Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Role:Ushers in a church setting are individuals appointed to assist in the orderly conduct of worship services. Their primary responsibilities include greeting attendees, distributing bulletins, assisting with seating, collecting offerings, and providing general assistance to ensure the service proceeds smoothly. While the specific term "usher" is not found in the Bible, the role aligns with the biblical principles of hospitality, service, and order within the assembly of believers.
Biblical Principles:The role of an usher can be seen as an extension of the biblical call to serve one another in love and to maintain order within the church. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of orderly worship in
1 Corinthians 14:40, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner" . Ushers contribute to this order by facilitating the logistics of the service.
Hospitality:Hospitality is a key aspect of the usher's role, reflecting the biblical mandate to welcome and care for others.
Romans 12:13 encourages believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" . Ushers embody this principle by warmly welcoming congregants and visitors, making them feel comfortable and valued.
Service:The role of an usher is a form of service to the church body, aligning with the biblical call to serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 states, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love" . Ushers serve the congregation by attending to practical needs and ensuring a conducive environment for worship.
Order and Decorum:Ushers help maintain decorum during services, which is essential for a reverent worship experience. The Bible underscores the importance of order in worship, as seen in
1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace" . By managing seating arrangements, minimizing disruptions, and guiding the flow of the service, ushers contribute to a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.
Qualifications and Characteristics:While the Bible does not specify qualifications for ushers, the characteristics of a servant leader can be applied. Ushers should exhibit qualities such as reliability, friendliness, attentiveness, and a heart for service. The qualifications for deacons, as outlined in
1 Timothy 3:8-10, can serve as a model: "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And these also must be tested first; then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons" .
Historical Context:Historically, the role of ushers has evolved within the church. In early Christian gatherings, individuals were appointed to manage the practical aspects of worship, similar to the role of deacons. Over time, as church services became more structured, the need for ushers to assist with logistics and hospitality became more pronounced.
Conclusion:Ushers play a vital role in the life of the church, embodying the biblical principles of service, hospitality, and order. Through their ministry, they enhance the worship experience, ensuring that all who enter the church are welcomed and that the service proceeds smoothly and reverently.
Greek
4930. sunteleia -- a joint payment (for public service), joint...... See 4931 (). 4930 ("culminating end, finish") is strictly "" but rather "" ()
that
ushers in a new (Mt 13:39,40,49,24:3, 28:20).
...Library
A Plymouth Usher
... beginning. When we consider the guests, their number and quality, the
ushers used sometimes to wonder where they all came from....
The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... Spirit any more? Shall I sin against goodness? The goodness of God works
for good, as itushers in all blessings. The favours we...
The Sermon of the Seasons
... It is very singular that when the Lord thusushers in the reign of forbearance he
gives as his reason the following statement:""I will not again curse the...
Introduction
... In the second, his dignity " a starushers in the wise men to him, and as a king
he is presented with gold and frankincense and myrrh (vv 9-11)....
Buying a Slave Girl
... be returned to slavery. Pass the basket.". Theushers found their way through
the vast audience. Although the church seated only...
The Ninth Commandment
... The Holy Ghost is called the Spirit of Truth.' 1 John 4:6. Lying is a sin
that does not go alone; itushers in other sins. Absalom...
The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... God's way and method. Sorrow for sinushers in joy: I will restore comforts
to him, and to his mourners' (Isaiah 57:18). That is the...
Christ's Finished and Unfinished Work
... and departed. In the other, He sets His seal to the closed book of the
world's history, andushers in a renovated universe. The...
The Morn in Beauty Breaks
... In hours of service run,. And joy to duty bring. II. The darkness fades away,. Light
ushers in the day,". Let there be light for me! That round my path no cloud...
The Prayer of Jabez
... Sorrow the harbinger; gladness the prince itushers in. Cowper says:". "The path
of sorrow, and that path alone,. Leads to the place where sorrow is unknown."....
Thesaurus
Ushers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Ushers (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 18:16 A man's offering
makes room for him, letting him come before great men. (See NIV).
...Usher (1 Occurrence)
Day-star (2 Occurrences)
... Daystar, Day-star. Daytime . Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The morning
star; the star whichushers in the day. 2. (n.) The sun, as the orb of day. Int....
Using (88 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the role of ushers in the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat will happen when Jesus returns / comes back? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened to the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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