' disciples can be considered ushers, in the sense that they:
- Prepared the way for Jesus.
- Kept order among those listening to Christ.
- Served food to the audience.
- Cleaning up after a service, such as the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
In modern times
In modern times, the church usher has many duties. Depending on the church's denomination, size, and preferences, ushers may perform all, some, or a few of the following.- Greet people entering the service
- Seat attendees (though it is common for attendees to seat themselves)
- Collect the titheTitheA tithe is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory tax to government. Today, tithes are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required and paid in kind, such as agricultural products...
s and offeringOfferingOffering may refer to:* Offering, a collection of donations during religious worship, see alms, tithe or charity* Offering, a religious sacrifice of plant, animal or human life* Offering , a part of devotional practice*Phan... - Keeps order at the entrance
- Cleans and prepare the Church
- Count people in service
- Distributing and collecting surveys (such as visitor pamphlets)
- Distribute bulletins and service programmes
- Prepare the altar for service.
Ushers are required to be punctual and time conscious as they are required to be in the church far earlier than the rest of the congregation, who may still be at Sunday school
Sunday school
Sunday school is the generic name for many different types of religious education pursued on Sundays by various denominations.-England:The first Sunday school may have been opened in 1751 in St. Mary's Church, Nottingham. Another early start was made by Hannah Ball, a native of High Wycombe in...
or before or during sabbath school. Since they are part of the service, they need to meet early in order to pray with the clergy. Adequate spiritual preparation by the usher ensures a service full of the presence of God .
Misconduct
The following behaviors are among those deemed inappropriate while ushering.- Dress inappropriately (e.g. tight or short clothing, immodest apparel)
- Force a hug when greeting
- Separate families when seating them
- Rudeness
- Swearing
Christian Living
Ushers, as the ones who stand at the door, greet, and distribute pamphlets, can be considered an ambassadorAmbassador
An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization....
for the church, and a key part in the Body of Christ
Body of Christ
In Christian theology, the term Body of Christ has two separate connotations: it may refer to Jesus's statement about the Eucharist at the Last Supper that "This is my body" in , or the explicit usage of the term by the Apostle Paul in to refer to the Christian Church.Although in general usage the...
. The role is supposed to continue long after the church has adjourned. The life of an usher should be an example of Christian living in everyday life. Daily conduct should be in line with the word of the Christian God, the Bible, and the Ministry of Jesus
Ministry of Jesus
In the Christian gospels, the Ministry of Jesus begins with his Baptism in the countryside of Judea, near the River Jordan and ends in Jerusalem, following the Last Supper with his disciples. The Gospel of Luke states that Jesus was "about 30 years of age" at the start of his ministry...
.