Ushers play an important role in the church. They are responsible for welcoming people, assisting with seating, distributing bulletins, collecting offerings, and maintaining order and reverence during services. While the specific duties may vary between churches, ushers generally serve as hosts who facilitate worship and fellowship. Here is an overview of the biblical foundation and common responsibilities of church ushers.
Biblical Basis for Ushers
The Bible does not explicitly mention the role of ushers. However, there are some principles and examples that provide a basis for this ministry in the church. The following are some relevant passages:
- Romans 12:6-8 talks about having different gifts and serving the church in various ways: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” This supports having ushers use their gifts to serve the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 says “But all things should be done decently and in order.” Ushers help maintain order and decorum during worship services.
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13 gives qualifications for deacons, who were servants caring for the physical and logistical needs of the church. Ushers serve in a similar capacity.
- Romans 16:1-2 mentions Phoebe, “a servant of the church” who provided hospitality and assistance. This describes the welcoming role of ushers.
- Mark 4:10 refers to the disciples “ushering” people out of a crowded house where Jesus was teaching so He could continue his message. Ushers keep things moving smoothly.
While the Bible does not command churches to have ushers, it does provide a precedent for this practical ministry role based on the principles of serving, order, hospitality, and facilitation seen in these passages and throughout Scripture.
Greeting and Welcoming
One of the primary responsibilities of church ushers is to welcome people as they arrive and make them feel comfortable and at home. Ushers are often the first representatives of the church that visitors encounter, so they set the initial tone and atmosphere that guests experience.
Bible verses that relate to greeting and welcoming include:
- Romans 16:1-2 – Phoebe, a servant of the church, provided hospitality.
- Hebrews 13:1-2 – Entertain strangers as if they were angels unaware.
- 1 Peter 4:9 – Offer hospitality without grumbling.
- 3 John 1:8 – We ought to show hospitality to fellow believers.
Ushers should smile, greet people in a friendly manner, introduce themselves, and aim to make attendees feel comfortable and valued. This allows the church to demonstrate biblical hospitality.
Assisting with Seating
Ushers help seat people in the worship center. Depending on the size of the church, this may involve escorting people to open seats, asking how many are in their group, handing out reserved seat tickets, seating by section, etc. This helps things move in an orderly fashion.
Relevant biblical principles include:
- 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 – God is not a God of disorder, but of peace and order.
- Mark 4:10 – Seating people in an arrangement that is conducive to ministry.
- Nehemiah 13:11 – Nehemiah arranged offerings and seating to maintain order.
By coordinating seating, ushers can maintain order and accommodate the needs of attendees. This eliminates disruption and distractions during services.
Distributing Bulletins
Church bulletins contain the order of service, announcements, and other information. Ushers hand out bulletins to people as they enter the sanctuary.
Relevant biblical principles include:
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 – Do things in proper order.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – There is an appointed time for everything.
- Colossians 2:5 – Orderly structure and steadfastness of faith.
Distributing materials in an organized manner sets the tone for an orderly service. It also ensures everyone has what they need to follow along and participate.
Collecting Offerings
Ushers facilitate collecting monetary offerings during services. Depending on the church, this may involve passing offering plates, holding plates or bags at exits, or directing people to offering boxes.
Bible verses about giving offerings include:
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 8:3 – Give according to means and willingness.
- Malachi 3:10 – Bring full tithes and offerings to the storehouse.
- Luke 6:38 – Give and it will be given unto you.
Ushers allow orderly collection of offerings which fund ministry and exemplify joyful stewardship.
Maintaining Order and Reverence
Ushers help maintain order and quiet reverence during worship services. This may involve closing doors, minimally seating latecomers, dealing with disturbances, assisting if someone needs medical help, and tidying between services.
Relevant biblical principles include:
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 – Do things properly and in order.
- Nehemiah 13:11 – Nehemiah assigned duties to maintain order.
- Proverbs 25:28 – Lack of self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Keep away from believers living in idleness and disorder.
- Job 36:27-29 – God thunders marvelously to maintain his order and reverence.
Ushers remind people their conduct should honor God and not disrupt others. This allows for an environment conducive to worship.
Helping those with Special Needs
Ushers aim to accommodate and assist attendees with special needs. This can include:
- Seating people in accessible or convenient pews
- Escorting those needing assistance
- Distributing and collecting devices for the hearing impaired
- Directing people to restrooms, elevators, ramps, etc.
- Providing service bulletins, song sheets, or magnifying glasses
Relevant biblical principles include:
- Leviticus 19:14 – Do not curse or put obstacles in the way of those with disabilities.
- 1 Corinthians 12:22 – Members with special needs should be given special attention and honor.
- Romans 12:13 – Provide for the needs of God’s people.
Making accommodations allows all people to participate in worship and fellowship with the body of Christ.
Other Logistical Assistance
Ushers may provide other logistical assistance as needs arise. This can involve:
- Collecting RSVPs or dinner numbers
- Distributing and collecting response cards
- Handing out and receiving communion elements
- Directing foot traffic before and after services
- Providing information to visitors
- Answering basic questions for attendees
- Escorting visitors to classes
- Checking the cleanliness of facilities
- Ensuring bathrooms are stocked and operational
Relevant biblical principles include:
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 – Do things in proper order.
- Romans 12:6-8 – Use gifts to serve in various ways.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 – Do what your hand finds to do.
Attendance to logistical details allows ministers and congregants to focus on worship and fellowship.
Qualifications for Ushers
Those who serve as church ushers should exemplify certain qualities:
- Friendly, welcoming, and joyful (Psalm 100:2)
- Patient (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
- Responsible and reliable (Proverbs 25:19)
- Servant-hearted (Ephesians 6:7)
- Orderly and organized (1 Corinthians 14:40)
- Respectful and reverent (Hebrews 12:28)
- Compassionate and helpful (Isaiah 41:6)
- Humble (Philippians 2:3-4)
These qualities allow ushers to fulfill their duties with excellence while glorifying God through their service.
Training for Ushers
Churches should provide training for ushers so they can be informed about policies and procedures. Training topics can include:
- Duties and responsibilities
- Facility layout – seating, restrooms, exits, etc.
- Safety and security protocols
- Emergency procedures
- Sensitivity and accommodations for special needs
- Proper etiquette and conduct
- Church vision and welcoming atmosphere
Equipping ushers allows them to serve skillfully and unified with church leadership and goals.
Conclusion
Ushers serve a practical function in facilitating worship services. More importantly, they represent Christ’s love through welcoming fellowship and orderly service. Ushers model hospitality, compassion, diligence, and patience. While ushers may not receive much recognition, their servant-hearts point people to the goodness of God.