Ushers Ministry

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The definition of an usher means door keeper but in truth, our churches greatly depend on diversity and magnitude of the many services ushers provide. Each usher has the opportunity to impact the lives of new and existing people in the church and should be viewed as an extension of the pastor’s hand. In most cases, they provide the "first impressions" of church and ministry of the pastor.

Most pastors believe that an usher’s performance can make or break the outcome of the service as well as bring a true reflection of how friendly and loving their church really is. Ushers set the spiritual climate of the service by presenting a joyful attitude, make others feel welcome and comfortable, and make sure that everything is flowing in a proper order so that everyone is free to worship without interruption.   

                            Teachable, Thoughtfulness, Tactfulness, Timeliness, and Teamwork

· Teachable. Ushers should have the right spirit and heart that easy to serve people and church well. Every usher should be willing to be taught and learn ways to improve. Ushers who are ever-learning can greatly enhance the service.

· Thoughtfulness. Ushers should be looking for ways to serve and help others. Opening doors, assisting visitors, being courteous, and looking for ways to help others along with their other duties can bring a positive reflection for the church.

· Tactfulness. Ushers should present themselves in being able to communicate well and have a keen sense of knowing what to say, what to do, and where to direct others as a way to maintain good relations and prevent distractions in the service.

· Timeliness. Ushers should be on time and also timely in bringing assistance to others.  An effective usher does not wait to be asked or wait for others to help but is keenly aware of what is going on in the church and allows the flow of the service to continue without distractions.

· Teamwork. Ushers should work as a team, each one working together as a whole. Ushers should work uniformly in receiving offerings, communion, bringing order to the service in as many ways as possible.

1. Faithfully attend church, whether you have ushering responsibilities that day.

2. Arrive at the church 30 minutes prior to the start of the service.

3. Dress should be appropriate, clean, and neat.

4. Work and receive instructions from the Head Usher (if a church has one).

5. Get the bulletins and take them to the assigned positions.

6. Maintain supplies at the Altar, make sure pews have adequate hymnals, Bibles, pencils, and offering envelopes.

7. Welcome arriving congregation with a warm, friendly smile.

8. Be alert for issues that may need your attention.

9. Provide directions to the restrooms, children’s church, nursery, etc. 

10. Assist the elderly and handicapped out of their cars and into the church.

11. Be available for offering, special offerings, and other duties as directed by the pastor.

12. Two or more ushers count the offerings and place the offering in the safe.

13. After the offering, at least one usher must remain in the lobby area to offer assistance when      needed. They can monitor the hallways for unexpected guests.

14. Be aware of the temperature in the sanctuary.

15. Some churches require an usher to count attendance.

16. Be available around the Alter.

17. After the service has ended, have a designated usher go through the church building to make sure doors and windows are locked and no one else is in the building.

18. Turn out lights, adjust temperature levels, lock all doors, and turn on church alarm.

19. Provide Emergency help when needed in an orderly fashion.

20. In winter months, help to shovel snow and place salt on the walkways.