How to Usher in a Church

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Last Updated: October 29, 2024 Approved

Greeting people in a warm way makes them feel good about their presence in church. Be a great welcomer to the house of God.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing yourself for ushering

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1
Have a close relationship with God. Seek to be anointed as the usher is the first contact of the people.
- Pray, fast and meet regularly. This is one step closer to getting to the Lord.
Be professional, but comfortable. You are part of a team; communicate with each other.

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Therefore, you will be one of the first impressions of this ministry. Warmly welcome guests and regular attendees.^{[1]
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Be a team player. Always be willing to work with others.
- Know how to find a replacement if you're not able to usher when scheduled. Advise your team captain if you need to do this
- Cover for your fellow usher when needed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Ensuring comfort and safety

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Provide directions to rest rooms and other facilities as may be needed.^{[3]
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- Know where all of the restrooms are in the church and associated buildings. If they need to be unlocked, ensure that the keys are available.
If you are head usher, this will likely be your responsibility.^{[4]
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Control incoming and outgoing crowds.
Ushers need to be ready at all times to respond as directed when there is a disturbance, illness, or other situation that requires special attention.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

During a church service

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1
Be in the church venue at least 30 minutes but preferably one hour before the event to ascertain that the venue is ready to host the service. Also to allow members have time for prayers before service.
- Never be late to service.
3
Assist visitors to their seats. Never leave them looking for a place to sit.
- Know where available seats are when the church is filling up.

=== Taking up a collection ===

Benevolent offering

There should be no movement at all.
Outside ushers pass the collection plate, towards the inside to the center ushers. The center ushers move to the next row, and passes toward the outside ushers. This presumes you have enough ushers.^{[6]
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Place your right hand over your heart.^{[7]
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Ushers should go to the back, and the side ushers return to their position.

Public offering

Then get in line and go to the middle of the front row on each side, standing in line until after the prayer.
Keep in step with each other and return to your position. Side door ushers return to their position.^{[8]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Should I greet visitors by shaking hands or embracing them?

Community Answer

You should start with shaking hands and follow the lead of the visitor. If they come in for a hug, then it is ok.

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Are ushers supposed to close their eyes during prayer time?

Community Answer

It depends on whether or not they have responsibilities during prayer. Follow the lead of the other ushers to determine what you should do.

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Should an usher be a born again Christian?

Community Answer

Of course an usher should be a born again Christian. When you are an usher, you are not only serving people, you are also serving the Lord. Ushering is a work of the Lord, you can't work for God if you are not born again.

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Tips

Know where and what ministries are going on.

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Wear a smile on your face.

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Avoid long conversations (this includes with other ushers).

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If someone asks for change for a larger bill when making a benevolent offering, make a note of how much money they gave to you, and how much change they want back. This helps you avoid any mistakes.
Lead families with small children or infants to seats where there will be enough room for their strollers or carseats. This makes sure the family and the other congregants are comfortable.
Avoid behaviors that might be seen as disrespectful while ushering. These include chewing gum, checking your phone, or listening to music in headphones.

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