This is done not for the sake of adding outward solemnity to the rite, but to signify more vividly the mystery of the Church, “the sacrament of unity.” When the Bishop is present at a Mass where the people are gathered, it is most fitting that he himself celebrate the Eucharist and associate Priests with himself in the sacred action as concelebrants. Every legitimate celebration of the Eucharist is directed by the Bishop, either in person or through Priests who are his helpers. All, therefore, whether ordained ministers or lay Christian faithful, in fulfilling their function or their duty, should carry out solely but totally that which pertains to them. In this way, the Christian people, “a chosen race, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,” expresses its cohesion and its hierarchical ordering. Indeed, it also affects the individual members of the Church in a different way, according to their different orders, functions, and actual participation. It therefore pertains to the whole Body of the Church, manifests it, and has its effect upon it. The celebration of the Eucharist is the action of Christ and of the Church, namely, of the holy people united and ordered under the Bishop.

An usher’s theme verse could very well be Psalm 84:10, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.91. A church usher has a true love for the people of the church and a desire to promote an atmosphere of reverence and worship in the house of God.

The heart of an usher is the heart of a servant, and he does his work for his Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:24). It is an honorable position in the church, requiring integrity, cordiality, and wisdom. It is important that an usher be friendly, honest, and willing to serve. In many ways, the ushers are the “face” of the church, the first ones that people see when they arrive and the last ones they see as they leave. In many churches, the ushers will then make sure that the sanctuary is tidy, the thermostat is adjusted, and the lights are shut off.Īlthough the position of “usher” is not mentioned in the Bible, ushers today provide an invaluable service to the local church body. In case of an emergency, the ushers will take the lead in getting people to safety in an orderly manner.Īfter the service, ushers will again be at the door to greet the congregation as they leave and provide assistance as needed. Some churches appoint an usher or two to monitor the facility, including the parking lot, to prevent vandalism, theft, or other wrongdoing.Ĭhurch ushers are well versed in emergency procedures. Ushers stand ready to assist anyone in the congregation who might need help, to aid latecomers in finding a seat, and to inform those in the sanctuary of any urgent matters. Ushers have a goal of minimizing distractions during the music and sermon. In some churches, ushers also help with the Lord’s Table. They are responsible to take up the church offering and make sure it is put in the proper place. Often, the ushers will escort people to the proper nursery or Sunday school classroom, especially if the church building is a large one.ĭuring the church service, the ushers usually take part in some way. They are also available to answer visitors’ questions and extend extra help in seating those who need the assistance. As the churchgoers arrive, the ushers will act as doorkeepers, greeting each person with a smile, shaking hands, and handing out bulletins. Some churches provide a pin or name tag of some kind to easily identify their ushers.īefore the church service starts, the ushers will often have the responsibility to check the thermostat, check the restrooms, make sure the hymnals are placed correctly, and prepare the bulletins for distribution. The specific responsibilities of an usher vary with the church, but his duties usually include greeting people as they arrive for the service, assisting people with special needs, and collecting the offering. A church usher is a person who helps ensure a smoothly running church service and who ministers to people in a variety of practical ways.

Usher responsibilities at church