Contents What is an Usher... 3 Ushering... 4 Importance of the Role of an Usher... 4 What is expected of an Usher... 4 Principles and Precepts... 6 Services and Duties of an Usher... 8 Pre-Service Preparations... 8 Visitors... 8 Seating People... 9 Offerings... 9 Maintain Order and Control Movement During Service... 9 Alter Calls... 10 End of Service... 10 Clothing / Personal Hygene... 10 Guidelines for Ministry Lines and Catching... 11 Responsibilities of the Head Usher... 12 Dress Code and Hygiene Guidelines for Gentlemen... Error! Bookmark not defined. Required... Error! Bookmark not defined. Not Permitted... Error! Bookmark not defined. Hygiene Guidelines... Error! Bookmark not defined. Dress Code and Hygiene Guidelines for Ladies... Error! Bookmark not defined. Required... Error! Bookmark not defined. Not Permitted... Error! Bookmark not defined. Hygiene Guidelines... Error! Bookmark not defined. Example Checklist for Ushers... 16 Pre-service duties for Ushers... 16 Post-service duties... 16 Parking Lot Ushers... 16 Usher Team Statement of Commitment... 17 Usher Team Application... 18 P a g e 2
What is an Usher And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, and after that miracles, and gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. - 1 Corinthians 12:28 The Usher is part of a ministry called the ministry of helps team. The purpose of ministry of helps is to render assistance to the Pastor. You as an Usher are an extension of Pastor and the ministry that God has given him. Both the Pastor and the Usher are representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Usher is also in place to protect the anointing of the House or the church. Ushers help keep the anointing flowing and protected by praying in the Holy Ghost, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the body. The ministry of an Usher is of great importance because many times the Usher team member, as well as other helps ministry teams, is the first impression a person has on a church. What people first see is what they perceive will continue to happen and what they will continue to see. The Usher ministry can and will affect the congregation. It will affect how they respond to worship, prayer, and the preaching of God's Holy Word. The first impression sets the stage for how visitors receive and what they think of the ministry. First impressions cannot be undone or repeated. Therefore, strive for excellence - the best impression the first time. God's charge to the ministry of an Usher: Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. - Colossians 3:12 Pastor's personal charge to the ministry of an Usher: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourself and for all. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 Can two walk together, except they agree? - Amos 3:3 The ministry of an Usher is one of the most important ministries in the local church, and your Pastor depends upon you greatly. Pastor wants to encourage you to be faithful in the place God has called you and the place you have been appointed. Treat everyone with courtesy. At times there can be people who are rude and even demanding; however, walk in love and overcome evil with good. Always remember love never fails, and always know that you are appreciated and that God will reward your faithfulness. P a g e 3
Ushering And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephan, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Phillip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them. - Acts 6: 1-6 In these scriptures we can see there were many people to be cared for, and the twelve did not have the time unless they would have neglected the Word of God and prayer. They prayed about the situation and after hearing from God, they told the people to choose seven men full of faith, full of the Holy Ghost and full of wisdom. These seven men served the tables, and the complaining among the people stopped. And more importantly the word of God increased. Thus, this was the beginnings of the Usher ministry. Importance of the Role of an Usher Church is a life and death situation!! People come to church with different needs. They could be battling a life threatening illness; they may be contemplating divorce or trying to overcome addictions, and a whole variety of other things. Whatever their problem is in the physical, their souls are on the line in the spiritual, so it is not the time to play church without having the genuine needs of people in mind. Therefore, the spiritual preparation of an Usher is of great importance to be able to minister supernaturally to people's needs. The lifestyle of an Usher is outlined in the scriptures where the qualifications of deacons and elders are defined. Titus 1: 6-9 & 1 Timothy 3: 8-13. Since Ushers operate as deacons in Gloryland Church, they are to live by these biblical standards, in and out of the church building. Remember that there are those who will be watching your lives and the examples you set. What is expected of an Usher You can only minister supernaturally by renewing your mind to God's Word and submitting yourself daily to Jesus Christ. To become Ushers, men must be faithful men of God, ready and able to work with their hands, men of prayer, and able to minister to the people. They must have enough confidence in the Pastor as the man of God to be able to say, Pastor, whatever needs to be accomplished, you can count on me. This is not blind following or out of order proceeding; this is simply having confidence in the man of God to lead toward the P a g e 4
vision of God in his heart. Ushers and are here to help the Pasto and are willing to do what it takes to help accomplish that vision. A spiritual transfer of anointing is delegated to them to be able to function supernaturally. You must do your part by listening to the Holy Ghost, praying and doing what the spirit of God leads. God will use Ushers to do mighty works even as He used Phillip and Stephen. Keep in mind that leadership has already approved you to be Ushers in the house of God, and the anointing is there as long as you receive it. When you as an Usher are flowing with the anointing, you will do the right things by walking in the spirit. Everything will flow smoothly, orderly and in excellence. The enemy is always looking for a WEAK link in the chain to gain an entrance to our body of believers. However it will not be through our Usher team or any area under the control of the Usher ministry. Let all things be done decently and in order - 1 Corinthians 14:40 Prayer is very key in the life and ministry of an Usher. Ushers must pray before every service, letting the spirit of God come forth and enabling them to hear what He is saying. An Usher must listen to and for the spirit, flow with the spirit, and be ready to change when necessary. He must be able to react to the Lord, while keeping the flesh subdued to the word of God. Ushers operate supernaturally in the natural and naturally in the supernatural. Many problems that can arise by assignment of the enemy can be struck down with prayer before church services ever begin. Praying before services gives spiritual strength and power that only time with God can give. However, this call to serve as an Usher should never be placed above your personal relationship with God the Father. Ushers must commit themselves to their service as unto the Lord. They sometimes will not be able to sit with their family while they are ushering in the service. If an Usher has purposed in his heart to do this ministry with excellence, then the enemy has no place in which to gain a foothold in to bring any guilt or nagging doubts about being seated away from his family. Ushers must watch their actions on how they conduct themselves, have the joy of the Lord and let their countenance show it. Ushers must also watch and guard their speech. They are to remember to always minister love, faith, hope and patience when dealing with others. From now on brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8 CEB Allow 1 Corinthians 13 to be in effect in your daily life; let it set the standard you live and serve by and every action will be seasoned with love. Commitment to praying for the unlovable in the congregation will bring the answers on how to reach them. P a g e 5
Principles and Precepts You are ordained and anointed of God and divinely set in the church for a purpose. An Usher's job is just as important as highly visible leaders in the church. Biblical Ushers are like the deacons described in the New Testament. You are to be a trustworthy person who handles the duties of ruling and serving God's people. Ushers should strive for the reputation of men like Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Acts6:3-5 Ushering duties encompass four specific areas: assist Pastor, meet and greet people, maintain order, and receive offerings doing it all with the heart of excellence!! Ushers represent Jesus and His church to the public. You are to be ever ready to serve the people with love. Ushers are to keep their heart right before God, for they are a visible standard to the people and a visible standard of what servanthood in the church is supposed to be. An Usher who is full of the Holy Ghost and is prayerful, walking in the supernatural is a servant to the Lord, the Pastor, and the church members. An Usher who is sensitive to God's spirit expects God to use them to meet the needs of people through prayer and action. Ushers must view church as a life or death situation where souls are on the brink of lifechanging decisions. Ushers are to spiritually prepare themselves through personal time with God and through corporate prayer with the rest of the Usher team. Ushers understand that prayer is the foundation of all anointed actions and deeds in the church. Ushers season all they do with love and make efforts to love the unlovable. Ushers must be teachable, thoughtful of others, full of tact when dealing with others, be timely, and be a team player and enjoy teamwork. Ushers have good manners, neat appearance, and good hygiene. Ushers are to never purposefully embarrass other people, show favoritism, or insist on any actions that may irritate others. (I.E. Hugging ) Ushering involves preventing distractions that would hinder people from receiving God's word. P a g e 6
Ushers learn to deal and handle all types of people with compassion, wisdom, and love. Children, vagrants, church roamers, mentally ill, elderly, and handicapped, etc. etc, Ushers responsibilities include helping people enter and exit the sanctuary and be seated in a safe and reverent manner. The Usher team understands and looks for ways to improve the flow of specific events like offerings, communion, baptisms, etc. etc. Ushers are creative problem solvers when it involves the special needs of the church. An Usher is the pastor's eyes and ears during altar call and special times of ministry. A prepared Usher knows the proper course of action for all emergencies and works to keep others calm during such times ( I.E. Fire, Severe Weather, Medical Emergencies). When an Usher sets his heart to watch out for the welfare of others, God takes care of his every need. P a g e 7
Services and Duties of an Usher Pre-Service Preparations A. Arrival Time Arrival for regular church services: at least 45 minutes prior to the start of service. Seminars, conventions, special services: as early as possible. B. Report to Head Usher for position as well as to let them know you are present and ready to serve. C. Make Sure: Doors that need to be unlocked are opened Lights are turned on in the rooms that are going to be used Temperature is comfortable Chairs are in a straight line Church is clean and free from paper or (sheep droppings) That children are being supervised by the ones in charge of the children's ministry D. Check offering buckets and other offering materials ( designated Ushers and Jr. Ushers). E. Be knowledgeable of every function expected in all Usher's positions, be able to fulfill these jobs properly. F. Ushers should be informed of anything they need/want to know before the service starts. Visitors A. Ushers should shake people's hands before seating them in a comfortable place. ( Ask them where they would like to sit. Don't try and force them to sit anywhere.) B. An Usher will greet visitors with a smile. After service and when visitors leave the Usher should tell them how nice it has been having them visit our body and worshiping with us. The goal being to establish a relationship with people they will enjoy and remember. C. People should be made to feel special, for they are special to God. Treat the people the way God would, and you will not fail. D. Authority--- As an Usher you are given authority such as an officer of the law is given. You can have a commanding presence without having to demand it. Use direct eye contact and a firm handshake (not a limp or crushing) initiated by you. Speak with authority and confidence. P a g e 8
Seating People A. Quickly move to greet people especially those arriving after service has started and offer to help seat them if needed. Never stand and just watch someone come in and hunt for a seat. B. Don't force anyone to sit in a certain area or seat, unless there is a special event that calls for specialized seating. C. Discourage movement during the operation of the gifts of the Spirit and worship. Offerings A. The Tithe & Offerings are Holy and should always be treated and handled with great respect and reverence. B. Always have a pen along with tithe and offering envelopes ready. C. The Head Usher will appoint Ushers to pick up and receive the offerings and the Head Usher will accompany them to the office to put the offerings in a safe designated location. Maintain Order and Control Movement During Service A. Preventing distractions during a service can be one of the greatest challenges. People can be easily distracted and often those who are unsaved are looking for an excuse to (escape) the Spirit of God speaking to their hearts. The enemy will use anything it can to pull attention to something else and away from what God is doing, innocent children, disobedient, unruly children, even noisy adults are just a few tactics of the enemy to grieve the Holy Ghost. B. Be mindful and alert to control any disturbances. Children are not permitted to roam around the aisles, approach the platform or altar area unless it is a designated time. Children are not allowed to roam and run all over the parking lot, hallways, rooms, buildings, etc.etc.. If children are out of order, warn them or sit them with the parents or guardian and inform them as to why they are being seated with them and ask for their help in correcting this. Be mindful and give more grace to visitors as they will not always know how we conduct our services. C. No one is to approach the platform during service except the Head Usher or Armorbearer, unless they are called by the speaker. ( I.E. People with verbal gifts) Anyone approaching the platform will be stopped and the Head Usher will be notified and let the speaker on the platform know. D. Do not leave an open or unlocked door unguarded EVER!! If a person comes in late you greet them, check their spirit, are they ok. Let them know you will seat them and do so when the time is right (not during prayer time). P a g e 9
E. Control restroom traffic. Advise children and adults to wait until after service. If there is a medical reason for the frequent restroom breaks ask them to sit closer to the restroom area. F. Ushers should always be standing during praise and worship, and also during personal ministry and prayer lines at the front of the sanctuary. Alter Calls A. No one should leave during this time, initially this covers the time when all heads are bowed until all have come forward. When all have responded to the call and are at the front then those who need to leave may now do so without interrupting the flow. B. The Ushers who are at the back are to help the pastor or any speaker watch for upraised hands. All the Ushers should be praying in the spirit during the altar call time to boost their faith as well as helping to free those who need to come forward. End of Service A. Ushers should note any visitors and try to greet them and introduce themselves and to make them feel welcomed and loved. B. The Ushers who are assigned at the front of the sanctuary are to stay in position around the front of the sanctuary near the platform to keep anyone from approaching the pastor or the speaker without seeing the Armorbearer first. C. As the people begin to leave, start checking the floor, chairs and the area for sheep droppings throw away the trash and take left behinds to the designated location in the back. Straighten the chairs if needed. All Ushers are to check trashcans in their area and replace bags as needed. D. The Usher assigned to LOCK UP after service should check every door to make sure that is locked, check the lights in all locations to make sure they are switched off, make sure all thermostats are turned up or down to a pre-set temperature, etc. Make sure there is no running water in the bathrooms or kitchen areas in both the sanctuary and the children s church area. Clothing / Personal Hygene A. Ushers are to wear what has been established by Pastor and the Head Usher for all services, conferences, conventions, and seminars, etc. An Usher's appearance should always be neat, clean, and moderate. The clothes that you present yourself in reflect an attitude. B. As an Usher you are representing God to someone who may not know Him. The impression given will be the way someone sees Him. An Usher should have fresh and pleasant breath (carry mints or freshener----no GUM). Be neatly groomed with well kept and clean hair and hands. P a g e 10
Guidelines for Ministry Lines and Catching Different ministers use different methods for altar calls and as an Usher for Gloryland Church we must be alert and ready to flow and change with each minister and ministry that we encounter as a team. The job of the Head Usher is to make sure that each Usher knows their place ahead of time and how to fulfill the position in which you have been entrusted with. When an alter call is given, be ready to move and respond! 1. Immediately after an altar call is given the Altar Ushers are to be in motion. Their job is very important as not to delay or interrupt the flow of the Spirit. The responsibility of an Alter Usher is point and place people where they need to be, when and as they are coming to the front to be ministered too. They act as kind of a traffic cop if you will at the altar to ensure all are safe and the flow of bodies is good. A thing to remember is that most people are wanting to be shown where or what to do, so don't be uncomfortable telling those coming up where you need them to be. They are also to be the helpful eyes of the altar ministers to see to the needs of those being ministered too such as needing tissues or coverings. Also to assist in helping those that are close by back up to their feet, if they have gone out under the power of the anointing. 2. The Catching Ushers are to come up immediately after the flow of people has stopped moving towards the front, or when the person or persons ministering begin to pray for those who have responded to the call. Be ready to catch at all times without being out of order. Move in an orderly fashion so as not to interrupt the flow. 3. All Ushers should watch Pastor and the Head Usher for any change of direction, and they should listen to the Holy Ghost. If Ushers are flowing supernaturally, people won't even notice them. As an Usher you should reach out with your faith and join it with the ministers and be praying in the spirit as you are flowing in the altar area. 4. Whether you are catching or guiding the line always be aware of where your hands are. Be mindful of the placement when catching especially, you can easily end up with an embarrassing situation for yourself and the other person. ex ( A hand in a misplaced position can easily end up in the interior of someone's sleeveless shirt or dress.) 5. The Catching Ushers are not to touch someone who is being ministered too unless asked by the minister to do so. It is not necessary to let someone know you are behind them. However there are times when someone being ministered too has to be (held in position) by an Usher and this is only done when requested by the minister to do so. ( Head Usher to explain this in greater detail with training session.) P a g e 11
Responsibilities of the Head Usher 1. Schedules all Ushers and ensures all positions are covered. Turn schedules in to Attendance to be entered into Planning Center. 2. Directs security and safety in all meetings. 3. Personal aide to Pastor before and after meetings. ( Also the job for the chosen armorbearer). 4. Escorts Pastor to visitors or asks them to come into office area at Pastor's bidding. 5. Takes care of visiting ministers. 6. Responsible for special guest seating. 7. Responsible for recognition of special guests and their visitors. 8. Directs security for the platform and special guests. 9. Provides speakers with microphones, water, etc. 10. Assigns other Ushers their duties and ensures those duties are being performed. 11. Plans meetings for Usher ministry team. 12. Responsible for unlocking doors, turning on lights, heat/air. 13. Checks sanctuary and restrooms for cleanliness and supplies that may be needed. 14. Responsible for handling emergencies and having all emergency numbers on hand ( 911, fire, ambulance, police, etc). 15. Know where all cleaning supplies are located and where all electrical boxes and breakers are located along with water valve cutoffs. 16. Responsible for The Lord's Supper (communion). Making sure that the office has a list of supplies needed when Pastor calls for a service time to have communion. Get a head count after service starts to ensure enough has been prepared. (This count should include older children as well. Some parents allow their children to take the communion elements as well, and Gloryland Church doesn't want to squelch that opportunity for anyone). P a g e 12
Structure of Leadership Pastor Minister of Helps Head Usher Ushers P a g e 13
Dress Code and Hygiene Guidelines for Gentlemen Gentlemen serving in the Ministry of Helps must follow these Standard Helps Ministry Dress Code and Hygiene Guidelines each time they are on duty. Required: button-up dress shirt (top button must be fastened), t-shirt undershirt tie is optional dress pants and a belt dark socks and dress shoes Not permitted: clothing that reveals the torso when bending over or lifting hands tennis shoes or sandals piercings of any kind showing excessive jewelry Hygiene Guidelines: Teeth must be brushed and breath kept fresh while on duty. Hair must be clean and neat. Facial hair must be clean, neat, and trimmed. Face must be kept clean-shaven if not growing facial hair. Deodorant must be used. Clothing must be in good condition and wrinkle-free. P a g e 14
Dress Code and Hygiene Guidelines for Ladies Ladies serving in the Ministry of Helps must follow these Standard Helps Ministry Dress Code and Hygiene Guidelines each time they are on duty. Required: dresses, dress suits, or skirts with blouses (blouses with shirt tails or blouses that do not have a straight bottom hem must be tucked in) or dressy sweaters coordinating nylons slips (white slips with light-colored clothing and dark slips with dark-colored clothing) proper undergarments dress shoes, dress boots, dressy sandals, dressy wedge heels. Not permitted: sweaters with hoods or zippers excessively tight-fitting clothing tops that cup the breast clothing that reveals the torso when bending over or lifting hands excessive piercings showing (tasteful ear piercings are permitted) hems or slits that go above the knee. necklines lower than a horizontal hand s width at the base of the neck cap sleeves that expose underarms (a cap sleeve may be worn if it covers the underarm) excessively long sleeves Demi bras sheer garments that reveal underclothing tennis shoes, casual shoes, flip-flops. Hygiene Guidelines: Body must be showered and clean. Teeth must be brushed and breath kept fresh while on duty. Hair must be clean, neat, and trimmed (pony-tails are not permitted for those on the choir or music teams). Deodorant must be used. Clothes must be in good condition and wrinkle-free. P a g e 15
Example Checklist for Ushers Pre-service duties for Ushers Lights on and Thermostats set at a comfortable temperature Check bathrooms for trash or any problems Check sanctuary area for any trash Keep watchful over sanctuary and keep control of unruly children Bring any concerns to Head Usher Post-service duties Sunday A.M. Services check bathroom trash and sanctuary trash if not full or needing o immediate attention leave until P.M. Services are over and change bags Pickup any trash in sanctuary area and place items that may have been left at the back table Take any trash that needs to be removed out back of fellowship hall to trash cans located outside the building Set thermostats to agreed temperature and turn off lights Usher left in charge locks the doors if Head Usher is not present Bring any concerns to Head Usher Parking Lot Ushers Check parking lot for trash Be outside and present when members begin arrive (Have an umbrella on hand when rainy) Escort anyone who needs help to the door (elderly, handicapped, parents with small children) Be a friendly, smiling face After service be ready to do these things again by helping members who need it back to their vehicles, check parking lot for trash and bring any concerns to Head Usher. P a g e 16
Usher Team Statement of Commitment I have received, read and understand the qualifications and requirements for participation in the Gloryland Church Usher Team. I recognize that, as a member of the team, I will be representing Gloryland Church, therefore I will be caring and friendly to all, I will operate in excellence, and I will serve with love. Because of this, I understand that I will be held accountable to the standards set forth in the above mentioned qualifications and requirements. I understand the vision that my Pastor has for this church, and I stand in agreement with that vision. Signature / / Date P a g e 17
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Usher Team Application Name: Phone: ( ) - Text? Y/N Email: @. Best time to serve in this position (check all you desire): Sun am, Sun pm, Wed pm Do you know CPR? Yes, No Have you taken Connection 101? Yes, No If No, are you willing to take the next available class? Yes, No I would like to participate on a trial basis of 3 months on the Gloryland Church Usher Team. If after 3 months, I do not wish to continue, I understand that I may resign with no further obligations. Furthermore, I understand that I could be removed from participation at any time, if the above mentioned qualifications and requirements are not met. Signature / / Date FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Date of Approval: Signature: P a g e 19