Obed-edom and Jehiah also were gatekeepers of the Ark. According to 1 Chronicles 15:23, Berechiah and Elkanah were to be gatekeepers for the Ark of the Covenant. Throughout the Scriptures we can find ushers called by various titles: watchmen (2 Samuel 18:24-27), porters (1 Chronicles 9:17-18), and doorkeepers (1 Chronicles 15:2-23). The Levites were set aside from among the congregation of the children of Israel to perform those specific tasks. The Tribe of Levi also served as guards and protected the Temple there were various entrances for various groups. They were to oversee all the vessels and any other items of the Temple. They were to have the place of worship ready for the Priest to enter. The first ushers operated under the leadership of the Tribe of Levi as they were given instructions for the upkeep of the Temple. God directed Moses in the wilderness of Sinai to organize the first great group of ushers. I believe the history of ushering can be traced to the Bible. As 1 Corinthians 12:40 says, Let all things be done decently and in order. Ushers have a great responsibility and are to do their duty with diligence and decency. Church ushers stand as sentinels of the house of God at all times during a worship service and during other church rituals. An usher is an official of the church he or she serves, an official whose business it is to seat persons and to aid them when possible.Īn usher is also forerunner, for his or her responsibility is to make sure the worship place is ready before the clergy and congregation enter-they prepare the way. He or she must be well-trained in all aspects of the techniques of Church ushering. Church ushers must be Christ-like and have a spirit of meekness and humility. In order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of Church ushering, a Church usher must first and foremost be a Christian. Introduction – What Is a Church Usher?Īccording to the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc.’s School of Ushering Manual, the Ministry of Church ushering is a sacred and powerful responsibility. Usher Board Ministry and Youth Ministry leader, St. Louella McIntosh, Guest Cultural Resource Commentator Church (Newark, NJ) Joint Usher Board Ministry

Be sure that visitors know where the bathrooms, parish hall, nursery, etc.St.

Invite visitors to join us for coffee hour help them get connected, introduce them to clergy.Make sure completed 'Visitor Information Cards' are given to a staff member and that we have contact information for each visitor.The other usher will move from pew to pew directing those wish to take communion to the altar rail. During Communion, an usher should be stationed at the foot of the handrail to assist the elderly and disabled as needed up and down the steps.Once completed return the plates to the altar. During the offertory, ushers come to the front of the church to receive the offertory plates and then pass the plates throughout the congregation.Stay alert and be prepared to help with any unexpected disruptions, people who need to leave during the service or any late comers.Be intentional about greeting visitors at the peace.Be aware of newcomers if they seemed lost, please be prepared to help them.Invite visitors to sign the guest book or fill out 'Visitor Information Cards' (Having visitor contact information is very important for successful follow-up).Also, let them know that they may sit anywhere and answer any other questions that they may have Be prepared to inform them of the nursery, bathrooms, etc. Welcome all who come to worship! Be aware of newcomers.Establish a warm and welcoming environment for all who worship at St.Plan to be at church at least 20 minutes before the service To support your ministry as greeter/usher, these guidelines and instructions are offered. Greeters should maintain good communication with the Ushers. This ministry is crucial to incorporating people into our congregational life and helping them feel comfortable at St. Greeters welcome everyone, but especially the newcomer.

The ministry of the greeter/usher is at the center of radical hospitality at St.

Episcopal church usher manual